Fraternity-Testvériség, 2005 (83. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2005-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 8 Fraternity- Testvériség An HRFA’s Author A Review of a Book Authored by HRFA Member By Kathy A. Megyeri Two Envelopes By Rev. Alexander Jalso Last August, 1 shared the podium with HRFA’s Rev. Alexander Jalso of Brownsville, PA at Hungarian Day in Kennywood, PA. There and at last September’s Quadrennial HRFA convention in PA, I had heard of Rev. Jalso’s book, TWO ENVELOPES, but as a lay-person, 1 was hesitant to review it, thinking that reading this text required some background in theology or at least a more intimate knowledge of religious doctrine than I possessed. However, 1 was assured that it was not a religious tome although the episodes portrayed the life and service of a congregation. Rev. Jalso also assured me that this book was important reading for me personally for two reasons: (1) my husband, the CFO of HRFA, recently visited a Petőfi Club meeting in Venice, Florida where he received a most scathing, vitriolic, and undeserved welcome, and (2) my own church in Washington recently ousted a long-time, beloved pastor for personal demons that he was trying to conquer. So I read Rev. Jalso’s 240- page book that took two years for him to write, and am I ever glad I did. I highly recommend it to others in need of solace, insight, and introspection for the following reasons. First, Rev. Jalso provided information to young pastors who are just beginning their ministry. He thought they deserved to be alerted to the types of problems they would encounter in their service to their congregations, and he also wanted them to see the difference between the theory they learned in divinity school and the reality of pastoral counseling. His second objective was to allow laypeople, like me, an examination of the ministry from the viewpoint of the clergy. I’m more than convinced he succeeded in both objectives. As laypersons and the clergy cope with difficulties both from within and outside the church, they must constantly ask themselves, “Is there a better solution?” That question remains the theme of his book. In TWO ENVELOPES, we view the main character, Pastor Chuck’s, ethical dilemmas. He must tackle problems in his ministry that outsiders are often not aware of. Professional members of his congregation reflect their own profession’s arrogance and often treat other church members like children or their “clients.” In confrontations concerning church policies, it is not the discussed issue that most often prevails, but the leader who emerges. Personalities overtake issues, and logic, rational thinking and friendly persuasion are futile. The hypocrisy of many church members is revealed as they sit in judgment of one another and damage reputations and good works through vile gossip and harmful criticism although Pastor Chuck tries to live by scripture and attempts to “turn his other cheek.” He must face current day ethical dilemmas such as teen pregnancy and abortion issues. His church’s turmoil is caused by factions, cliques, and changing allegiances. Even though the pastor is the church’s leader, the final authority on most issues lies in church members’ hands. Pastors also have to decide on the spending of grants and bequests when given— should the money be spent on renovations, mission work, staff raises, or investments? Pastors must weigh the wishes of the congregation against the desires of the church’s hierarchy. Pastors will also be blamed for what goes wrong within a congregation. They must respond differently to different boards and committees and yet the threat of “being let go” is the constant veil under which they attempt to be “all things to all people.” Another constant worry of pastors is that parishioners may leave the church because of decisions they don’t agree with, and then attendance will fall so dramatically that the church can no longer financially exist as a working entity. Most parishioners blame the pastor for a congregation’s action or inaction. In this book. Pastor Chuck deals most fairly with the congregation’s elitists—an insurance agent, an attorney, and a physician. Yet a case of betrayed confidence between himself and a church member ensues, a subject never addressed in seminary classes. Another neglected issue in pastoral training is the issue of correctness and appropriateness of Biblical themes. For example, Rev. Jalso points out that in the seminary, it is taught that the resurrection should be the center of a funeral service, but members of most bereaved families insist on a
