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NASB | 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 3:2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, |
Bible Question:
I know the topic of divorce has been discussed a lot in the past. However, my quick search on the subject seems could not find me something relevant to the situation. Does this overseer also apply to choir conductor? Are we to terminate the choir conductor's ministry due to his/her recent divorce despite his/her most willingness to serve? Shalom Azure P.S. Sorry that I clicked the "note" button by mistake while this is in fact a question I wanted to ask. |
Bible Answer: Dear Sister Azure, Biblical membership in a local congregation entails both privileges and responsibilities. As Mark Dever put it, "To be a member is knowingly to be traveling together as aliens and strangers in this world as we head to our heavenly home." Christ is our king (Ephesians 5:23). Leadership is not something that the congregation confers on people. The congregation simply acknowledges Christ's choosing of ministers (2 Timothy 1:9). A local church has the Biblical responsibility to judge the lives and teaching of its leaders and members, particularly if or when those things compromise the church's witness of the Gospel. That's the purpose of church discipline. Church discipline can be exercised in a private manner -- at least initially -- when it comes to individual members. However, the lives of leaders are on display. A teacher, for example, teaches best by living out what he teaches. Consequently, compromised doctrine or practice in leaders needs to be dealt with publicly as an example (1 Timothy 5:20). We have Biblical precedent for this when Paul publicly rebuked Peter (Galatians 2:14) -- although, in that case, it was for Peter's failure to live out sound doctrine. I can't speak to the specific issue you have in mind. There are too many variables. But perhaps the general principles I've outlined above will help. In Him, Doc |