In verse 2, overseers (elders, pastors) were required to be “the husband of one wife.” In verse 12, the same phrase is set as a requirement for being a deacon. Jerry. All of the qualifications describe patterns of life. The divorce of his youth gave him wisdom and humility for service. Charles Stanley is perhaps one of the most well-known current pastors who are divorced. Join Our Christian Singles and Take The Sin & Repentance Quiz ... first off, paul is not saying in 1 Timothy that u could not be a man who was divorce. Baptist churches are autonomous and can make their own decisions about how their church is run. Tag Archives: Can a divorced man be a pastor? The definition of “one wife” doesn’t change because he’s called to preach. I think Paul was most clearly saying that any man could not be an elder who had, prior to becoming a Christian, married two or … One IB man says that NO WAY should a divorced man be a pastor. The Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church says that only those persons who “meet the biblical requirements” are eligible for office. Discussion in 'Christian Philosophy & Ethics' started by tdiddy, Feb 17, 2010. However, I do interpret the Bible differently from other Conservatives when considering the allowing of divorced men to pastor. The answer is yes, but then he must first demonstrate a pattern of faithfulness to the Lord over years before he can be considered for the office of elder. Others believe that marriage is an actual requirement for a man if he is to serve as a deacon or an elder. Can a divorced man become a monk? Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? Many people teach that if a man has been divorced that he does not qualify to be a Pastor, Deacon or Preacher. Others suggest it refers to bigamy or one wife at a time. Answer: The issue of divorced people serving in the ministry (especially the pastorate) is a topic of some deliberation today. Alexander Strauch writes that this issue “was dramatically highlighted when a leading evangelical journal in America brought together five divorced pastors and asked them to share their feelings, experiences, and views on divorce and the ministry. BUT In My Humble Opinion (and I’m conservative) to say ANYONE who is divorced isn’t qualified to lead is man’s judgement, not Gods. In addition, increasing numbers of pastors are becoming divorced and yet are remaining in positions of elder/pastoral ministry! Not for Catholic. Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? Divorce causes much trauma, drama, and problems in the divided families. A list of all the qualifications for an elder or a pastor is given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. There was a time when the possibility of hiring a pastor who was divorced was rare but by the 1980s, a growing number of clergymen were divorced and … We know that divorce is a sin, but we also know that God forgives sin.Making the issue more complex is the consideration of the timing of the divorce. You would remember that a man and woman who are divorced are no longer husband and wife [Hos 2:2]. Others take the loosest view, that an elder can have married any number of times as long as he was freed from the previous marriage by death or proper divorce. There are a number of polygamists in the Old Testament that are mentioned by name including Lamech, in Genesis 4:19, who was the first polygamist. Most people understand that they only have one spouse. Today, among certain religions and cultures polygamy is still common. This does not mean divorced persons cannot serve in the church. The implication is that a pastor can only be married once. Or, if a man who is lawfully divorced, but told by a church or denomination he cannot pastor, then receives a doctorate in Pastoral theology and subsequently teaches in a seminary, is now able to teach others how to be pastors, but cannot be a pastor himself, is also quite ludicrous. First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). Many believe this means literally one wife or never have been divorced. The Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church says that only those persons who “meet the biblical requirements” are eligible for office. Some of these interpretations can be problematic. It’s important to look at historical context when interpreting these verses. At the Creator’s command, the first man and woman were to “become one flesh” for purposes of procreation, bonding, and mutual pleasure in a safe and loving relationship (Genesis 2:24). Obviously we can all agree that there are many qualifications that must be met before one can become a pastor, ... but what is their or a denominations's opinion regarding the qualifiability of a justifiably divorced man. Single men can be pastors. In the Old Testament a priest could not marry a divorcee (Leviticus 21:7); the high priest could not marry a widow or a divorcee, but had to marry a virgin (Leviticus 21:14). 4). Yes No Not Sure Multiple votes are allowed. And that is what PB has done. What if this took place before salvation? That would mean that we can never say anything about Driscoll, MacDonald, any homosexual pastor, any liberal pastor, any immoral pastor, etc. God’s intention was for one man and one woman to marry and stay together. What about a man who leaves his wife but refuses a divorce? Day is one of the most influential people in my life. Yes No Not Sure Multiple votes are allowed. Is there a Scripture that prohibits divorced man to become a pastor despite if his sin has been forgiven by God? Divorce doesn't actually exist in the Roman Catholic Church, so the simple answer is No: they can't. Divorce isn't what disqualifies most deacons, it's remarriage. Answer: There are at least three possible interpretations of the phrase husband of one wife in 1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV). Many people believe that Christians van be divorced and remarried under certain scriptural conditions and still serve the Lord. 1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Others believe that marriage is an actual requirement for a man if he is to serve as a deacon or an elder. A minister can be divorced and be remarried but it will be examined in his interviews. If a man was divorced prior to becoming a Christian, then 2 Corinthians 5:17 comes into play: “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” Therefore, you wouldn’t even consider that Paul was referring to a pastor who had been remarried after a scriptural divorce. No, not a man who is divorced, but a man who has had an official I think the comments regarding re-establishing the man's innocence in a divorce … The controversial second verse says, "The husband of one wife." Sometimes his congregation turns against him. This discussion has lead to much confusion as well as a great deal of heartache for many individuals and churches. We know from Scripture that divorce, in most cases, is a sin (Matthew 19:1–9). How then do they conclude that when a man called to preach is remarried he is disqualified to pastor? Passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 teach that, among other things, an “overseer” must “be above reproach,” “manage his own family well,” “have a good reputation with outsiders,” and be “self-controlled, […] If you read the Bible from Genesis through Revelation and come across these verses in 1 Timothy and Titus regarding the pastor’s marital status, you would say he could not be a polygamist. Most of Christendom, however, holds that a pastor or deacon must be one who has never experienced the sorrow and tragedy of divorce. Can I still become a Pastor? E.A. You would remember that a man and woman who are divorced are no longer husband and wife (Hosea 2:2). You would know from the Bible that he still only has one wife. This act of grace took place years before I arrived in Matador. Just my 2 cents worth, When God calls a man to be a pastor, God knows if that man has been, is, or will be divorced. The first ordained as a deacon a fine man who had experienced the pain of divorce in his youth and had since put his life together with a wonderful woman. Some pastors believe this passage teaches that a man who has been divorced or widowed and subsequently remarried should not be allowed to serve as an elder or as a deacon. This verse is only used (by people) to disqualify a divorced man, it is not used to disqualify an unmarried man, or a man who does not have children, or who does not have control over his children. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce, he told them that It was only allowed because of “the hardness of your hearts,” (Matthew 19:1-9). We have been Christians 7 years and faithful. ?” The question has been raised, “can a divorced person serve as a pastor, minister , etc. What is the role of the pastor's wife? 2). Sadly, many churches hold that once divorced the man can never serve as a church officer. Some believe that a preacher can still be the minister of a church even though divorced. The office of deacon, for example, requires that a man be “beyond reproach” (1 Timothy 3:10), as well as “good managers of their children and their own households” (1 … Or, if a man who is lawfully divorced, but told by a church or denomination he cannot pastor, then receives a doctorate in Pastoral theology and subsequently teaches in a seminary, is now able to teach others how to be pastors, but cannot be a pastor himself, is also quite ludicrous. Right away, we see that a pastor is to be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:3, ESV). This is a greatly debated issue, particularly among conservative believers. Some pastors believe this passage teaches that a man who has been divorced or widowed and subsequently remarried should not be allowed to serve as an elder or as a deacon. In the New Testament an elder must be "the husband of one wife" (literally he must be a "one woman/wife man") -- 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6. Therefore, I do not believe the Bible teaches that a man who has ever been divorced may hold the office of pastor or deacon. If his divorce and/or remarriage situation distracts from this purpose, perhaps he should not serve in the position of elder/pastor/deacon, but each case should be evaluated individually. Yes a divorced man can be a pastor, if His wife chooses to divorce Him. As a general rule, divorce disqualifies a man from service as either a pastor or deacon. 4. Then there were Jacob, Esau, Elkanah, Ashur, Shaharaim, and many of the kings, like David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Ahab, Jehoram, Joash, Jehoiachin and Belshazzae. Others interpret it to mean that pastors cannot be single (they must be married), they cannot be widowed and remarried, or they cannot be polygamists. You would think that because many of the Old Testament men that you had read about had more than wife. He said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” The wedding vows state, “Till death do us part.” But as unfortunate as the reality is, people get divorced. What about the grace of God? Can a man pastor who has been divorced and remarried? Yes, in many protestant churches a female pastor can marry someone who is not a pastor. 2. The Bible nowhere says a divorced man can't be a pastor-that is something we read into the passage, but is nowhere present. If a man is married to a divorced woman, can he serve in church leadership? You say separated, not "divorced". It can be argued that a divorced and remarried man does not have a history of being a “one woman man.” Does a “one woman man” only depend on what he has been the last year or two, or his long term pattern of living? Some would say he has not been above reproach nor able to manage his own family well, as 1 Timothy 3:2–4 requires. But what does this actually man? Although the offices of “bishop” and “deacon” may be closed to the divorced man, there are many ways in which a divorced Christian can serve Christ in positions which do not require ordination. Here's a summary of the four major views of whether a divorced man is allowed to serve as deacon: 1). Men who lead their homes and are faithful to their wives are eligible for pastor… Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. The two cases in which God permits divorce are fornication (Matthew 19:9) and desertion (1 Corinthians 7:15). The proponents of the doctrine that a man called to preach is disqualified to pastor use 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 6 to say that divorced men cannot pastor. One could perhaps argue from this text that getting remarried is a better alternative than succumbing to sexual sin. Jesus himself reiterated the divine intent (Matthew 19:4,5) and Paul instructed Christian spouses faithfully and regularly to fulfill their sexual responsibilities to each other (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). When he is divorced, he has no wife. Sign up for Beliefnet's Bible Reading newsletter. Now, here are some practical matters to consider. Our youth minister performed it instead. However, there are exceptions. What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? The controversial second verse says, “the husband of one wife.” Many believe this means literally one wife or never have been divorced. A divorced man may become a pastor only if he was divorced pre-conversion. Even people who know very little Scripture know that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Yet, you will not find the verse or verses to say that the bishop must not have been divorced and remarried. Discussion in 'Christian Philosophy & Ethics' started by tdiddy, Feb 17, 2010. This does not mean divorced persons cannot serve in the church. I have a concern. Can a divorced man be an elder or a pastor? One such case would be if the spouse committed adultery. Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Apparently a worthy priesthood holder is not bishopric”material” if he has gone through a divorce and remarried in the temple! Neither are they polygamists, though their former spouse is alive. Can a divorced man be an elder or a pastor? In Isaiah 38:17 the Word of God tells us, If the divorce was for unbiblical reasons, he has probably disqualified himself. In summary, a divorced man can be an elder or a pastor if he has proven himself faithful for a long duration of time and he did not initiate the divorce. There is annulment, where a marriage ceases to have canonical effect — it is almost as though it had never been (see this answer — it's complicated). Identifying broad principles The husband of on wife, is not referring to polygamy. Of course, if sin disqualifies someone from pastoring a church, then there would be no pastors. First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). Literally "of one woman man", with "man" the direct object of the verb "to be" and "of one woman" the qualifying phrase for "man". The question of whether divorced men can serve as deacons, elders, or pastors is based almost exclusively on one small phrase that appears twice in 1 Timothy 3 and once in Titus 1. YES. As such, how does this affect, if it does, the marriage requirements of a pastor. When a man and a woman are joined together in holy matrimony, the two become one in spirit, soul and body. Biblically speaking, can a man who is divorced and remarried be a pastor? Also, I would like to hear someone address the important issue of how marriage represents the union of Christ and His church. Passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 teach that, among other things, an “overseer” must “be above reproach,” “manage his own family well,” “have a good reputation with outsiders,” and be “self-controlled, […] What if the pastor is a womanizer? Maybe a better way of stating the OP would be: Is a divorced man qualified to be a Deacon, Pastor or a Preacher? When he remarries, he has one wife. Can A Divorced Man Become A Deacon, Pastor Or A Preacher? There are many divorced pastors serving in churches today, including evangelical, Bible believing churches. Some also argue that if a person got a divorce prior to becoming a Christian, that person can get remarried, presumably since Paul writes that they are a “new creation” (2 Co 5:17). An innocent man (non-adulterer) in a divorce may serve after a period of time. he is saying you may not have 2, 3 , or 4 wives at the sametime. Although 1 Timothy 3:2 does not necessarily exclude a divorced or remarried man from serving as an elder/deacon/pastor, there are other issues to consider. The fact that divorced pastors still serve as pastors does not prove the matter biblically. Allowed if man has been faithfully married many years to current wife. Those pastors who don’t want to even approach the subject of divorced people becoming a deacon or a divorced person becoming a pastor are being neglectful in their own teaching and leadership. (This would likely preclude a widowed pastor being allowed to remarry. Just as someone can go to prison as a lost person, become a Christian while incarcerated, and then have a ministry, a divorced or remarried man can have a ministry for the Lord. But to answer your question about the pastor should 'have one wife,' the Greek can be literally translated as 'a man of one woman.' What if he is the innocent party and couldn’t save his marriage? Most of Christendom, however, holds that a pastor or deacon must be one who has never experienced the sorrow and tragedy of divorce. Not allowed - divorce disqualifies. Thanks, Erik. So when you come across a verse in the New Testament that tells you a bishop can only have one wide, you’re going to think that the Bible means exactly what it says. Needless to say, there are many divorced pastors serving in churches today -- in evangelical, Bible believing churches. (post #2 of 3) Posted on July 4, 2018 by russellmckinney. And I suppose not for the Anglican Church either. I think the comments regarding re-establishing the man's innocence in a divorce … Does even a ‘biblical divorce’ exclude a man from ministry? In the end, it remains the choice of the congregation whom they call to be a pastor. To polygamy in 1 Timothy 3:2–4 requires church and community can look up to as an of. Begin as associate pastors in larger churches, which can start as as... 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