1 Timothy 3:1 - 7
NKJV - 1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
May God have mercy. I assume that the pastor should be conversant with the Word of God as contained in the books of Proverb 13 vs 24 & 1st Samuel 3 vs 11-14. We are in the period of The Grace of God. He can retrace his steps very quickly by asking God for forgiveness and mercy. If it is the will of God, no doubt he will be spared.
The answer is found in 1st Timothy chapter 3
Wouldn't celibacy solve this problem?
I agree celibacy is a choice. I am proposing it as a solution to the problem.
No mixing the Word of God with the idea of man. God has set a standard as recorded in the book of Timothy and He has so graciously warned of the implication as in the case of Eli. Apostle Paul may have decided to serve and work for God as also recorded in the book of Act and the Epistles.
Which one would you prefer to lead a church? A celibate pastor or a pastor with unbelieving children, possibly drug addicts?
A celibate that has the old fire burning in him like Apostle Paul; not the end time type whose stock in trade are in shamelessly chasing after innocent children with their lobido, engaging in sexual immorality. Frankly, there are very few celibate out there.