Question of the day
When Kenneth and Gloria started their journey of faith they had question too – lots of them! So, we’ve compiled the most frequent asked questions by people like you – people who earnestly desire to find God’s answers to the practical, real-life challenges of everyday living. We have a new question every day, so check back often.
Date
30 Oct 2024
Q: Can a divorced person still minister?
Divorce is not God’s best, but it is also not the end of a victorious Christian life. What causes many churches to restrict ministry by a divorced person is the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy regarding selection of bishops, or elders, of the church: “So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife” (1 Timothy 3:2). They use this as a governing rule for their leaders in saying they cannot be in the ministry after they are divorced and remarried.
What must be understood in referencing this scripture is that at the time of this writing and in the city Timothy was ministering, it was not uncommon for men to have more than one wife at a time. So, the Apostle Paul was not writing about divorce. He was teaching them that if someone wanted to be a bishop in the church, he could have only one wife. Romans 8:1 says, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” As believers, we can expect to be led by the Spirit of God and know that He does not bring condemnation against us. As a divorced Christian, you can be sure that you have a special place in God’s plan, and through Him, you can walk in victory and fulfill everything God has called you to accomplish!
If God has called you, be available to Him. Make your preparations and be ready in season and out (2 Timothy 4:1-5). God will surely make the way.