Question from a friend of WordTruth Press:
>> Should a man married to a divorced woman (before she was a Christian)
qualify to become a deacon or pastor?
WordTruth Press Response:
Your question is one that comes up frequently among churches. Much
of the conflict in churches occurs because the church does not have explicit
guidelines spelled out in advance of such a decision. Much more conflict
occurs because of genuine disagreements on the meaning of a certain phrase
in 1 Tim. 3:2 that says the pastor should be the "husband
of one woman."
In the specific case you mentioned, you would have to examine the circumstances
of the woman's divorce. Was it for one of the two biblical reasons
in which a divorce is permitted: unrepentant adultery (Matthew 19:9) or
desertion by an unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:15)? One must also examine
such a divorce to see if forgiveness was offered and every attempt made
at reconcilation (some pursue divorce where reconciliation is difficult,
but possible). If the woman was divorced along biblical guidelines,
I would not see that in itself as a roadblock to the qualifications for
a deacon or pastor.
Another issue to consider is whether the man married the divorced woman
while she was an unbeliever. There are clear biblical commands that
we are not to be unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14). I would look
very closely at the man's Christian maturity when this happened. A mature
Christian man who would marry an unbeliever is clearly not qualified to
lead God's people.
The individual church must establish clear guidelines on this matter.
Scripture must determine the standard. I know of churches who elevate
their church standards for deacons and pastors beyond what is prescribed
in 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1. The purpose is to have men in leadership
positions who are of impeccable character and faith. Those who do
not wish to conform to such standards may be offended. So long as
the purpose is to glorify God and insure, to the best of its ability, the
church's integrity, such higher standards are noble.
The guidelines must be clear and articulated to the congregation in
advance of decisions. The circumstances surrounding each potential
deacon or pastor qualifications must be individually scrutinized to be
fair and biblically accurate. Keep in mind also that the congregation
at large will not be so careful in scrutinizing their qualifications.
A person may be biblically qualified to the letter but the personal bias
of people in the congregation (especially concerning divorce/remarriage)
may prove a stumbling block. Anyone with questionable issues but
is eventually approved as a deacon may create the need for congregational
education.
May the LORD Jesus Christ bless you with His wisdom and the courage
to follow Him!
Randy Lariscy :-)
President - WordTruth Press℠
Copyright 5/17/2000, Randy Lariscy.
