Type of Doctrine: Debated
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
-1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV
Why does it matter?
Recently there have been numerous cases of pastors and church leaders who have had some type of moral failure, character issue, or other issue which has led to the pastor being disqualified from ministry. Some of these situations have been in the news (due to the church or pastor being well known) while others have happened in obscurity. These situations are tragic and often cause enormous amounts of pain.
The main questions which will be considered below are: (1) when is a pastor disqualified? and (2) how long is a pastor disqualified? The classification of this doctrine is debated (i.e., whether it is a primary, secondary, or tertiary issue). Often the seriousness of the issue is determined based on the seriousness of the situation.
What is it?
Occasionally a church determines that its pastor(s) is disqualified (i.e., not qualified to be in church leadership any longer). Typically, a church views qualification for ministry according to the lists of qualities Paul gives for elders in Scripture (e.g., 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).
Concerning restoration, one must define what is meant. Specifically, are we talking about restoration to Jesus (i.e., forgiveness) or restoration to church leadership? A failure to define restoration can lead to massive miscommunications. A person can be restored to Christ with real repentance. But being restored to church leadership is a completely different matter. This requires building trust which has been broken (and may take a long time to rebuild).
Therefore, the main questions concerning disqualification at hand are: (1) when is a pastor disqualified? and (2) how long is a pastor disqualified?
When Is a Pastor Disqualified?
Since no church leader is perfect and without sin (1 John 1:8-10), it seems wrong for churches to expect perfection of church leaders. However, any chronic, unrepentant sin or continual falling short of the elder qualifications is definitely concerning and will likely lead to disqualification. But, clearly, there are also some issues that should lead to immediate disqualification even when the qualification is violated once (e.g., adultery, abuse, etc.). Thus, churches need wisdom so that they can know how to patiently bear with one another (Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:2), not expecting perfection, but they can still take the qualifications for church leadership and the church's health seriously (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1).
How Long is a Pastor Disqualified?
Scripture does not give a clear, one-size-fits-all timeline for how long before restoration to ministry can occur. Perhaps this is because of the complexity of issues that may arise. For example, building on the list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, should a pastor who is quarrelsome be disqualified for the same length of time as a pastor who has committed adultery? What about a pastor who is not hospitable? Or consider a pastor who loves money too much? What about a pastor who has rejected the Trinity? Also, consider the pastor's response: is the pastor repentant and willing to undergo a process of restoration? Thus, churches need wisdom and discernment in applying Scripture in the situations which may arise. Church leaders must consider the situation to determine how long the disqualification and restoration process must take.
Key Scriptures:
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Gal. 6:1 ESV).
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us" (1 John 1:9-10 ESV).
"Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses" (1 Tim. 5:19 ESV).
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector" (Matthew 18:15-17 ESV).
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1 ESV).
Qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV).
2 Views on Pastoral Disqualification
Can the Person Be Restored to Church Leadership? | Emphasis | Verses |
Yes | Grace | John 21:15-19; Gal. 6:1; 1 John 1:9 |
No | Holiness | 1 Tim. 3:1-7; James 3:1; 1 Cor. 9:27 |
Should a pastor be permanently disqualified? Some say yes and others say no. There doesn't appear to be a clear text or example of a disqualified elder coming back into church leadership from a moral failure in the New Testament. Therefore, churches must consider the relevant biblical texts, pray, and seek to wisely apply them to their particular situation.
Application
In conclusion, it may be helpful to think of two ditches to avoid. First, we shouldn't set the bar for church leadership so high that no one can live up to it. No church leader is perfect or without sin except for Jesus.
However, on the other hand, we should not quickly restore pastors either. Particularly, we should take our time with pastors who have fallen into serious sin. I've heard of numerous cases where a pastor has been secretly involved in sexual immorality for years, and even decades, while standing before God's people weekly and preaching God's Holy Scripture. How can this be? Perhaps certain situations, like this, will even mean disqualification for life (since the trust has been so eroded that it may not be possible to rebuild it).
Taking time is precisely what Paul is getting at before qualifying someone to be an elder in the first place: "He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Tim. 3:6). Surely, if he's open to restoration, Paul would be for taking our time after disqualification as well.
If you have been affected by a situation like this, it is my prayer that God gives you peace, healing, and restoration of joy in this challenging circumstance. However, if you're in the middle of this situation, it may take a while before God brings you through it. Still, I pray he does soon. I pray that you are able to find a loving church community, and if needed, I pray you are able to find a solid, Christian counselor. Lastly, I pray that you are able to draw closer to Jesus, our Savior, who is the perfect leader. He will never harm, abuse, or injure you. One day he will wipe every single tear from your eyes (Rev. 21:4).
If you are an elder involved in disqualifying behavior, then it is my prayer that your conscience is awakened to the seriousness of your actions and that you would repent. You may be able to trick people, but not God. Imagine standing before the throne: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1). Restoration to ministry should not be the priority at this point. Restoration to God should be your focus. And there is still hope for you to receive the forgiveness and grace of the gospel, but you must truly repent.
Where can I learn more?
Bibliography:
-Click here for an article from GotQuestions on pastoral restoration
-Click here for an article by Scotty Smith on disqualification on The Gospel Coalition's website
-Click here for an article from John Piper at Desiring God on pastoral disqualification