I’m doing lots of church projects these days. I generally try to avoid working for churches because I’ve experienced some rotten behavior from church building committees. The secret, I think, involves determining if the church leaders really do want to treat others (including contractors) the way they want to be treated themselves.

Fortunately I’m working with some great folks on these projects and really enjoying it. I shared this story with one of the pastors and he loved it. I think you may too.

A man walks into a church office and says to the secretary, “I want to join this damn church!”

The astonished woman replies, “I beg your pardon, sir. I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?”

“Listen up, dammit. I said I want to join this damn church!”

“I’m very sorry, sir, but that kind of language is not appropriate. Please excuse me for a moment.”

The secretary then leaves her desk and goes into the pastor’s study to inform him of her situation. The pastor agrees that the secretary should not have to listen to foul language.

They both return to her office and the pastor asks the old man, “Sir, what seems to be the problem here?”

“There is no damn problem,” the man says. “I just won 200 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to join this damn church to get rid of some of this damn money.”

“I see,” said the pastor. “And is this bitch giving you a hard time?