As a first-year seminarian, I was invited to preach at a local church--only my second time in the pulpit. I was extremely nervous when the big day arrived. After asking the congregation to stand, I read the Scripture, led in prayer, and then launched into my sermon.

Five minutes later, the church's pastor started walking toward the pulpit. "I'm not finished," I said in a low voice.

"Take as long as you want," he replied, "but please tell the congregation they may sit down!"