With our congregational meeting coming soon, the issue of qualifications for the office of elder has come up. It so happens I desire to be an elder in the church and know of many who will be nominating me. So this question has also been foremost in my mind of late.
In 1 timothy 3, we read of the qualifications for overseer and deacons. But there is a portion (in bold) that I need insight and help with:
Is a man, desiring to be an elder, that has no kids, and no wife, qualified to be an elder?
We assume the Apostle Paul never had a wife so I imagine many will say it doesn't matter if you are unwed. (I would say, you should [normatively] only be unwed if God has given you the rare gift of celibacy.
What happens if that man has been divorced? I am of the belief that if it has been a lawful divorce, this would not exclude him from said office.
If he has no children, how is it shown he can "take care of the church of God"? Do childless men get a *pass* in this regard?
Also, what has been the historical, reformed understanding of this? What is the modern day understanding / practice of this throughout reformed churches?
{Note: I have 4 children and 1 wife, have not been divorced, so this question doesn't relate to me.}
[Edited on 8-3-2006 by mangum]
In 1 timothy 3, we read of the qualifications for overseer and deacons. But there is a portion (in bold) that I need insight and help with:
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Is a man, desiring to be an elder, that has no kids, and no wife, qualified to be an elder?
We assume the Apostle Paul never had a wife so I imagine many will say it doesn't matter if you are unwed. (I would say, you should [normatively] only be unwed if God has given you the rare gift of celibacy.
What happens if that man has been divorced? I am of the belief that if it has been a lawful divorce, this would not exclude him from said office.
If he has no children, how is it shown he can "take care of the church of God"? Do childless men get a *pass* in this regard?
Also, what has been the historical, reformed understanding of this? What is the modern day understanding / practice of this throughout reformed churches?
{Note: I have 4 children and 1 wife, have not been divorced, so this question doesn't relate to me.}
[Edited on 8-3-2006 by mangum]