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Divorce and Leadership

We believe that divorce is not what God wants from couples, but we also understand that it happens and that at times God allows for divorce.  While this paper is not designed to answer all questions concerning the nature of marriage, and the relationship that is Christ centered and God blessed, we will however answer the question:  Can a divorced person hold a position of leadership in the church?

While we understand the complex nature of the issue, our desire is to give a simple biblical answer, without sounding simplistic.  From our study, the only thing that is clear is "The husband of but one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2) is that this qualification rules out polygamy.  Therefore, we will not press this phrase beyond what is clear from the Scripture.

What is clear

• The Scripture allows for remarriage after the death of a spouse (1 Cor 7:39-40)

• Divorce is permitted for the act of being, or thinking of being, unfaithful (Matt 5:20-32)

• Desertion is grounds for divorce (1 Cor 7:12-16)

Therefore, if the divorce is based on Scriptural reasons, and a remarriage occurs, it is our position that the remarriage, or the divorce, does not bar a person from holding a leadership position at in the church.

(c) john o'keefe