<p>Is it a good idea for a pastor to refuse to perform any second marriages?</p>
This is an extremely difficult subject to make hard and fast decisions about. In part, it depends on the pastor’s view of second marriages. Some pastor’s believe that second marriages are unscriptural regardless of the circumstances. Others believe that remarriage is okay under certain circumstances such as adultery or other sexual perversions.
Ultimately, this is a decision that a pastor must make after prayer and bible study. If you will perform second marriages under some circumstances; then the circumstances must be clearly defined so everyone can easily understand and to safeguard yourself from a double standard.
If you say that you will not perform second marriages under any circumstances then you must be ready to abide by that even if it includes your own children or family members. And would this include the death of a spouse?
Some pastors refuse to perform second marriages but allow other ministers in their church to perform the ceremony. Many pastors will not officiate at the wedding but will pray or offer other remarks.
This is a very thorny issue and any pastor will face this problem through out the years of his ministry. Pray about and arrive at your decision with much study and then stick with your decision.
- Pastors:
