tial." Lou looked back at Jim with impatience. "Have you
said all you plan to say?"
"I just want to make it clear, I only oppose this because
I'm trying to consider what will be best for our church in the
long run. We want to reach out to others in town and we
want to grow in numbers. And if we want to grow, we need
to consider the needs of our community. Just look around
this room. Do you see any other black people in here or in
our town in general? It just doesn't make sense to bring in a
man, not only of a different race, but also from a drastically Looking for You All My Life231
different culture, to lead this congregation. That's all I have
to say."
Sam stepped back to the pulpit. "Any comments from the
congregation?"
"I have a comment." Scott stood up. "I asked Michael to
officiate our wedding mostly because I like him and because
I think he's got a good head on his shoulders. But before he
would agree to perform the ceremony, he wanted to meet
with Chloe and me a few times. I wasn't sure what for, but
after our first meeting with him a week or so ago, I was really
impressed. He gave us some very wise premarital counseling,
and he's requiring us to read a whole list of Bible verses
together." Scott looked down at Chloe. "Doing this assign-
ment has brought us closer together. It's been really special."
Chloe nodded in agreement and then Scott sat down.
"I can't believe we're even considering this," said a man
who worked in the hardware store and usually remained
quiet. "Oh sure, I'll agree that Michael knows how to preach
a good sermon and all, but he's not one of us. I mean, he
comes in here from who knows where and then thinks he can
take over. Well, I'm sorry, but I think it's a crazy idea to invite
him to be our leader." A couple of others chimed in agree-
ment, and Maggie found herself standing up to speak.
"Michael is an amazing young man," she began. "His
wisdom far exceeds his years and his gracious and kind spirit
are the most Christian I have ever seen. I've watched him
reach out and touch the lives of people of all ages, all walks,
both believers and those who are still searching. I, for one,
would be honored to call him my pastor. I can think of no
reason to object to offering him this position. In fact, I can't
believe how fortunate we are to be presented with such an
opportunity."
Maggie sat down and the discussion continued. Spencer
nodded to her, as if to support her stand, and Audrey patted
her hand. But the group seemed clearly divided, and the
deepness of the division troubled Maggie even more than the
issue they discussed. When it was finally put to the vote, 232Melody Carlson
Michael won, but only by a small margin. There was a fair
amount of grumbling after the announcement was made.
"I know this was a tough decision," Sam said solemnly,