S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

As a background, please read our article on the "husband of one wife" phrase in 1 Timothy 3:2,12 and Titus 1:6. While the qualification "husband of one wife" may, in some instances, disqualify a di...

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July 01 2013 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jim Tumlinson Supporter One beggar leading others to where the bread is

Why not? That's the question. There is no reason for him not to serve in church leadership unless his wife is not okay with it then they should work it out between themselves. To prevent a man in this situation from serving in leadership is legalistic and religious and wrong. Leadership by example is important as far a character growth and development in the both. No one is perfect so why try and act like it but give grace to all.

December 18 2013 • 7 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dan Lea Supporter

My sister (divorced from someone who abused drugs) married a divorced man about 35 years ago. She has a website called: http://forgive490.com/mainlanding.php and book with the same title: https://www.amazon.com/Forgive-Divine-Melissa-Lea-Leedom-ebook/dp/B00260GS0S#reader_B00260GS0S. He is now an ordained Chaplain. He visits people who are usually in hospice or may be in their last days. He also performs funerals for families that request him to perform these services. Maybe we should move on from what the "rules" are and focus on what good can come from a long-term marriage where both parties are positively contributing to society.

April 26 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Roger Hill Supporter

If the Bible is true, then I John 1:9 must apply. Divorce is sin, a very serious sin, and true repentance is necessary for forgiveness. "Cleansed from all unrighteousness" means just what it says. "All" means all. After repentance, after forgiveness, after cleansing, old things have passed away and all things have become new. 
The question becomes "Did he or didn't he truly repent?" Only God knows the heart of a man, for sure. If, however, his actions clearly indicate that he hasn't (You shall know them by their fruit), wisdom would hold off on any leadership position. Short of proof to the contrary, claimed repentance and, therefore, being clean, should be accepted. The Bible dictates caution and wisdom in putting anyone in leadership. The same standard applies to those starting out new in ministry and to those starting out again. "Let them be proven."

December 21 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Gary Wofford Supporter

The qualifications in Timothy and Titus are for "overseers" and "elders." There are also qualifications for pastor that are similar. All of these require that you be the "husband of one wife."

It likely depends on the place of leadership we are discussing. If not the husband of one wife, then you are technically disqualified for leadership in the highest ranks. But, if you are talking about someone in the church helping out with the youth meetings, or events, that type of leadership is likely different and probably does not come under the qualifications for pastor, overseer, or elder. 

We should always seek the best qualified person for the job at hand. Even someone helping with the youth group on sporting events and such should be of the highest character, if that person is available. Why would we endanger the reputation of the church with someone of ill repute in any form of leadership? The reputation of the church is one of the primary reasons for the qualifications given in Timothy and Titus. When possible, this should apply to all leaders in any place in the church. But, that does not always exist, and I would be very reluctant to support a Spanish Inquisition type of requirement for leaders in lower levels. Just because one is divorced and remarried should not disqualify them from service of any kind. When someone is saved, forgiven, and made new, they can serve in some very useful positions in the church and grace is the ruling principle in all that we do. 

Don't get legalistic with any decision you make or opinion you have. Grace is the overwhelming theme of the New Testament and we should extend that same grace to all around us and be a blessing to them in any way possible. You must take a balanced approach given the principles outlined in these answers. We may see some negative things about some individuals, but decide that their service is very valuable and needed. So, don't get too hung up on the strict qualifications for lower level leadership. Your question is just vague enough to make a clear cut answer difficult.

February 03 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Can a man who is married to a divorced woman serve in church leadership?

Whether a man married to a divorced woman can serve in church leadership depends on differing interpretations of scripture and specific religious doctrines, with some views allowing it and others disqualifying the individual. The primary biblical qualifications for leadership, particularly the phrase "husband of one wife," are often interpreted as a prohibition against polygamy rather than a blanket exclusion of those with divorced spouses. However, a leader's reputation must also be "above reproach," meaning a history of divorce could be a disqualifying factor if it has damaged their credibility in the community. 

Marrying a divorced woman is "adultery". Some believe that, based on interpretations of Matthew 5:31-32, a man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery, and therefore is not "above reproach".

However, note what Jesus said: " say to you that everyone divorcing his wife, except on account of fornication, makes her a subject for adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (Mt 5:31, 32)

Divorce. At the institution of marriage by the Creator, he made no provision for divorce. A man was to stick to his wife, and "they must become one flesh." (Ge 2:24)

In the Christian congregation, therefore, aside from death, which automatically breaks the marriage tie, the only other way it may be broken is on the ground of "fornication," which causes the offending one to become one flesh with an illicit partner. It, therefore, may be used by the innocent party as a ground for dissolving the marriage if that one chooses to do so, and the innocent one may then remarry.

The male partner who is not guilty of adultery/fornication can remarry, and also serve in congregation leadership, as he is free of sin/guilt.

Jesus taught that, without Scriptural grounds, a Christian could not divorce his wife and marry another. (Mt 5:32; 19:9)

Note Jesus' words in Matthew 19:9, Rotherham Bible.

9 And I say unto you, whosoever shall divorce his wife, saving for unfaithfulness, and shall marry another, committeth adultery.

A married overseer had to be faithful to his wife, not guilty of sexual misconduct.​—Heb 13:4.

The reputation of the Christian Congregation is one of the primary reasons for the qualifications given in Timothy and Titus.

As long as the male does not commit fornication /adultery by marrying another woman, then he is free to serve in the leadership of a congregation.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report