A minister was approached by a man who expressed a desire to become a member of the church. The man said, however, that he was rather busy. “I don’t want to be called upon for any service such as benevolence work, visitation, or teaching a Bible class. I would like to be spared from anything that would take my time. Then, too, don’t expect me to be in worship very often. And when I do attend, my giving will be rather limited as I have several other obligations.”

The minister thought for a moment and replied, “I believe you are at the wrong church. The church you are looking for is three blocks down the street.”

The man followed the preacher’s directions and soon came to an old abandoned boarded-up church building.

IT WAS A DEAD CHURCH, OUT OF BUSINESS.