When I was a candidate for Associate Minister at Grace Memorial Church in San Jacinto, CA, I sported a full, thick, red beard.
One of the seniors in the church, Don Solomon, asked, “Why do have that beard?”
I graciously (I hope!) responded, “How come you don’t have one Don?
My point being it was simply a matter of personal preference. Don then asked, “Would you be willing to cut it off in order to come on staff here?”
To which I replied, “Absolutely! If that’s what it would take to be able to minister here I’d do it!”
Don Solomon, who was speaking for his generation in that church, held a view that pastors should look a certain way. I didn’t fit their preconceived ideal.
I ended up being offered the position, was never pressed to shave, and Don Solomon became a very dear friend! In fact, Laurie and I eventually held a Bible Study in Don and Margaret Solomon’s home!
A very important lesson is this: To serve sometimes means personal sacrifice; sometimes our heart and motives for ministry are put to the test. I know mine were in this simple request because I really liked my beard; I felt it helped me look more “pastoral”!
Well, God honors humility in our serving one another — and oft times He astounds us with His answer(s)! The great blessing for me was becoming a close friend with Don — and it remained so until he was “called home”!