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Divorced Deacons

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Shortandy, Jun 27, 2008.

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  1. Shortandy

    Shortandy New Member

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    My family and I have only been going to our church for 7 months now. Since we have been there it has come to our attention that our church has some real bagage on the divorced deacon issue. I am looking for some insight.

    Can a man who has been divorced serve as a deacon in a church? I look forward to your thoughts.
     
    #1 Shortandy, Jun 27, 2008
  2. Maestroh

    Maestroh New Member

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    Define

    This is one of those issues where it all depends upon how one renders certain passages. That said......


    8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

    The real question might be whether or not a divorced man fits those qualifications.
     
    #2 Maestroh, Jun 27, 2008
  3. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Timothy tells us that a deacon should be the husband of one wife. Now, does that mean divorce or bigamy? We like to say that the Bible says what it means. So if God would not allow divorced deacons, why did Paul not use the word divorced?

    On the other hand a man should not be appointed a deacon, if he was recently divorced. There should be a time of healing and getting his life straighten out first (whether he was the dumper or dumpee)

    As with all situations, each should be taken on a case by case basis.
    Other situations might his availability (due to working hours) to be an effective deacon; finances; personality and ect.

    Salty
     
    #3 Salty, Jun 27, 2008
  4. Allan

    Allan Active Member

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    Here is an interesting thought then. Can a man be a deacon and be single?
    The same question 'can' be asked of a pastor as well.
     
    #4 Allan, Jun 27, 2008
  5. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Excellent question. I had a friend at a church who would not permit him to be a deacon for years because he was single.

    To take it a step further, how about a widower? He is no longer married?
     
    #5 Salty, Jun 27, 2008
  6. MNJacob

    MNJacob Member

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    A more precise translation is "one woman man".

    Marriage isn't really mentioned.
     
    #6 MNJacob, Jun 27, 2008
  7. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    Not in our church they can't.
     
    #7 donnA, Jun 27, 2008
  8. rbell

    rbell Active Member

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    Well said.

    This is our policy as well.
     
    #8 rbell, Jun 27, 2008
  9. Cutter

    Cutter New Member

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    No, they cannot.
     
    #9 Cutter, Jun 28, 2008
  10. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    In my church, probably not, but in my memory, we've not been faced with answering that question.

    Divorce is less of a problem in my mind than his re-marriage.

    I was widowed in 1991, and my church allowed me to remain a deacon. In fact, the subject never came up.

    And a slight wrinke in the OP. Can a man be a deacon who is married to a woman with a living ex-husband? In my church, he can.
     
    #10 Tom Butler, Jun 28, 2008
  11. Maestroh

    Maestroh New Member

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    May I Ask A Stupid Question of the Board?


    Where does the passage say that a deacon is to be a 'one woman man?' I know it says that about the bishop, but where does it say that about the deacon?

    (Btw - I don't disagree, but what saith the text?)
     
    #11 Maestroh, Jun 28, 2008
  12. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I Tim 3:12 - from the Blue letter Bible
     
    #12 Salty, Jun 28, 2008
  13. Maestroh

    Maestroh New Member

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    Thank You


    You know, I looked in I Timothy 3 yesterday and didn't see it and started thinking maybe my tradition was clouding my judgment.

    I'd always thought that but I guess I just didn't look far enough.


    (Note: I have been under a LOT of stress lately - but this is still embarrassing).
     
    #13 Maestroh, Jun 28, 2008
  14. Shortandy

    Shortandy New Member

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    For those who have simply said "not in my church" or "no they can not" the question is why? Why can't a divorced person serve as a deacon in a church?
     
    #14 Shortandy, Jun 30, 2008
  15. DrRandyGrace

    DrRandyGrace New Member

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    A divorced man, who is otherwise qualified for service, may certainly serve as a deacon in the Church. Nowhere does the Bible prohibit his serving on the basis of his being divorced.
     
    #15 DrRandyGrace, Jun 30, 2008
  16. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    How about divorced and remarried. I think I have a problem with that senario.
     
    #16 Thinkingstuff, Jun 30, 2008
  17. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    dont worry, now you are permitted to embarrases me:laugh:

    Thats what neat about the Bap board, we can all help each other:1_grouphug:

    Salty
     
    #17 Salty, Jun 30, 2008
  18. pinoybaptist

    pinoybaptist Active Member
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    So, in the light of what you said is a more precise translation, and in what one poster here said that Paul was not alluding to divorce, or a divorced situation, does that mean that members of the congregation may have more than one wife and perhaps a paramour or paramours on the side ?
     
    #18 pinoybaptist, Jun 30, 2008
  19. Bartimaeus

    Bartimaeus New Member

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    What about being divorced and remarried five times?

    Bartimaeus
     
    #19 Bartimaeus, Jun 30, 2008
  20. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    It depends on the reason for divorce. If it was for legitimate reasons laid out in Scripture, nobody should have a problem with remarriage.
     
    #20 webdog, Jun 30, 2008
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