Single pastors dating

[falcownjannet]

That’s a really thoughtful set of questions. I think it’s usually wiser for a pastor to date someone outside his own congregation to avoid any potential tension or power imbalance. As for being a widower or divorced, what matters most is mutual respect, emotional maturity, and shared values rather than marital history. The denomination issue, like being Baptist or not, can be important to some, but faith in God and genuine connection should come first. It’s all about building a relationship that’s healthy and spiritually supportive for both people, regardless of background.

 

[Some Rando]

I Cor 6: 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I Cor 10: 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

In theory, I have no problem with a pastor dating a member of his congregation. In practicality, I have seen it cause problems on multiple occasion.

^^This^^
There is no right answer to this question. By which I mean, there is no "good" answer.
There is no scenario that doesn't conceivably (even probably) involve one or more people being hurt; perhaps an entire church body. Many of them perfectly innocent and through no fault of their own.
Frankly, this is one reason why I simply would not invite a single man (except you know him to be a confirmed bachelor) to pastor a church.
It's not a risk worth taking.

 

[JonC]

I think the pastor could date in or outside of his church. Denominational differences could be a problem, but not necessarily so.

I mentioned before my son abd his girlfriend. They date, but have set rules for themselves. They ate never alone in either of their homes (he lives with us, she shares an apartment with roommates). They are never alone after 10 pm. They treat dating seriously - not getting to know somebody but seeing if marriage may be in the future...they associated as friends long before they started dating and took the idea of dating seriously. Things like that.

I could see a single pastor dating a member of his congregation as an opportunity to show godliness in dating. There could be issues as well.

 

[Marooncat79]

We had a couple of young pastors doing that back in the day

They were both immature anyways, so it did not work out well

They were engaged then not engaged then dating again

 

[Salty]

I think the pastor could date in or outside of his church. Denominational differences could be a problem, but not necessarily so.

There is a local pastor - (Am Bap Convention) who is married to a Jew! -- Another local ABC pastor is married to a 7th Day Adv!

 

[JonC]

There is a local pastor - (Am Bap Convention) who is married to a Jew! -- Another local ABC pastor is married to a 7th Day Adv!

The heart wants what the heart wants, @Salty .

 

[Salty]

But can two Lutherans of different denominations get along?