Who's Ministry Is It?

The parson was coming out of the hospital following a visit to a member. In the lobby he was greeted by a neighboring pastor.

“Hello, Edwin,” said the parson. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I’ve been kind of busy, Parson,” said Edwin. “

“Well, I suppose that’s good news, Edwin. What’s going on?”

“I’ve been busy reorganizing the administrative structure of the church. You know when I got there these folks just seemed to be content with the organization patterns they have been in for decades. It’s not very productive. So we’re mixing things up a bit to achieve more efficiency of ministry.”

“That sounds interesting,” said the parson. “Are the folks going for this?”

“Well, there has been some resistance, but I’m delivering a series of sermons of the propriety in organization to achieve evangelization.”

“Good luck on that, Edwin,” said the parson.

“Thanks, Parson,” replied Edwin. “Look, Parson, I hate to bring this up, but I need to discuss an issue with you.”

“Sure, Edwin, what is it?

“Okay. Your church has that soup supper thing on Monday nights. Now I know you guys deliver a supper to the homebound folks in your church. . . “

“We do, Edwin,” interrupted the parson. “It’s a really meaningful thing for the folks. Our young people help deliver the meals, and we’re discovering the homebound folks just are eager for them to show up every week. The whole program has been a blessing to those who get the meals and those who deliver the meals.”

“I’m sure you’re getting a lot out of it, Parson, but you’ve started taking meals to people who are not members of your church.”

“There are a few,” said the parson.

“You’re taking meals to Lawrence McFadden.”

“We do. I think his niece, Helen, told us about him. With his wife so dependent on him he’s really overworked. It seems he’s really appreciative of not having to prepare a meal one night of the week.”

“Parson, are you aware Lawrence McFadden is a member of my church?”

“Is he? No, I didn’t know that.”

“Well, he is,” said Edwin with a huff. “And excuse me for being so frank, Parson, but I think providing ministry to Lawrence is the task of our church and not yours.”

The parson put his hand on Edwin’s shoulder and said, “I agree with you one hundred percent, Edwin. Let me know when you folks want to take over the duties.”

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