Can a Divorced Man Pastor a Church?
by Pastor Philip Ayers Can a divorced man pastor a church? This is a greatly debated issue among conservative believers. Those of you who know me realize I am very conservative in my doctrine and Biblical intrepretation. However, I do interpret the Bible differently from other Conservatives when considering the allowing of divorced men to pastor. Most believe that a divorced man cannot serve as a pastor or in a leadership role within the local church. First Timothy 3 lists the qualifications for bishops (pastors, elders). The controversial second verse says, “The husband of one wife.” Many believe this means literally one wife or never have been divorced. Others suggest it refers to bigamy or one wife at a time. Some teach it means a man must be married in order to serve, thus removing single men from any opportunity of leadership service. These interpretations lead to many other problems. What about a man who practices homosexuality but remains married? Can he still lead a church simp
