A One-Woman Man

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife... (1 Timothy 3:2a)

An overseer—or pastor—is to be “above reproach.” That doesn’t mean that he will be perfect. No human being is, other than Jesus our Savior. It means that he will lead a godly life in his words and actions and not give enemies of Christ the opportunity to accuse and condemn him and his church.

As Paul explains what it means for a pastor to be above reproach, he begins with this phrase: “Faithful to his wife.” What the Bible literally says is, “A man of one woman.” A pastor is to be a one-woman man.

First, note the obvious implication: Pastors are allowed to be married! That’s very clear from the Bible. Even Jesus’ disciple Peter was married, along with Jesus’ brothers and a number of his other disciples (see Luke 4:38 and 1 Corinthians 9:5). It’s wrong for the Roman Catholic Church to prohibit its priests from marrying. That false command contradicts the clear teaching of the Bible and prevents men in ministry from enjoying one of God’s great blessings. It’s good for a pastor to be able to have a wife.

But second, let’s admit the sad reality: Pastors are not immune to sexual sins. Of all the downfalls that can destroy a pastor’s ministry, this is at the top of the list. Of all the things that bring scandal and shame to the Christian Church, this is perhaps the most damaging. When a pastor isn’t faithful to his wife, when he has an affair or hides secret mistresses or sexually abuses members of his flock, it harms people’s faith and damages his church’s reputation and disqualifies him from the ministry.

Does that give you something to pray for today? Pray for your pastor and his wife. If your pastor isn’t married, pray that God would shield him from the devil’s temptations. Even more, encourage your pastor and his wife in their marriage. Ensure they have the time and means to grow their relationship.

Of all the things that go into a pastor being above reproach, Paul mentions this first: A pastor is to be a one-woman man. When working well, a pastor’s relationship with his wife can serve as a powerful example of the blessings of marriage and as a beautiful picture of Jesus’ relationship with his church.

Dear Jesus, you command a Christian pastor to be above reproach and faithful to his wife. Bless our pastor and his wife with faithfulness to each other and a constantly growing faith in you. Amen.

Pastor Nathan