AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question If I understand the scriptures correctly then being a divorced man I could not be a Pastor. What about a teacher or and evangelist. I believe I was called to do something along these lines.
Answer Dear Jeff,
Thank you for an unusual, but very interesting, question.
You do not provide any personal details so, as you will appreciate, my answer has to be very general. I should point out that, in spite of anything that I say, there are some Christian churches and/or denominations in which your marital state would not bar you from a pastoral ministry.
I would not, myself, have any particular problem with your divorce – although I am always saddened when couples who set out with high hopes and ideals come to the point of having to break up their marriage. Writing to Timothy, Paul gives the instruction that a church leader should be the husband of just one wife (I Tim 3:1ff). I interpret that as meaning that, while a divorcee is acceptable, those who divorce, and then remarry, are not suitable to lead a fellowship of God’s people. Of course, Paul provides a number of additional bench-marks that would not be met by many who are still happily married to their first wife!
In the same letter, Paul goes on to teach on the subject of other church workers – among whom we might include evangelist and teachers – and a similar set of requirements is laid down, including the one about one wife. This instruction is also given in his letter to Titus (1:6).
You state that you believe that you have been called to serve in some such capacity, and I am in no position to comment on that sense of calling. The best advice that I believe I could give you is to discuss the matter with the leadership of the congregation/fellowship to which you currently belong. In I Tim 3:10, Paul mentions the “testing” of those who would be church helpers and, “… if they pass the test, they are to serve.” It would, of course, be up to the local leadership to decide the form that any testing should take.
I fear that I may not have been of great assistance to you but, without additional details, it would be unwise of me to go any further. What I hope is that I may have provided extra avenues of thought, and that you will be able to pray this situation through until the Lord Himself makes His will clear. I would point out one other passage – James 1:3, where we are reminded that “…teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others”!!
I pray that you may know clear guidance, from the Lord Himself, as you seek His will for your life.
