Good one, Jerry!

There was a fellow who was notorious for being a hard drinker, womanizer, and in general, an all around louse. One day, in a serious moment, he sat down to re-evaluate his life and he didn't like what he saw.

The following day, he ran into the pastor of the local church on the street, and he told the pastor, "Reverend, I'd like to start coming to church."

The pastor got his neck in a bow and said, "Well, considering your notorious behavior, I don't think we'd really care for you to come to our church."

"But," said the ex-reprobate, "I thought church was about repentance, forgiveness, and new starts. Why don't you want me to come to your church?"

The pastor said, "Well, I suggest that you get down on your knees and ask God about that." And he turned on his heel and stalked off.

The following day, the two encountered each other again.

"Reverend, I did what you said. I got down on my knees and I asked God why you wouldn't welcome me into your church."

"Oh?" said the pastor. "And did God answer you?"

"Yes! Indeed He did!"

The pastor does a double-take, then asks, "What did He say to you?"

"God told me not to worry about it. He said that He wasn't welcome in your church either!"

Don Firth