I've worked hard to get to the place where I can work hard.
— Knute Larson

Successes can be sweet — and sour.

The organ had started the prelude as would-be worshipers filed in for the third worship service. I was welcoming the people to our service at one of the doors.

I glanced at my watch; in only a minute or two I would need to make my way to the front of the sanctuary. I reached out and turned to welcome the next person.

"You're the most wonderful pastor in the world," the woman said, shaking my hand. Her husband nodded in agreement.

I smiled and turned to greet the couple standing behind them. As I reached out to shake the hand of the husband, he faked a punch to my solar plexis and said, "You're the stupidest pastor I've ever heard of." He seemed to have meant it, and his wife nodded in agreement.

I smiled again but chose to say nothing and then walked to the front of the sanctuary to begin the service. The couples had not overheard each other, but I clearly heard them both. The second ...

You have reached the end of this Article Preview

To continue reading, subscribe to Christianity Today magazine. Subscribers have full digital access to CT Pastors articles.

Log InSubscribe

Already a CT subscriber? Log in for full digital access.