Question from a friend of WordTruth Press:
>>Is is scriptural
for a divorced man to preach a message from the pulpit since for that limited
time he would be considered the "pastor"?
WordTruth Press Response:
I do not see where standing in the pulpit makes one a pastor. The pastor
is the highest leadership position in the local church. He is the "shepherd"
of the church (1 Timothy 3:1) who reports to the "Chief Shepherd" who is
our LORD Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:1-4). The pastor is an individual with
certain gifts as well as extremely strong character. The local church,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in conformance to the biblical
guidelines, calls a man of God to become its pastor.
One who is asked to speak from the pulpit is not automatically
a pastor. A preacher, perhaps, but not a pastor. There is a distinction
in the role that must be recognized.
Now the issue is whether anyone who steps into the pulpit must conform
to the biblical guidelines for a pastor. I do not think that is the case.
Many may be called to speak from the pulpit to give a testimony or share
some insights from a mission trip or teach on a particular subject that
would not qualify, and should not be required to qualify, for the church
position of pastor. Yet the body of Christ can be edified by such messages.
Another issue to consider is whether the church should allow a guest
preacher (or interim preacher) into the pulpit who does not conform to
the biblical guidelines for a pastor. I believe that he should. The congregation
will certainly be expecting that the one who preaches from the pulpit as
a preacher is one who not only has the spiritual gifts for that role but
the character qualifications as well (ref. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9).
One who preaches from the pulpit with the authority of a preacher will
certainly be under the same scrutiny as would a pastor. And I believe these
qualifications are fitting for a man who would preach the word of God from
the pulpit.
The local church elders in conjunction with the senior pastor should
determine the guidelines for allowing someone to speak from the pulpit
and in what capacity. Certainly, the guidelines for a guest preacher or
interim preacher (not the examples of a testimony or missions trip summary),
should be clearly articulated before the church puts someone into that
role. This process will avoid any confusion on the part of the congregation
and ensure that the name of Christ is not denigrated because of wrong expectations.
May God bless you with wisdom to know His will and the courage to follow
Him!
Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth.Com Ministry
Copyright 5/14/2000, Randy Lariscy.
