Bible Question:
Hi Country Girl, This is concerning the strict qualifications both deacons and pastors share. My question is this:If a deacon or pastor was married and divorced before they became a Christian and/or called by God would this still apply. |
Bible Answer: There is a wide spectrum of interpretations on this issue. I can only tell you what I've experienced in my christian walk. Most of the congregations with whom we've worshiped hold that the qualification as given by Paul to Timothy and Titus was given in the "progressive" sense. Thus when the husband is no longer married, he's no longer qualified. Some groups even interpret this guidance this way when and if the wife dies. I have mixed feelings about that as it seems a little ultra-conservative. But I must admit when a man goes through a divorce, it does seem to give one reason to suspect the quality of his judgments which is a factor when he's making important and vital decisions for the church. Again, I would emphasize our Lord knows us best and that means He knows what's the best pattern to adopt for wide-scale use for the whole church throughout the world. What is your interpretation? How does your congregation/church handle this situation? Blessings to you. Country Girl |