Rethinking the Role of Singleness in the Church
As a single pastor, I’ve often found myself at the center of a paradox. In the UK, where I’m based, single pastors are not uncommon, and many have gone on to become respected leaders in their communities. However, in America, the situation is quite different. A ministry leader recently reached out to me from across the pond, seeking my perspective as a single pastor. His reason for doing so was revealing: he couldn’t find any single pastors in the States to talk to.
This encounter left me wondering: why do American churches seem to prefer married pastors? Over the past few years, I’ve spent considerable time traveling to various churches and states, and I’ve identified four primary reasons for this preference.
The Assumption of Deficiency
Many churches assume that an unmarried pastor will be less effective in ministering to families. While it’s true that married pastors may have valuable experience in this area, it’s not necessarily a guarantee. Moreover, a pastor’s effectiveness is ultimately determined by their handling of the Word of God, not their personal experiences.
The Unfair Expectation of a “Free” Staff Member
Some churches assume that a married pastor comes with an additional staff member – their spouse – who will work for free. This is an unfair expectation, as not every pastor’s wife is gifted in pastoral ministry or able to devote the equivalent hours of a full-time job to the church.
The Misconception of Singleness as a Hindrance
Paul commends singleness as a state that allows individuals to serve the Lord without distraction (1 Cor. 7:35). Rather than hindering the Lord’s work, singleness can actually enable more of it. We must recognize that a single pastor doesn’t necessarily mean half the resources; it can mean a unique opportunity for undivided devotion to the Lord.
The Suspicion of Something Being Wrong
Perhaps the most significant reason churches prefer married pastors is the suspicion that there must be something wrong with someone if they’re not married. This gets to the heart of our evangelical culture’s view of marriage as a sign of spiritual maturity. We must challenge this assumption and recognize that singleness is not a sign of immaturity or a lack of commitment.
Reevaluating Our Views on Singleness
Our problem is not with single pastors; it’s with singleness itself. We’ve not paid close enough attention to what the New Testament has to say on the matter. It’s time for us to reevaluate our views on singleness and recognize its value in the life of the church.
A New Perspective
By rethinking the role of singleness in the church, we can begin to see it as a gift, not a hindrance. We can recognize the unique opportunities it affords for undivided devotion to the Lord and for contributing to the flourishing of the church as a whole. As we challenge our assumptions and misconceptions about singleness, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for all members, regardless of their marital status.
Leave a Reply