By Andy Howes

A study by Adair Lummis in the States  (http://pulpitandpew.org) asked people involved in searching for a new minister what they were looking for. Top of the results was…

Demonstrated competence and religious authenticity…. pastors who have the ability to do the work requiredand a genuine religious life that brings together both "head and heart."

It was the phrase ‘genuine religious life’ which struck me. What do those three words say, really?  

Then I thought, why not try and write a profile for a messiah?

Not much concerned with organising or building institutions

Inspirational, unpredictable

No sense of saying what the people wanted to hear

Engaged with people, no sense of limits

Not very practical about life

Little responsibility to family etc.

Outspoken, witty, clever with words, no fear

Anti-dogmatic, and ready to question his own assumptions

Inspiring love, hate, passionate responses

Eloquent about love

Demanding (love my enemy, forgive endlessly, leave friends, family)….

Can we at least agree: we may see Jesus as an awkward inspiration, challenging teacher, revolutionary spirit, Son of God, but we wouldn’t want someone like him as a minister.

                                                                                          Andy Howes