The Bible provides qualifications for deacons and elders in the church. When examining these qualifications, there is debate around whether being married is a requirement for deacons and elders.
Qualifications for Deacons
The qualifications for deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV):
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The main qualification in question is “Let deacons each be the husband of one wife.” Some interpret this to mean that deacons must be married men. However, the phrase could also be interpreted as saying that if a deacon is married, he must be faithful and committed to his wife.
There are a few reasons why being married may not be an absolute requirement for deacons:
- The qualifications do not explicitly state that deacons must be married. If that was a requirement, it seems reasonable that it would be clearly specified.
- Singleness is not presented as disqualifying. The focus is on moral conduct and spiritual maturity.
- Paul, who wrote the passage, affirms the value of singleness elsewhere (1 Cor. 7:32-35).
- Some early church fathers, like John Chrysostom, argued the passage permits unmarried men to be deacons.
At the same time, there are reasons why some interpret this passage to imply deacons should be married men:
- “Husband of one wife” implies the deacon is married to a woman. A single man cannot meet this qualification.
- Managing children and households suggests a deacon is a husband and father.
- The deacon’s marital faithfulness is emphasized, implying he is in a marriage.
- Most deacons in the early church were likely married men.
There are good arguments on both sides of this debate. Neither view seems definitively “right” or “wrong” based on this passage alone. Christians have interpreted this qualification differently throughout church history.
Qualifications for Elders
The Bible discusses qualifications for elders in Titus 1:5-9 (ESV):
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and 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. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
The relevant phrase is “the husband of one wife.” As with deacons, there is debate around whether this requires an elder to be married.
Reasons why some interpret this to permit unmarried elders:
- The phrase “husband of one wife” follows a statement about being above reproach. It may refer to sexual morality whether married or single.
- The rest of the qualifications focus on character and spiritual maturity, not marital status.
- Paul affirms singleness as beneficial for undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:32-35).
- Some early church leaders like Eusebius believed the phrase allows for unmarried elders.
Reasons why some see this as requiring elders to be married men:
- “Husband of one wife” implies the elder is currently married.
- The emphasis on managing children well assumes the elder has a family.
- This mirrors the qualifications for a synagogue ruler who was required to be married.
- Most elders in the early church were married men.
As with deacons, there are good points on both sides of the debate about whether elders are required to be married based on this passage. Christians have interpreted this qualification differently throughout history.
Examples of Unmarried Church Leaders
When examining whether unmarried men can serve as deacons and elders, it can be helpful to look at biblical examples of unmarried men who served in significant church leadership roles:
- Jesus – He was single during his earthly ministry and called the 12 apostles.
- Paul – He was celibate and planted churches, trained leaders like Timothy and Titus, and wrote 13 books of the New Testament.
- Barnabas – He traveled with Paul on missionary journeys and was referred to as an apostle, though likely unmarried.
- Timothy – Paul entrusted ministry to unmarried Timothy, calling him his “true child in the faith.”
- John the Baptist – He prepared the way for Jesus as a prophetic, unmarried voice.
While these examples do not definitively settle the interpretation of the qualification passages, they do show that God calls and uses unmarried men in positions of spiritual leadership and authority.
Different Views Among Christians
Throughout church history, there has been disagreement among Christians on whether deacons and elders can be unmarried men:
- Roman Catholicism – Requires deacons and priests to either be unmarried or celibate.
- Eastern Orthodoxy – Allows married and unmarried men to be ordained as deacons and priests, but bishops must either be unmarried or celibate.
- Anglican/Episcopalian – Permits unmarried men to serve as deacons and priests. Bishops are selected from among the unmarried priests.
- Lutheranism – Allows unmarried men to serve as deacons and pastors.
- Presbyterianism – Generally requires deacons and elders to be married men, believing this is implied in the qualification passages.
- Baptist – Varies by congregation. Some only permit married men as deacons/elders while others allow unmarried men.
- Non-denominational – Policies vary by individual church. Some only allow married men to serve while others permit unmarried men.
This diversity of perspectives shows there is no consensus among faithful Christians on whether Scripture requires deacons and elders to be married. It is an issue where churches and denominations have freedom to prayerfully follow their convictions.
Issues and Implications
Churches that only permit married men to serve as deacons and elders point to several concerns they see with allowing unmarried men in these roles:
- Not living out the requirement for “husband of one wife” as stated in the qualification passages
- Missing the experiential wisdom and maturity that comes from marriage and family life
- Being unable to relate as well to the married majority of their congregation
- Potentially higher temptation toward sexual sin
Churches who welcome unmarried men as deacons and elders believe they offer unique contributions:
- An example of faithful Christian singleness for their unmarried members
- Undivided devotion and time for prayer and ministry
- A perspective beyond the married with children demographic
- Modeling celibate obedience to Christ
This shows there are good-faith reasons on both sides of this issue. It is a complex situation with implications for the qualification passages, leadership examples, church polity, and pastoral ministry. Faithful Christians can thoughtfully come to different conclusions.
Conclusion
In summary, while Scripture provides qualifications for deacons and elders, there is no consensus on whether being married is an absolute requirement. Historically, Christians have held different interpretations of the key qualification passages about “husband of one wife.” Church traditions have taken varying approaches in their policies on whether unmarried men can serve in deacon and elder roles. Each church must carefully study the Scriptures and thoughtfully follow their convictions on this debated issue with humility.
