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I don't think the Bible is as clear on that as most people think. The husband of one wife could just as easily mean monogamy vs. polygamy. But I do prefer to err on the side of caution. I am divorced, and I would not seek to be an elder, and I would refuse the position if it was offered to me. I am not convinced I am disqualified, but I would rather not take the chance of disobeying my Lord in ignorance.Originally posted by thjplgvp:
I am stating that divorce does not disqualify a person from serving in ministry only from taking the overseership in a church.
Tell that to a myriad of missionary groups. I applied to many organizations for missionary work back in my late 30s and my application was rejected from every organization except one based on the fact that I was divorced as a non-Christian.Originally posted by Rev. Lowery:
What we did pre-salvation is of no concern.
I believe in the security of the believer. I also believe in staying married. But I don't think there's a connection. The relationship between a husband and his bride may be a reflection of God and His bride, but they are not the same thing. For one thing, God is perfect and is able to make His bride perfect.Originally posted by Shiloh:
If you believe in the security of the believer then you must believe in staying married.
Well, that's what happened to me TWICE. The mother of my children "converted" to Islam (the quotes mean I doubt she believes in anything but whatever gets her what she wants), and ran off to Germany. I consider that a blessing, since I have 100% custody of my children and I can raise them in a Christian environment.Originally posted by bapmom:
In the very least it indicates that if the believer was married to an UNbeliever and the UNbeliever chooses to leave than the believer is now free.
This is an excellent point, and it is suspiciously overlooked by those who are convinced they are "holier than the rest of us".Originally posted by Scott J:
That would include not only sinful thoughts but benign romantic thoughts as well. I am willing to conjecture that this would disqualify almost everyone if not everyone on this board who pastors.