Does Divorce Disqualify a Pastor from Ministry?

Many Christian denominations and networks believe that divorce can affect a person’s eligibility for ministry, particularly key roles such as lead pastor. This perspective is rooted in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer must be “above reproach” and “the husband of one wife.” Some interpret this as disqualifying individuals with prior divorces. Josh and Sam discuss their views.

• • Divorce is not an unforgivable sin and should not be treated as such.
  • Important factors include the recency of the divorce and the backstory of the divorce.
  • Other issues include the ministry position, level of authority, and level of visibility.
  • How should we take into consideration biblical exceptions for divorce, like adultery, abandonment, and abuse?
  • Every divorce situation will need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Universal rules and sweeping generalities are difficult to create with divorce. 

Resources:

• The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

• Churchteams

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

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