Can an unmarried man be a deacon or elder?

Answer

The passages referring to the qualifications for an elder or deacon in the church are 1 Timothy 3:2, which states, “An overseer (elder) then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach”; 1 Timothy 3:12, which says, “Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households”; and Titus 1:6-7, which mentions, “. . . appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination…” Some interpret these passages to mean that an elder or deacon should be a married man.

The crucial point is not the marital status of the elder or deacon, but rather his moral and sexual integrity. This requirement is listed first because leaders are particularly vulnerable in this area. Some understand the deacon qualification “husband of one wife…” in 1 Timothy 3:12 to imply that a deacon must be married. However, “husband of one wife” in Greek literally means “one-woman man.” For a man to be considered for a church leadership role, if he is married, he must be devoted to his wife. This requirement emphasizes faithfulness in marriage and sexual purity, not mandatory marriage. If that were the case, a man would need to be married and have children, as the latter part of 1 Timothy 3:12 states, “…and manage his own household well.” The qualification should be understood as follows: If a man is married, he must be faithful to his wife. If he has children, he must manage them well.

Some believe this standard excludes unmarried men from church leadership. However, if that were Paul’s intention, he would have disqualified himself (1 Corinthians 7:8). A “one-woman man” is someone completely devoted to his wife, demonstrating singular commitment, affection, and.Sexual purity in both thought and deed is essential. Violating this principle means forfeiting blamelessness and no longer being “above reproach” «if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. », (Titus 1:6,7). «For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; », (Titus 1:6,7). Being single is praised by the Apostle Paul as enabling more faithful service to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Why would Paul restrict men from church leadership positions when he believes “…an unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs – how he can please the Lord” «But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: », (1 Corinthians 7:32)? In the first nine verses of this chapter, Paul establishes that both marriage and singleness are good and right before the Lord. An elder or deacon may be either married or single, as long as he meets the qualifications of godliness outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus.