Forsaking the Call
an excerpt

“Joel,” Pastor Kurt said sadly, “Jessica came to see me earlier in the week. She was very upset about the way you treated her and needed someone to talk to about it.”
“The way I treated her? I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”
“Please don’t play dumb,” Rev. Reese said. The look on his face reminded Joel of an angry cartoon character. All he was missing was the steam coming out of his ears. “Jessica is a very lovely young lady. I don’t think she would lie to us about something so serious. She has nothing to gain with a lie, where you have everything to lose.”
Pastor Kurt picked up some papers off his desk. He couldn’t look at Joel as he said, “Jessica’s version of your break up is quite different from yours. According to her, you pressured her into sex, and when she gave in, you stopped calling her, cancelled dates, and eventually told her you didn’t want to see her again.”
Joel jumped out of his seat. “That is not true! I never touched. I rarely even kissed her!”
“Likely story,” Rev. Reese said. “Why would Jessica make up a story that would tarnish her reputation?”
“To tarnish mine!” Joel said. “Look, Jessica is not as sweet and innocent as she made you believe. I am one of the few boyfriends she has had who didn’t take advantage of her.” He looked at Pastor Kurt, his eyes pleading for understanding. “You know me better than to believe what she says.”
Pastor Kurt refused to look up.
“We know what you want us to believe,” Rev. Reese said. “You put on a good show for all of us. But it is over now. And so is your stay with us.”
“You mean this meeting?”
“That and more,” Rev. Reese said. “The church board met last night. Though the decision was not unanimous”—he glared at the top of Pastor Kurt’s head—“the majority of the board felt it best to not allow you to continue in leadership here. Faith Fellowship has a duty to preach the Gospel to this community. We cannot have someone here who is not living the life he is presenting.” He stood up to his full height of 5 feet and 7 inches. Though at 6’ 4” Joel towered over the preacher, he felt intimidated by the older man. “We cannot allow you to lead any more services. In fact, Joel, it would probably be best if you did not return to Faith Fellowship Church. Pack up your things and go home.”