The Free Will Baptist position on divorce and remarriage, and its effect on holding positions of leadership like deacon, varies. Here's a breakdown of the general principles and likely scenarios:
* General Emphasis on Biblical Standards: Free Will Baptists generally hold a high view of marriage as a lifelong covenant. They look to the Bible for guidance on divorce.
* Divorce and Remarriage: Divorce is generally viewed as undesirable and against God's ideal. However, most Free Will Baptist denominations and local churches recognize that divorce occurs due to sin and brokenness in the world.
* Varying Views on Acceptable Grounds for Divorce:
* Adultery: Most would agree that adultery is a biblically justifiable ground for divorce (based on Matthew 19:9).
* Desertion: Some also accept abandonment by an unbelieving spouse as a justifiable ground (based on 1 Corinthians 7:15).
* Other circumstances: Some churches allow divorce for reasons beyond just adultery and abandonment, based on interpretation of relevant Bible passages.
* Remarriage: Views on remarriage after divorce are also diverse:
* Allowed under Specific Circumstances: Some allow remarriage only if the divorce was based on biblical grounds (e.g., adultery) and the individual is considered the "innocent party".
* Restrictions on Leadership: Even if remarriage is allowed, a divorced and remarried person may be restricted from holding leadership positions like deacon, pastor, or other influential roles. The reasoning is often based on 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, which outline qualifications for church leaders and often emphasize being "the husband of one wife" and having a good reputation.
* Local Church Autonomy: Free Will Baptist churches are typically autonomous. This means each local church has significant freedom in interpreting and applying denominational guidelines.
* Factors Considered: When considering someone for leadership who has been divorced, a church might consider:
* The circumstances of the divorce: Was it biblically justifiable? Was the person repentant and seeking forgiveness?
* The person's current character and spiritual maturity: Are they living a life consistent with biblical principles?
* The potential impact on the church: Would their service as a deacon be a stumbling block to others or bring reproach on the church?
In conclusion: It is *possible* for a divorced person to become a deacon in a Free Will Baptist church, but it's not guaranteed. The specific circumstances of the divorce, the individual's repentance and current standing, and the local church's policies will all play a significant role in the decision. It's best to speak directly with the pastor or leadership of the specific Free Will Baptist church you're interested in to understand their particular stance on this matter.