A young pastor was making farewell visits to his congregation before moving to another church. Visiting a homebound member, whom he had called on regularly, the pastor carefully explained why he was leaving. The woman sighed deeply and said, "Well, we'll never have another minister as good as you've been."

The young man blushed, scuffing his feet along the floor. "Oh, I'm sure your next pastor will be excellent."

The woman shook her head with determination. "You don't understand," she said. "I've been here through five pastors and each one has been worse than the last."