How To Handle a Crisis

[Mickey Richaud]

The new pastor had a meeting with the former pastor. The former pastor gave the new pastor three sealed envelopes labeled 1, 2, and 3. He said, "When you have a crisis in the congregation, open one of these envelopes and
you'll get help -- just be sure to open them in numerical order."

Everything went fine for several years, but then there was a terrible conflict. So the pastor opened the envelope marked "1". Inside was a plain sheet of white paper with two words "Blame me." So the new pastor blamed the former pastor for the problem and everything cleared up again.

Things proceeded well for the next 3 years, but then an even worse conflict developed. So the pastor opened the enveloped marked "2". Again, there was a plain sheet of white paper with two words, "Blame the bishop." So, he did and it worked and everything was fine again. But, of course, there was yet another terrible confict, worse than any of the others. So the pastor took the envelope marked "3" and opened it. Inside was a plain sheet of white paper with three words:

"Prepare three envelopes."

 

[tony barnhill]

So, Mick...knowing you, you'll pass the 3 envelopes you were given to your replacement - unopened?

[ 10-23-2003: Message edited by: tony barnhill ]</p>

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Too late!

 

[tony barnhill]

 

[Andy Blackley]

Sounds like someone else has been on the Vestry before...

[ 10-24-2003: Message edited by: Andy Blackley ]</p>

 

[tony barnhill]

Just an altar boy who snuck a nip every now & then!