The Preacher

                   Preach, Preacher, Preaching

If he’s young, he lacks experience: if his hair is gray he’s too old.

If he has five or six children, he has too many: if he has none, he isn’t setting a good example.

If he’s wife sings in the choir, she’s being forward; if not, she’s not interested in her husbands work.

If he speaks from notes, he has canned sermons and is dry; if he is extemporaneous, he’s too deep.

If he spends too much time in his study, he neglects his people: if he visits, he’s a gadabout.

If he is attentive to the poor, he’s playing the grandstand; if to the wealthy, he’s trying to be an aristocrat.

If he suggests improvements, he’s a dictator; if he doesn’t he’s a figurehead.

If he uses too many illustrations he neglects the Bible: if not enough, he’s not clear.

If he condemns wrong, he is cranky; if he doesn’t he is a compromiser.

If he preaches an hour, he’s windy; if less, he’s lazy.

If he preaches the truth, he’s offensive; if not, he’s a hypocrite.

If he fails to please everyone, he’s hurting the church; if he does please every one, he has no convictions.

If he parches tithing, he’s a money grabber; if he doesn’t, he is failing to develop his people.

If he receives a large salary he’s mercenary; if a small salary it proves he’s not worth much.

If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of hearing one man; if he invites guest preachers he’s shirking responsibility.

And some folks think the preacher has an easy time.

Author unknown