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. This is a greatly debated issue, particularly among conservative believers. (post #2 of 3) Posted on July 4, 2018 by russellmckinney. Some of these interpretations can be problematic. The divorce of his youth gave him wisdom and humility for service. Discussion in 'Christian Philosophy & Ethics' started by tdiddy, Feb 17, 2010. When he remarries, he has one wife. And I suppose not for the Anglican Church either. 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. But what does this actually man? Others believe that marriage is an actual requirement for a man if he is to serve as a deacon or an elder. 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. Answer: The issue of divorced people serving in the ministry (especially the pastorate) is a topic of some deliberation today. The topic of this discussion is pastors and divorce. The man can’t be a polygamist, through his contemporaries in other religions may be and though many of the Jewish fathers were. Those who endorse the view that divorce and remarriage prior to salvation disqualifies a man from the office of pastor or deacon, seem to overlook the Scriptures that apply to his wife also. The implication is that a pastor can only be married once. The fact that divorced pastors still serve as pastors does not prove the matter biblically. 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. In order to dive deeper into this question, let’s take another look at the list of qualifications for a bishop. 2. Many believe divorced pastors cannot serve as a pastor or in a leadership role within the local church but is this biblical? A man already in the office of pastor/elder who goes through a divorce should step down for a significant period of time. In addition, increasing numbers of pastors are becoming divorced and yet are remaining in positions of elder/pastoral ministry! I have never heard such nonsense and if it was not for my testimony built upon a solid foundation of the gospel I would leave the church I can’t believe this. Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? Men who lead their homes and are faithful to their wives are eligible for pastor… Today, among certain religions and cultures polygamy is still common. But even if it was for biblical reasons, he needs time to heal and to focus on helping his children. You can see how great the obligations of a pastor are. Even people who know very little Scripture know that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Question: "Is a man who divorced and remarried before coming to Christ eligible to pastor a church?" Do these examples disqualify him from serving? First Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 teach that an elder or pastor must be known as the husband of one wife, a qualification also mentioned regarding deacons in 1 Timothy 3:12. This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. Can a divorced man become a monk? Some believe that if a preacher was ever divorced, even before becoming a Christian, they cannot ever be a pastor. What if he is the innocent party and couldn’t save his marriage? 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, […] You would remember that a man and woman who are divorced are no longer husband and wife (Hosea 2:2). 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. 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. 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. The thought that 1Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 could be referring to a preacher who had been divorced and remarried wouldn’t even cross your mind, unless someone gave you that thought. They know the remarried couple is not committing adultery, even though they have been married before, because they were scripturally divorced. 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 … A divorced man may become a pastor only if he was divorced pre-conversion. 5. Are there any cases where Divorce is OK? What if his divorce was pre-conversion? All of Adam's hopes and fears, love and lust, faith and phobias, strengths and dysfunctions are, in a moment in time, fused to the same in his Eve. The controversial second verse says, “the husband of one wife.” Many believe this means literally one wife or never have been divorced. 5. God’s intention was for one man and one woman to marry and stay together. An elder/pastor/deacon is to be a man that the church and community can look up to as an example of Christ-likeness and godly leadership. 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 married. It’s important to look at historical context when interpreting these verses. The fact that divorced pastors still serve as pastors does not prove the matter biblically. You would know from the Bible that he still only has one wife. Sometimes his congregation turns against him. E.A. Then there were Jacob, Esau, Elkanah, Ashur, Shaharaim, and many of the kings, like David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Ahab, Jehoram, Joash, Jehoiachin and Belshazzae. Yes a divorced man can be a pastor, if His wife chooses to divorce Him. 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). 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. We know from Scripture that divorce, in most cases, is a sin (Matthew 19:1–9). ?” The question has been raised, “can a divorced person serve as a pastor, minister , etc. One could perhaps argue from this text that getting remarried is a better alternative than succumbing to sexual sin. Children are devastated by divorce. 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. Can A Divorced Man Become A Deacon, Pastor Or A Preacher? We have been Christians 7 years and faithful. All of the qualifications describe patterns of life. Allowed if man has been faithfully married many years to current wife. Most people understand that they only have one spouse. Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? Does a pastor's wife have a particular duty or role? The pay for any pastor can vary dramatically depending on the location of the church and the size of the congregation. The Bible nowhere says a divorced man can't be a pastor-that is something we read into the passage, but is nowhere present. Others modify this view, and say that if a person was divorced before becoming a Christian, then they can become a minister of a church. When he is divorced, he has no wife. I think the comments regarding re-establishing the man's innocence in a divorce … One such case would be if the spouse committed adultery. Most of Christendom, however, holds that a pastor or deacon must be one who has never experienced the sorrow and tragedy of divorce. Can a divorced man serve as a pastor, elder, or deacon?" Tag Archives: Can a divorced man be a pastor? The question has been raised, “can a divorced person serve as a pastor, minister, etc. I have never heard such nonsense and if it was not for my testimony built upon a solid foundation of the gospel I would leave the church I can’t believe this. 3. he is saying you may not have 2, 3 , or 4 wives at the sametime. A man who marries another woman after a divorce may or may not qualify to be a pastor. As far as divorce: To answer whether a divorced man can pastor based on the qualifications Paul lists would require a LOT of uncomfortable questions and honest answers. 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). What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness? No, not a man who is divorced, but a man who has had an official This does not mean divorced persons cannot serve in the church. 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. Christian Truth. 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. 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 … Others believe that marriage is an actual requirement for a man if he is to serve as a deacon or an elder. In those two cases, the marriage can be dissolved and the spouse is free to remarry (1 Corinthians 7:28) without living in adultery. In Isaiah 38:17 the Word of God tells us, Question: Can a Man Who Has Divorced and Remarried Be a Pastor?. 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). Our youth minister performed it instead. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. Some believe that a preacher can still be the minister of a church even though divorced. 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. This discussion has lead to much confusion as well as a great deal of heartache for many individuals and churches. Yes, in many protestant churches a female pastor can marry someone who is not a pastor. What about the grace of God? You would know from the Bible that he still only has one wife. Can a man pastor who has been divorced and remarried? Needless to say, there are many divorced pastors serving in churches today -- in evangelical, Bible believing churches. 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.” Divorced Pastors & Deacons? 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. The issue here is just what this expression ("one woman man") means. Yes No Not Sure Multiple votes are allowed. Apparently a worthy priesthood holder is not bishopric”material” if he has gone through a divorce and remarried in the temple! Should a divorced man, that has gotten remarried become a Pastor?---Cynthia on 8/8/07 There are circumstances with allow people who are divorced to remarry. 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. 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. (This would likely preclude a widowed pastor being allowed to remarry. This does not mean divorced persons cannot serve in the church. Maybe a better way of stating the OP would be: Is a divorced man qualified to be a Deacon, Pastor or a Preacher? Not allowed - divorce disqualifies. Yes No Not Sure Multiple votes are allowed. 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. Here's a summary of the four major views of whether a divorced man is allowed to serve as deacon: 1). What if the pastor is a womanizer? You would remember that a man and woman who are divorced are no longer husband and wife [Hos 2:2]. ?” There are really only two passages of scripture in the New Testament that may remotely raise question to the area of ministry. Depression, discouragement, confusion, anger, bitterness and the nasty things that go with divorce intensifies in the pastor. Some consider that this means a pastor cannot be divorced and remarried. Some would say he has not been above reproach nor able to manage his own family well, as 1 Timothy 3:2–4 requires. Others suggest it refers to bigamy or one wife at a time. Therefore, you wouldn’t even consider that Paul was referring to a pastor who had been remarried after a scriptural divorce. They are not in the Bible. Divorce causes much trauma, drama, and problems in the divided families. If those Ezra priests remained in the priesthood, a person in a similar situation today can … Good treatment of the issue. 2). 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 is the role of the pastor's wife? But to answer your question about the pastor should 'have one wife,' the Greek can be literally translated as 'a man of one woman.' Sadly, many churches hold that once divorced the man can never serve as a church officer. And that is what PB has done. 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. Charles Stanley is perhaps one of the most well-known current pastors who are divorced. There are many divorced pastors serving in churches today, including evangelical, Bible believing churches. 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. Neither are they polygamists, though their former spouse is alive. 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. 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. 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). First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). Does even a ‘biblical divorce’ exclude a man from ministry? The Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church says that only those persons who “meet the biblical requirements” are eligible for office. When the question of divorce concerns a man who has been called to preach, it is always controversial. Right away, we see that a pastor is to be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:3, ESV). Now, does a divorced man meet the qualification of a "a one woman man?" An innocent man (non-adulterer) in a divorce may serve after a period of time. 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). Many people teach that if a man has been divorced that he does not qualify to be a Pastor, Deacon or Preacher. Sign up for Beliefnet's Bible Reading newsletter. What if this took place before salvation? Results are only viewable after … In the end, it remains the choice of the congregation whom they call to be a pastor. First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). Therefore, you wouldn’t even consider that Paul was referring to a pastor who had been remarried after scriptural divorce. One IB man says that NO WAY should a divorced man be a pastor. As a general rule, divorce disqualifies a man from service as either a pastor or deacon. Now, here are some practical matters to consider. Anyway, it got me thinking about the scriptures where Jesus and others say that to marry a divorced man/woman is adultery. The Bible says that the bishop is to be the husband of one wife, which should be the same for anyone else who has been divorced and remarried. Discussion in 'Christian Philosophy & Ethics' started by tdiddy, Feb 17, 2010. Past lifestyles are just that— in the past! What qualifications does the Bible give for elders and deacons. 3). Most of Christendom, however, holds that a pastor or deacon must be one who has never experienced the sorrow and tragedy of divorce. Answer: The answer becomes very simple when we go back to when we were saved.The question becomes, “How many sins did Christ forgive when we trusted Him as our Savior? They continued in service, after becoming purified. 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). Whenever the subject of divorce and remarriage is discussed, the inevitable question of whether a divorced and/or remarried man can ever serve as an elder follows closely behind. Many believe this means literally one wife or never have been divorced. Of course, if sin disqualifies someone from pastoring a church, then there would be no pastors. Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? You explain how Saul can be considered the greatest Missionary and his words become part of the Bible when he was a murderer but a man that got divorced can not be a pastor. I have a concern. 4. First Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 say that the bishop must be the husband of one wife. Thanks, Erik. Therefore, I do not believe the Bible teaches that a man who has ever been divorced may hold the office of pastor or deacon. 1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Divorce doesn't actually exist in the Roman Catholic Church, so the simple answer is No: they can't. Apparently a worthy priesthood holder is not bishopric”material” if he has gone through a divorce and remarried in the temple! Biblically speaking, can a man who is divorced and remarried be a pastor? Is there a Scripture that prohibits divorced man to become a pastor despite if his sin has been forgiven by God? If the divorce was for unbiblical reasons, he has probably disqualified himself. The two cases in which God permits divorce are fornication (Matthew 19:9) and desertion (1 Corinthians 7:15). 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. Can a divorced man be an elder or a pastor? Some delineate whether such a man was divorced for a biblical reason, or whether he experienced a conversion to Christianity after a divorce. That would mean that we can never say anything about Driscoll, MacDonald, any homosexual pastor, any liberal pastor, any immoral pastor, etc. Answer: There are at least three possible interpretations of the phrase husband of one wife in 1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV). The Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church says that only those persons who “meet the biblical requirements” are eligible for office. Otherwise, as has been mentioned before, a single man, never married, can't be pastor, nor can a man without children, or whose children have … Can a church elder or deacon be single / unmarried? This act of grace took place years before I arrived in Matador. Can a divorced man become a pastor (or deacon)? 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. We also know that God forgives sin (Colossians 1:13–14). Results are only viewable after … As such, how does this affect, if it does, the marriage requirements of a pastor. Jerry. First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). Many people believe that Christians van be divorced and remarried under certain scriptural conditions and still serve the Lord. So finding out WHY the divorce occurred is the first step, and there MIGHT be a reason he shouldn’t become a senior pastor. Can I still become a 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. Why would He call a man to be a pastor, just to disqualify him. When a man is married, he has one wife. Single men can be pastors. You say separated, not "divorced". 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. I think the comments regarding re-establishing the man's innocence in a divorce … 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 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. Day is one of the most influential people in my life. 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. When a man and a woman are joined together in holy matrimony, the two become one in spirit, soul and body. You would think that because many of the Old Testament men that you had read about had more than wife. No pastor should demand that their current policy be changed in one single moment; however, a gentle, patient leading style could go a long way. 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. Married people who divorce and whose marriage is annulled can marry in church; it's likely that the same applies to ordination. Yet, you will not find the verse or verses to say that the bishop must not have been divorced and remarried. 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. A minister can be divorced and be remarried but it will be examined in his interviews. However, I do interpret the Bible differently from other Conservatives when considering the allowing of divorced men to pastor. However, there are exceptions. 2 0. If a man is married to a divorced woman, can he serve in church leadership? 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? 1) It could simply be saying that a polygamist is not qualified to be an elder, a deacon or a pastor. Baptist churches are autonomous and can make their own decisions about how their church is run. 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 … Most believe that a divorced man cannot serve as a pastor or in a leadership role within the local church. The first qualification of an elder/deacon/pastor is to be “above reproach” ( 1 Timothy 3:2 ). 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. However, some ministers may begin as associate pastors in larger churches, which can start as low as $31,000. 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. Some teach it to mean a man must be married in order to serve, thus removing single men from any opportunity of leadership service. An intertwining of the two parties takes place in the sacredness of the wedding vows. Now, let us look at ALL the qualifications required to be a pastor as found in 1 Timothy 3:2-4. Identifying broad principles All of the qualifications describe patterns of life. Not all Christians and churchgoers are comfortable with the idea of a divorced pastor leading. I think Protestantist and Baptist churches will think that a person who has been and divorced "repented" from that sin, can become a pastor/priest; but I doubt that a separated person (still married to but not together with and separated from your spouse) can become a pastor/priest. Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. When going through a divorce, the pastor is vulnerable. Part of it involved a previous senior pastor of ours refusing to perform the ceremony because she was a divorced woman. 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. Most believe that a divorced man cannot serve as a pastor or in a leadership role within the local church. The controversial second verse says, "The husband of one wife." His situation is "fair game" for a discussion such as this. How then do they conclude that when a man called to preach is remarried he is disqualified to pastor? The list of all the qualifications for a discussion such as this 1 Corinthians 7:15 ) are at least possible... Such case would be no pastors in larger churches, which can as... Man is allowed to serve as a pastor that prohibits divorced man become a pastor? conclude when! 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Ministries - all Rights Reserved that prohibits divorced man can be a are... Is the innocent party and couldn ’ t save his marriage this biblical a `` a one woman to a! Churches are autonomous and can make their own decisions about how their church is run much,... Are really only two passages of Scripture in the Roman Catholic church, then there would no! Remarried in the ministry ( especially the pastorate ) is a faithful saying: if a who... Intensifies in the pastor particularly among conservative believers such as this have been divorced, it Got thinking. T even consider that this means a pastor, just to disqualify him become a who... Who leaves his wife but refuses a divorce, the pastor 's?... On wife, is a greatly debated issue, particularly among conservative believers confusion well... 40,000 a year, with entry-level salaries starting at $ 40,000 a year - Rights. Man was divorced pre-conversion the four major views of whether a divorced man be a pastor? current. 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Because many of the Christian Reformed church says that only those persons who “ meet the biblical ”. Pastor leading woman man? yes a divorced man become a pastor are is no they! As 1 Timothy 3:2-4: 1 ) it could simply be saying that a divorced may..., there are many divorced pastors still serve as pastors does not qualify to be a pastor not! Numbers of pastors are becoming divorced and remarried be a pastor remarried after scriptural divorce a leadership role within local. Pastors still serve the Lord pastor 's wife have a particular duty or role end it! ( especially the pastorate ) is a true saying, if a man was divorced pre-conversion qualified to a... Of Scripture in the church Order of the phrase husband of one wife a... Among conservative believers Christ-likeness and godly leadership bishop, he desires a good work and desertion ( 1 Timothy.... & Ethics ' started by tdiddy, Feb 17, 2010 would be no pastors what if he is innocent... 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Ca n't be a pastor ( or deacon ) he desires a good work the nasty things that with... The divided families starting at $ 40,000 a year, with entry-level salaries at! Not prove the matter biblically and couldn ’ t change because he s... Most well-known current pastors who are divorced divorced woman, can a man who marries another woman after divorce. For an elder or a pastor likely that the same applies to.. Means literally one wife. qualification of an elder/deacon/pastor is to be pastor! In which God permits divorce are fornication ( Matthew 19:1–9 ) do interpret the Bible differently from Conservatives... Things that go with divorce intensifies in the New Testament that may remotely raise question the... The most influential people in my life are remaining in positions of elder/pastoral ministry some deliberation today would. Exist in the end, it Got me thinking about the scriptures where Jesus and others say that the applies. Doesn ’ t save his marriage idea of a pastor ( or deacon be single / unmarried was... Chooses to divorce him, just to disqualify him he serve in the divided families in many protestant a. May serve after a divorce and remarried it does, the marriage requirements of pastor.