Divorced preacher?

[FaithfulServant]

Can a man who has been divorced and then remarried someone else serve as a pastor/preacher of a church?

Scripture anyone?

Steffani

 

[Archivist]

Sure.

"There is no one righteous,not even one." Romans 3:10. We are all sinners; pastors are no different than anyone else in this regard.

A woman who has divorced and remarried can also serve as pastor of a church.

 

[murron]

n/m

 

[2lplvr]

It is not the ideal but I believe it is acceptable.

1 Timothy 3 talks about the marital requirements of church leadership. I take those verses to mean one wife at a time and not just one wife ever, because if it did it would exclude widowers from ever remarrying and continuing to minister the gospel.

I think the circumstances for divorce are extremely important to consider as well.

 

[AndOne]

Good question -

Though I absolutely agree with Romans 3:10 as quoted by Alchemist - I must point out that this verse applies specifically to salvation and one's standing in eternity - it does not apply to determining the qualifications for priesthood and neither was it ever intended for that.

Do I believe a priest can get a divorce and remarry another woman and still step in eternity - absolutely - if he is counting on Christ for salvation.

However that same priest disqualifies himself from the ministry and surely cannot be counted on to minister effectively having allowed himself to get divorced and then to commit adultery by remarrying another woman.

For verses that do apply to this sort of thing check out 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9.

 

[bkg]

Depends on the church...

Some say it's okay. My particular church answers with an emphatic "NO" for any leadership position based on Scriptures already mentioned. That means I could never hold any leadership position in my church, because I"m divorced. Does that sadden me? Sometimes. Should I have known better? Yes.

I often have to remind myself that while Christ does wash sins away, there are still consequences for those sins. Divorce is a sin and one of the consequences is the inability to hold a leadership position in the church.

Too often, I believe, we all put this mask of "all sins are forgiveable" and interpret that to be synonymous with "we can do whatever we want; be forgiven and have no consequences." But I don't believe that is Biblical.

All sin has consequence - and some of those consequences are clearly displayed in the Bible... So twisting the Bible to meet our own personal agenda, while something we all do from time to time, is something that I hope a CHURCH would speak against.

blessings,
bkg

 

[Archivist]

St. Paul persecuted the Church, yet God forgave him and used him as an Apostle to spread the Gospel.

Therefore, why would God not also forgive a man or woman who is divorced and use that person as a Pastor?

 

[madison1101]

Depends on the church...

Some say it's okay. My particular church answers with an emphatic "NO" for any leadership position based on Scriptures already mentioned. That means I could never hold any leadership position in my church, because I"m divorced. Does that sadden me? Sometimes. Should I have known better? Yes.

I often have to remind myself that while Christ does wash sins away, there are still consequences for those sins. Divorce is a sin and one of the consequences is the inability to hold a leadership position in the church.

Too often, I believe, we all put this mask of "all sins are forgiveable" and interpret that to be synonymous with "we can do whatever we want; be forgiven and have no consequences." But I don't believe that is Biblical.

All sin has consequence - and some of those consequences are clearly displayed in the Bible... So twisting the Bible to meet our own personal agenda, while something we all do from time to time, is something that I hope a CHURCH would speak against.

I believe that too often believers aren't willing to accept the consequences that go with sin, and justify remarrying to satisfy one's needs when all we really need is the Lord.

 

[Southern Cross]

Depends on the church...

Some say it's okay. My particular church answers with an emphatic "NO" for any leadership position based on Scriptures already mentioned. That means I could never hold any leadership position in my church, because I"m divorced. Does that sadden me? Sometimes. Should I have known better? Yes.

I often have to remind myself that while Christ does wash sins away, there are still consequences for those sins. Divorce is a sin and one of the consequences is the inability to hold a leadership position in the church.

Too often, I believe, we all put this mask of "all sins are forgiveable" and interpret that to be synonymous with "we can do whatever we want; be forgiven and have no consequences." But I don't believe that is Biblical.

All sin has consequence - and some of those consequences are clearly displayed in the Bible... So twisting the Bible to meet our own personal agenda, while something we all do from time to time, is something that I hope a CHURCH would speak against.

blessings,
bkg

Wow. Isn't that restrictive? I would hate to see the rules of your church get in the way of God using you in a leadership position. One of the most effective pastors I've seen was divorced - not by their choice - and remarried later. If he was not allowed to be a pastor, I cringe to think of who would replace him. Contrast that with some of the boring, rude, or completely dry pastors I've seen who have been married for nearly forever.

God uses men and women for his purposes regardless of thier past. Murderers, prostitutes, liars, thieves, etc. Once they give themselves to God, nobody can predict how they will minister to others. Is divorce so different? Especially if it was soemthing you did not want in the first place, BKG?

 

[bkg]

Wow. Isn't that restrictive? I would hate to see the rules of your church get in the way of God using you in a leadership position. One of the most effective pastors I've seen was divorced - not by their choice - and remarried later. If he was not allowed to be a pastor, I cringe to think of who would replace him. Contrast that with some of the boring, rude, or completely dry pastors I've seen who have been married for nearly forever.

While I agree that the "rule" can prevent an amazing teacher from becomming a pastor, I think that the odds are small. Let me qualify the term "leadership" when it comes to my church (e-free, btw)... I can/could lead classes - I could be involved in DIvorceCare or what I call marriageCare or a number of other "leadership" roles. But I could never be an elder or a pastor. Sorry if I made it sound exclusive.

God uses men and women for his purposes regardless of thier past. Murderers, prostitutes, liars, thieves, etc. Once they give themselves to God, nobody can predict how they will minister to others. Is divorce so different? Especially if it was soemthing you did not want in the first place, BKG?

Yes and no.

Again, it comes down to "what is written". We, as humans in a fallen world, can put divorce in the same category of sin as, say, Coveting. But what does the Bible say with regards to leadership positions in the church? Does it put coveting in the same light as divorce? I'm not the greatest Bible scholar in the world, but I haven't come to the conclusion that the Bible limits a coveter from a leadership position (open to different interpretations)... The point being; God has explicit rules and will for His church - He should, given that it's HIS CHURCH. And one of those rules, as handed down in the Bible, is that an elder in a church must be a man of only one wife. I see nothing wrong with that, personally. In fact, I see it as a huge blessing; it lets the world know that church leadership is so critical that only those who have kept God's will about marriage (a relationship) can lead others (leadership is ultimately another relationship).

Technically, I'm a man of one wife. So technically, I suppose I could hold an elder position. But I personallly would exclude myself because I think that only those who are successful in the marriage relationship -that relationship that parallels God's relationship with Israel - should be in a position of leading the flock. Others may disagree, but to that I ask - What Does Scripture Say???

As to the point about a divorce against a believers will, I add this... I firmly believe there is no such thing as a divorce with an innocent party. Both spouses are guilty, imho, because a marriage dedicated to God, and guided under God's teachings has a 100% success rate. I believe that completely. I failed my wife by not loving her as Christ loved the church. I broke our marriage vows, and indeed the spirit and divinity of the marriage union, long before she filed for or processed a divorce. Did I want the divorce? No - not at all. If she called tonight and wanted restoration, I would be waiting at the courthouse 12 hours before it opened to apply for a marriage license. But that's not the point.

A person cannot be a successful (church) leader - in the purest sense of the teachings of the Bible - if he cannot lead his own family. On the priorities of needs, Family comes before church (God, marriage, children, church....) - if a man or woman fails at a higher priority "need" - how can he/she be successful at a lower priority need????

We all have gifts, blessings, challenges, traumas. I think the key is to separate all of that from the Scripture and realize that God does have a plan for us all - but that plan - HIS WILL - will not and cannot violate Scripture.

Scripture predates us all - we have (hopefully) been exposed to it our entire lives. To say we "didn't know any better" when we sinned - well, that would be a lie. One of the consequences of divorce/remarriage is that a person cannot hold a leadership role in a church. That consequense existed long before any of us were born... Who am I to say that it no longer applies????

blessings,
bkg

 

[alaskamolly]

I think it really depends on when the divorce occured. If it was in his past life, before he became a Christian, then I think it needs to be (carefully) considered with the rest of that stuff--washed away by the blood of the Lamb.


If it's been during his Christian life, then I think he needs to not put himself in a position of spiritual leadership until a LOT of time has passed...so he can show that he is actually a good spiritual leader, that he's repented of his former ways and grown in the Lord since then...meaning, a lot of time needs to have gone by for that to happen (just *saying* "I've grown! means diddly squat--it's the day-to-day living that proves it).

Having a ruined family doesn't show godly leadership, you know? And the Scriptures are quite clear on the fact that a man's family is what tells the REAL story of whether or not he is a godly leader.

Not saying that the man can't become a good godly leader--just pointing out that perhaps some time should be allowed to pass for that to be proven. In our modern world, we don't like to think about long-term consequences for actions...but sometimes, there are. Of course it's not fun or pleasant (who ever said reaping bad fruit was?--though sowing bad seed can often be somewhat enjoyable), but just because we don't *like* the idea doesn't mean much.

It's what GOD thinks is appropriate and/or not appropriate, not us. And God has said He hates divorce, and that it's not acceptable for a Christian--with a few rare exceptions: such as adultery, and a non-Christian choosing to leave the Christian spouse.

If the leader's divorce falls into those catagories, then I think it needs to be still considered, but not necessarily a "proof" that he shouldn't lead a church. However, if his divorce has taken place during his Christian walk, and there aren't MAJOR HUGE (godly!) reasons for the divorce, then I think he needs to walk in enough humility to abstain from demanding to be set forward on a leadership platform.


A man who can't lead his own family can't lead the family of God. He doesn't have the tools yet. He may get them, he may grow in the Lord and learn to lead, but that's going to take some time and serious commitment and humility. I mean, hey--no one said leading a family was easy, but, heck--if you think a human family is tough, you oughta try the church sometime! Talk about a disfunctional family--yeesh!

No leader needs to be setting foot in there until he has some clue as to how to lead--and he can show that by nurturing and cultivating a small houseful of people. If he can't do that, he's got a LOT of things for God to work on before he attempts to lead a whole congregation of messed up human beings!


My 2 Cents
Molly
(Who's husband is a minister)

 

[Genes!s]

Answer this please:

I am preparing myself for ministry. I am married to an unbeliever who frequently looks at other women and is constantly dishonest regarding his "wondering eyes" and other happenings. I also suspect infidelity now and in the past, but I have no solid proof. I know what the Bible says about divorce and adultry, but where does that leave me?

 

[AndOne]

St. Paul persecuted the Church, yet God forgave him and used him as an Apostle to spread the Gospel.

Therefore, why would God not also forgive a man or woman who is divorced and use that person as a Pastor?

One point that you are leaving out in your question is that Paul persecuted the church before he was converted. That I think is something that should be considered. Most Pastors enter into church leadership long after they have been converted - so the statement to me is non-relevant here.

Divorce to me is no different than any other sin and most definately will be forgiven by the man who seeks forgiveness for it through faith. Unfortunately, I believe that a pastor who gets a divorce (and remarries) has shown that he cannot handle the position and should seek a position other than church leadership within the ministry. This is supported by scripture. It is not meant to be legalistic - nor am I saying that this individual remains under God's judgement even though he may have repented. But Paul set down the qualifications for ministry to protect the flock not vice versa. Pastors are not under the crunch of legalism - but it certainly is reasonable to expect them to be self-controlled, men of high integrity, and examples of strong faith. If I am CEO of a corporation and I bring it to the point of bankruptcy - I have pretty much proven that I can't handle the job. If I'm smart I'll quit - if my stock holders are smart they will drop me - its just a matter of job qualification - that is all this is.

A church leader who gets a divorce and claims to be a strong Christian cannot be taken seriously. A church leader who gets divorced and remains in ministry has shown that he is pridefull and rebellous. Those who stay with these types of pastors have their eyes fixated on the man and not God. I am not saying that we should sit in judgement of the pastor because it is certainly possible to forgive the pastor and continue in fellowship with him and still not submit to his spiritual authority at the same time.

 

[Archivist]

One point that you are leaving out in your question is that Paul persecuted the church before he was converted. That I think is something that should be considered. Most Pastors enter into church leadership long after they have been converted - so the statement to me is non-relevant here.

A church leader who gets a divorce and claims to be a strong Christian cannot be taken seriously. A church leader who gets divorced and remains in ministry has shown that he is pridefull and rebellous. Those who stay with these types of pastors have their eyes fixated on the man and not God. I am not saying that we should sit in judgement of the pastor because it is certainly possible to forgive the pastor and continue in fellowship with him and still not submit to his spiritual authority at the same time.

The OP doesn't specify when the divorce occurred, or the reasons for the divorce. Was there adultry? Was there physical abuse? Remember also that in most American jurisdictions a divorce can now be granted for any reason or for no reason even if one party objects.

I recall a forward that I received by e-mail several years ago about a church looking for a pastor that found fault with every applicant. Finally someone submitted a resume for a man who had been arrested, served time in jail, oversaw the killing of a man, etc. The church council was horrified and rejected the application, only to be told that they had just rejected St. Paul.

I have not said in my any of my posts that the fact that a man or woman has been divorced and remarried should not be considered. I believe that you need to look at the whole person. However, to automatically exclude an individual from being pastor simply because he or she is divorced is, IMHO, irresponsible.

For those who have pointed to the Biblical requirement that an elder be the man of one wife, would you also exclued someone who has lost a spouse through death? Technically, appointing a widow or widower as pastor would also violate this requirement. Yet I don't believe that any of us would exclude such a person. Likewise, we should not have a blanket rule excluding divorced individuals. Rather, a church looking for a pastor should examine the whole person.

 

[bkg]

I have not said in my any of my posts that the fact that a man or woman has been divorced and remarried should not be considered. I believe that you need to look at the whole person. However, to automatically exclude an individual from being pastor simply because he or she is divorced is, IMHO, irresponsible.

I agree that looking at the "whole" person is critical. But if a church chooses to ignore specific commands of God when it comes to choosing leadership, I'd have to admittedly question their adherence to the rest of Scripture. God is specific about this, and I believe it's for a very specific reason...

For those who have pointed to the Biblical requirement that an elder be the man of one wife, would you also exclued someone who has lost a spouse through death? Technically, appointing a widow or widower as pastor would also violate this requirement. Yet I don't believe that any of us would exclude such a person. Likewise, we should not have a blanket rule excluding divorced individuals. Rather, a church looking for a pastor should examine the whole person.

"WE" don't have a blanket rules about exclusion from leadership positions... GOD DOES.

Divorce is much, much different than losing a spouse to death. Divorces can be prevented - Jimmy Evans' likes to say that "you have a 100% change at a successful marriage... IF you follow God's outlines"... Divorce is the result of not following that outline, death generally is not. Paul also spoke very differently about re-marriage for the widowed than for divorced couples. And lastly, IIRC, the ONLY end to a marital covenant is death...

The point being, I understand this passage to speak not to the death of a spouse, but to having a second spouse while the spouse of "his/her youth" is still alive... Whether that be paligomy or divorce/remarriage.

Just my take.

 

[Busybee]

Answer this please:

I am preparing myself for ministry. I am married to an unbeliever who frequently looks at other women and is constantly dishonest regarding his "wondering eyes" and other happenings. I also suspect infidelity now and in the past, but I have no solid proof. I know what the Bible says about divorce and adultry, but where does that leave me?

Genes!s, I'll let you read 1 Timothy 3:5 and Titus 1:7-9 to come to a conclusion yourself regarding your question. Allow the Lord to convict you and you'll know whether what you seek is in His will or not .

I also think the previous verses apply well to the divorced remarried preacher. Personally, I if it happened before he became a Christian and was based on her infidelity then it should be forgiven him and he should be allowed to hold leadership in the church.

At the same time, I feel that if a man was already a Christian and his home life is/or became unstable then he will have a hard time being a leader in church and should rethink serving as a preacher until he gets his home affairs in order (which could mean reconciling with his wife if he hasn't remarried, what a wonderful testimony that would be before a congregation).

 

[Genes!s]

Thank you, Busybee.

 

[Archivist]

I agree that looking at the "whole" person is critical. But if a church chooses to ignore specific commands of God when it comes to choosing leadership, I'd have to admittedly question their adherence to the rest of Scripture. God is specific about this, and I believe it's for a very specific reason...

"WE" don't have a blanket rules about exclusion from leadership positions... GOD DOES.

Divorce is much, much different than losing a spouse to death. Divorces can be prevented - Jimmy Evans' likes to say that "you have a 100% change at a successful marriage... IF you follow God's outlines"... Divorce is the result of not following that outline, death generally is not. Paul also spoke very differently about re-marriage for the widowed than for divorced couples. And lastly, IIRC, the ONLY end to a marital covenant is death...

The point being, I understand this passage to speak not to the death of a spouse, but to having a second spouse while the spouse of "his/her youth" is still alive... Whether that be paligomy or divorce/remarriage.

Just my take.

But scripture doesn't specifically apply this requirement to pastors and ministers. You are extending it to pastors and ministers--that isn't stated in scripture.

And Jimmy Evans is wrong about divorce. As I said, with no-fault divorce a spouse can divorce you over your objection for any reason or no reason.

 

[E_Powers]

IT is not for man to deturmine if God will use a person to pastor and minister to his people.

We have all sinned and have fallen short of the glory and holyness of God. but jesus redeemd us of not some but of EVERY SIN. and there are no sins greater then another.

For a history lesson, Look at Paul in the new testament. He was a Murderer and yet he was the one person who started the must churches in the bible.


and in modern times a church i grew up in spiritually in Florissant Mo. the pastor is a former drug doing and dealing gang member from the 70s. And he is the most on fire for god person i know.

 

[fluffy_rainbow]

Here is my take on things:

Scenario #1: At my former church we had a wonderful, godly pastor. He got testicular cancer and the doctors prognosis was not good. In fact, that didn't expect him to live more than six months after he was diagnosed. His wife left him and their three teenage children. She just left. Left him, left the kids, left the state. He was broken-hearted. Praise God, he was miraculously healed and his health was 100% restored and began pastoring full-time again at the church. About two years after his wife left, he fell in love with our church pianist and they married the next year. The church demanded he hand in his resignation because he had remarried. The church basically ousted a great preacher. I felt it was a poor decision. I can honestly say when he left, he was the last good preacher that church had. The next one was embezzeling money from the tithes collected. The one after him was a habitual womanizer and a racist. The remarried pastor has gone on to another church to preach and the church has tripled in size and is so spirit-filled.

Scenario #2: We had a music minister come in there who had been married for fifty years and had a clean record. Six months later, eleven women in the church came forward and said he had sexually assaulted them. He confessed and handed in his resignation.

So we had a divorced and remarried man who was booted out of the church because of his sin and then you have a man with a seemingly flawless past and a seemingly successful marriage who abuses his position of power within the church to molest women.