The ushering head stormed into the pastor's office without knocking. The pastor shot up from his seat like he saw a ghost, his guest looked back with confusion written all over his face.
“Bro Victor! What's the problem? Why would you barge in
without knocking?" The pastor asked, trying to hide his irritation.
“I apologize for my crude behavior sir. There's an emergency
I'd like you to attend to sir." Turning to the pastor's guest, he clasped his
palms and said, “I'm sorry Pastor Daniel. I didn't mean to be rude but I
believe if pastor doesn't come with me now, we might not have a building for
service come the next service day."
A deep furrow appeared on the forehead of his pastor. “What do you mean?"
“The head of the technical department and the choir master
are about to exchange blows." Bro Victor explained, trying hard not to
laugh.
“Is this a prank or what?" His pastor, Pastor Ben
asked, noticing the funny look on the face of the brother standing by the door
to his office.
“I wish sir. Their misunderstanding has lingered for some
time, but I guess both parties cannot take it anymore. Before I came here, they
were exchanging words and members of both groups have now faced each other;
trying to vindicate their leaders. I fear they might exchange slaps soon."
At this point, Bro Victor couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
“Wait, how do you expect me to believe you? You're here
laughing... This is one of your pranks, right?" Pastor Ben asked, wearing
a small frown.
“Bro Victor, don't tell me you interrupted us in order to
prank us? I understand you joke around a lot and all, but interrupting a
meeting as important as this is not the right thing to do." Pastor Daniel
chipped in.
“Pastor Daniel, I'm sorry, but I find the situation quiet
amusing. Sirs, we're taking too long here. They're about to break chairs as
well sir. I thought everything was under control but when I saw two microphones
flying in the air, I knew things had gone haywire." Bro Victor explained;
this time, with all seriousness.
Pastor Ben was about to speak when they heard shattering
noises. The trio raced out of the office, and the sight that greeted them was
more of a ruckus then a church environment. Words were being thrown alongside
microphones. As Bro Victor had earlier said, some sets of microphones were
lying helpless on the tiled floor.
Both pastors stood, arms akimbo, eyes out, and mouth hanging
loose. Bro Victor stood a few feet away, having a good laugh. The handful of
members that were still around all stood watching the scenario play out.
The ruckus continued for another two minutes. Pastor Ben
then walked up to the altar, picked up the bell, observed the scene for a few
seconds and rang the bell. Almost immediately, everyone stood still, confusion
all over their faces, they wondered when the pastor got up there.
“If I didn't have access to the C of O of this land and if I
didn't preach right here on this altar this morning, I'd have thought this place
was just rented for service and that it's a community hall." He stopped
for a while and shook his head.
All members of the choristers and the technical department
stood with their head bowed, whist they were breathing heavily. They couldn't
look up at the pastor from where they stood.
“You know, I've heard of the usual back and forth of your
departments and I heard there's been discussions ad nauseam on this matter, and
I thought it's been resolved. How y'all allow it fester till the extent of
almost exchanging blows is what I'm trying to wrap my head around."
“Usually, I'd want to hear both sides of the story, but with
what I met here, I'm not interested. Imagine if a new member walks in and meet
y'all fighting after such a heavy service. It only shows the words coming from
the altar don't get through to you. They just hang in the air, or maybe y'all
just filter what words to hear and chose which to throw into the bin. To say
the least, I'm disappointed!"
“The choir department and the technical departments are
always at loggerheads, and I've heard someone say the fight will be settled in
Heaven. I believe if we tackle it now, the fight can be settled once and for
all because we have better things to do in Heaven than settle disputes. Bring
out your Bibles, and I want the head of both department to read this scripture
for me in unison. 1 Cor. 12:14-31."
They all searched for their Bibles amongst the scattered
place and searched through the pages. Both heads of departments picked up two
microphones off the floor, and looked up at the pastor, who shook his head,
obviously disappointed.
They read,
1 Corinthians 12:14-31
“[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am
not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am
not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing?
If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in
the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of
thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to
be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less
honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts
have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered
the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the
members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer
with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in
particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers?
are all workers of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with
tongues? do all interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto
you a more excellent way."
To be continued...
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