The Minister

I mastered pastoral theology, the Greek of the Apostles, and all the difficult subjects in a minister’s curriculum.
I was as learned as any in this country when the Bishop ordained me.
And I went to preside over Mount Moriah, largest flock in the Conference.
I preached the Word as I felt it, I visited the sick and dying and comforted the afflicted in spirit.
I loved my work because I loved my God.
But I lost my charge to Sam Jenkins, who has not been to school four years in his life.
I lost my charge because I could not make my congregation shout.
And my dollar money was small, very small.
Sam Jenkins can tear a Bible to tatters and his congregation destroys the pews with their shouting and stamping.
Sam Jenkins leads in the gift of raising dollar money.
Such is religion.