The Divorcee:
 

I was reading about the qualifications of bishops and deacons. As I reflected on this, an interesting question came to mind.

Assuming the requirement of being the "husband of one wife" is to be interpreted as meaning that a man cannot be divorced and remarried...

What rolls, offices, or ministries might the remarried divorcee who wishes to serve become involved in?

Re: The Divorcee:
 

I believe all offices in the church are understood as either bishop/overseer/elder, or deacon/minister/servant. The word deacon means minister or servant. Those who are not elders or ministers (bishops or deacons) are to simply function in whatever capacity Christ has gifted them with. But they are not "deacons" or elders. Everyone has a role, function, or capacity. But elders and deacons are set forth as examples, among other things, and have a certain amount of representational authority. Hence they must be above reproach.

Re: The Divorcee:
 

:thumbsup

What about...?

Apostle
Pastor
Teacher
Prophet
Evangelist

I'm thinking a divorcee shouldn't serve as an apostle or pastor.

Can a divorcee function as a teacher, prophet, or evangelist?

Re: The Divorcee:
 

This is an interesting subject. I believe it should be interpreted as a man who is husband to one wife. As in he did not have more than one. I realize it is not often interpreted that way, but if taken literally, that is what it means.

Many people say that it means never married and divorced, then remarried.

I have also heard it applied to a widower. This interpretation says that if the wife of the deacon dies he is disqualified from being a deacon. Presumably he is no longer husband to one wife.

When you take into account that it was not unusual in biblical times for men to have multiple wives simultaneously, I believe that is what it refers to.

Re: The Divorcee:
 

Is the prohibition about divorce ? Polygamy ? Does it mean pastors are required to be married ? Which one is it ? Or is he referring to something else ?

Re: The Divorcee:
 

If the Pastor is the injured party, his wife was unfaithful and she leaves/divorces him, is he unqualified from ministry?

Re: The Divorcee:
 

No

Re: The Divorcee:
 

No, the instruction of husband of one wife meant the guy had to of been married at one point in time. Because ruling over a household was a criteria for the preacher to rule over the church assembly.

Re: The Divorcee:
 

That’s terrible. Who wants to be married? :foottap

Re: The Divorcee:
 

I’m glad my parents got married. I wouldn’t be here. :heeheehee