Question: Have you ever told someone they cannot serve in the church because they kill everything they touch? Imagine my trying to convey this to Tommy without destroying the man.

That was long ago, and I have no memory of the details of my attempts to let him down easily. But evidently, I was not direct enough.

Now, the next stage of this story. My journal for that year records a subsequent confrontation with Tommy, one I had completely forgotten. (I think you'll see why; it was unpleasant.)

"Friday, July 3. Had 1:30 appointment with (Tommy). Nearing 60, he is a 'ne'er-do-well,' a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, took bankruptcy last year, lives off his wife's earnings, says was called to ministry a few years back and got a masters of divinity from seminary. He had a short, failing stint as pastor of (name of church) and has approached me twice wanting a position on our staff.  He has conducted a full campaign behind the scenes with church members for the associate pastor position when (present assistant) retires.

"His brother Bobby told me that Tommy only wants honor and position, but not work.  When I inquired with our leaders last year, they were quick and unanimous in saying Tommy offends people and runs them off. So now, he had made an appointment to see me for the position.

The visit was quiet, humble, and candid. I told him I could not find any of our leaders who favored putting him to work, and that these were people who knew him.

"When he persisted, I said, "I've heard from several that you run people off. Now, Tommy, when I'm running references on a prospective staff member and they tell me he runs people off, that's the end of the conversation. I don't need to know anything else."

(But he wasn't through. The sheer gall of this man was amazing.)

He suggested that we pray about it. I said, "I have prayed about it over the last year."

He: "And so have I. And God told me that I'm the one for this position."

I said, "Tommy, several times over the years I have had people send me their resume saying 'The Lord is leading me to join your staff.' I always respond, 'As soon as He tells me, we can talk about it. But not until then.'

Tommy: "But I said God is leading one way, and you say the opposite. What do we do then?"

Me: "Well, that's true, but I'm the one who has to make the decision. And I say 'no.'"

Tommy: "Well, I'm going to talk to other church members and get their counsel and get them to praying."

Me: "Tommy, I'm your pastor and I'm asking you not to do that."

Tommy: "Why?"

Me: "Because it's over. I'm sorry. You've applied for the job and I've talked to people who know you and none of them support you in this. So, I'm turning you down. I'm sorry. I love you. I wouldn't hurt you for anything."

"He wanted to teach the huge auditorium Bible class. I said this will be filled through the Minister of Education and the Sunday School director, and that we have a good prospect in mind, but I do not know if he has accepted yet. We prayed together and he left."

Dr. Mark Rutland's

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