Is it proper for a pastor be Single

[Van]

Would you say that in essence - take each candidate (in regards to a divorce ) on a case by case basis?

Absolutely, a divorce where the candidate was not the faithful spouse, after claiming they became a born anew Christian, would be a disqualification in my view. I have certainly come up short in my responsibilities to my wife of 50+ years, but to my way of thinking my love and devotion to her models my love and devotion to Christ. I cannot reconcile in my mind, how someone can commit to Christ yet not be committed to their spouse.

 

[canadyjd]

Suppose a man was married for 3--4 ears - was not faithful wife divorces and she re-marries.
Ten years later the unfaithful man gets saved - then re-married and has become faithful.
I would have no problem with him becoming a pastor.

On the above example ....Ten years later the unfaithful man rededicates his life to the Lord....... -

I belonged to a church that studied this issue very carefully for several months because we were considering ordaining a man for pastor that had been divorced prior to salvation.

Position #1 was that the relationship between a husband and wife in some way reflects the relationship between Christ and the church (we are the Bride of Christ). Therefore, any divorce in a Pastors history undermines his authority to preach.

Position #2 was that all sin is forgiven and removed upon salvation. Therefore, since the divorce was prior to salvation, the man was eligible.

It may have been the best discussion of such an issue I’ve ever seen in a church.

We voted to ordain him.

If the divorce occurred after salvation, unless the man reconciled to his wife (did not remarry) he was not eligible

Peace to you