The pastor is to be a husband - Part II

Paul was clear that he did not prohibit marriage, but believed it better to unmarried so you could devote all your efforts to God. That applied to all Christians, not just pastors. He did not prohibit pastors from marriage.

I don’t believe Paul intended pastors to be married and/or have children as a requirement for the position. If married (which was the general case for most people) then he must be a one woman kind of man. That means not only married to one woman, but faithful to her. If children, then trained to live godly lives in Christ Jesus. Additionally, he must manage his household well (not having undue financial burdens among other things) and not be prone to angry outbursts, having a good relationship with those outside the Christian community and so on.

The question of divorce falls into the category of bringing harm to the cause of Christ. If you believe God intends marriage to be a life long commitment between a man and woman, then a man leading God’s people should lead by example.

Scripture prohibits divorce in most cases, but does give exceptions, imo. Those are unfaithfulness by a spouse and a believer that is abandoned by an unbelieving spouse.

I don’t believe divorce automatically disqualifies a man from being pastor. Each case must be examined carefully by a search committee. Was the divorce prior to salvation? Was one of the exceptions applicable? How long since the divorce?

Certainly recent divorce should disqualify, imo, whether one of the exceptions apply or not, since it harms the cause of Christ and undermines the pastors message.

The prohibition against a woman being an elder applies to leadership authority within a church and does not apply to evangelism, imo.

peace to you