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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, |
Subject: A divorced pastor in ministry? |
Bible Note: Hi everyone. I'm new here, but I wanted to throw in my 2 cents, as this particular subject is especially near and dear to my heart and is currently very relevant in my life. God called me into his service many years ago, though I have only recently answered that call. I have been married for 15 years, and am now in the process of getting divorced. Prior to initiating this, I prayed, studied the Word, sought counsel from reliable Christian friends and family, and finally decided that it was the right and Biblical course of action to take (marital infidelity was involved). Now, with that being said, my first assumption in answering God's call (shortly before divorce proceedings commenced) was that He wanted me to be a pastor. However, in my studies, I did happen upon this passage in question. It concerned me that I would not be allowed to fulfill my calling. I went through a period of extreme confusion and frustration. After much more study, prayer, and counsel, I came to realize that it was *me* who thought I was being called to the pulpit. God revealed to me that he was leading me into other ministries. The truth is that with being divorced, regardless of whether it can be Biblically supported, the effectiveness of a pulpit ministry would be greatly diminished. The effects of a perceived sin can be far more reaching than a technical non-sin. Many Christians with whom I have spoken believe that divorce is wrong, period, despite Christ's one allowance (Matt 19:8,9) that is additionally supported in Jeremiah 3:8. If I were to become a pastor now, what example does that set? Even though I can claim "I have the right to, because the Bible says divorce is allowable under my circumstances," what standard does that set for believers who are not as well versed in the Word? There is a reason why many quality seminaries will not accept students who have been divorced except in rare circumstances. As one other person suggested in this thread, rather than focusing on "what are my rights", the focus truly needs to be on "where is God calling me?" I always thought that I was going to become a pastor, but I know now that I am not. Rather, I am being called into other areas, which include teaching, and perhaps overseas missionary work. I'm good with that, because I know that God will lead me and use me where I can be most effective for Him. Bottom line, if someone has been divorced, they will be less effective as a pastor. It's unfortunate that the limiting factor has nothing to do with the individual, but rather perception of the congregation. It is my belief that this is why this stipulation was placed here. Anything that can be perceived as sin can be a stumbling block for other believers. Pastors must be above reproach, or even the perception of sin. |