Question from a WordTruth.Com friend:
>> Should a man married to a divorced woman (before she was a Christian) qualify to become a deacon or pastor?
WordTruth.Com 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 :-)
Director - WordTruth Ministries
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Web Site: WordTruth.ComCopyright 5/17/2000, Randy Lariscy.
