Can A Man Serve As An Elder Whose Wife Is Not A Faithful Christian?

Can A Man Serve As An Elder Whose Wife Is Not A Faithful Christian?

Dear Bro. John:
May a church have an elder who has a wife who is either an unbeliever or a fallen-away member of the church?
-James

Dear Bro. James:
God's Word does not address you question directly, yet we can reach some conclusions that will appear reasonable to all thinking people.

The elder must have children that believe (Tit. 1:6). If it is important for his children to be Christians it would be even more so that his mate share the faith.

If she were not, folks would naturally wonder why is this so? Has he made no effort to win her? Is his private conduct at home such that she is not inclined to join him in serving God? Are there conflicts in their relationship that cause her not to confess Christ? What kind of spiritual devotion is reflected in his home life with an unbelieving mate?

The elder must be given to hospitality (Tit. 1:8). To have a hospital home, it is important that his wife share his love for the church and humanity.

Among the qualifications in I Timothy 3:11, Paul says, "Women in like manner must be grave....faithful in all things." There is some disagreement in the application of this passage. Some see it as qualifications for the wives of elders, other think it might be refer to women who serve the church as deacons serve. Whatever that conclusion it seems that it would be applicable to the wives of those men who are asked to lead the Lord's church.

It is difficult to imagine a congregation or a preacher that would consider choosing a man for an elder whose mate does not share his faith in Christ.

Whether it be that his wife has never confessed Christ or that she has fallen away from Him, such a brother should not be asked to fill the sacred office of elder/bishop over God's family.

Sincerely,

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