Ask the Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 08/30/2006

 

Divorced Ministers

 

Pastor Scott,

            “Is it biblically permissible for a minister to divorce and resume his pastorate?”

            Pastors must preach a high standard, calling people into a God-honoring lifestyle, and therefore, must live as examples. Because of their high visibility and greater responsibility, they will be “judged more strictly” (James 3:1). However, pastors are human and subject to the same temptations as all humanity--therein lies the rub.

            The Scriptures teach that divorce is a sin, caused by a stubborn unwillingness to reconcile (Matt 19:8). However, divorce is permissible when there is adultery (Matt 5:32), or when the unbelieving spouse abandons the marriage (1 Cor 7:15).

            There are extenuating circumstances than should be taken into account with divorced pastors. Did it occur because the pastor’s wife met someone online and skipped off to Vegas? Was the pastor the chief offender, resisting all council to reconcile--was he later repentant and broken?

            How we respond to this question may come down to our view of grace--God’s mercy.

            Pastors who have divorced ‘may’ be able to continue in ministry ‘if’... a king can still rule after committing murder and adultery (David)... an apostle can deny the Lord (Peter), or have persecute the church (Paul).

            Here is the larger question: Is God’s forgiveness absolute, or must the hammer of shame hang forever over those who have failed? The biblical accounts of David, Paul, and Peter, reveal a God who is willing to pardon the genuinely repentant--a God who pledges to "remembers their sins no more" (Jer 31:34).

            Nevertheless, there are cultural considerations and grievous sins that may disqualify people from ministry--to serve in ministry is not a divine 'right' but a privilege that can be forfeited by sin (Heb 5:4). No scripture explicitly forbids forgiven sinners to serve in ministry. Therefore, whenever possible, it is proper for us to extend grace.

            --Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)