Question from a WordTruth.Com friend:

>>Is is scriptural for a divorced man to preach a message from the pulpit since for that limited time he would be considered the "pastor"?

WordTruth.Com Response:

I do not see where standing in the pulpit makes one a pastor. The pastor is the highest leadership position in the local church. He is the "shepherd" of the church (1 Timothy 3:1) who reports to the "Chief Shepherd" who is our LORD Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:1-4). The pastor is an individual with certain gifts as well as extremely strong character. The local church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in conformance to the biblical guidelines, calls a man of God to become its pastor.

One who is asked to speak from the pulpit is not  automatically a pastor. A preacher, perhaps, but not a pastor. There is a distinction in the role that must be recognized.

Now the issue is whether anyone who steps into the pulpit must conform to the biblical guidelines for a pastor. I do not think that is the case. Many may be called to speak from the pulpit to give a testimony or share some insights from a mission trip or teach on a particular subject that would not qualify, and should not be required to qualify, for the church position of pastor. Yet the body of Christ can be edified by such messages.

Another issue to consider is whether the church should allow a guest preacher (or interim preacher) into the pulpit who does not conform to the biblical guidelines for a pastor. I believe that he should. The congregation will certainly be expecting that the one who preaches from the pulpit as a preacher is one who not only has the spiritual gifts for that role but the character qualifications as well (ref. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9). One who preaches from the pulpit with the authority of a preacher will certainly be under the same scrutiny as would a pastor. And I believe these qualifications are fitting for a man who would preach the word of God from the pulpit.

The local church elders in conjunction with the senior pastor should determine the guidelines for allowing someone to speak from the pulpit and in what capacity. Certainly, the guidelines for a guest preacher or interim preacher (not the examples of a testimony or missions trip summary), should be clearly articulated before the church puts someone into that role. This process will avoid any confusion on the part of the congregation and ensure that the name of Christ is not denigrated because of wrong expectations.

May God bless you with wisdom to know His will and the courage to follow Him!

  Randy Lariscy :-)
  Director - WordTruth.Com Ministry

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Copyright 5/14/2000, Randy Lariscy.