“Lead By Example”

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

First of all, thank you for all y'all do for the Kingdom of God.  I know there are biblical requirements in order to be an elder, deacon, or preacher.  Are there any requirements for a man that is just leading a prayer or doing a devotional during worship times?  Or standing and speaking to the congregation?  Example: if a man is living in adultery (meaning he is not living his life as Christ would want), should he be leading prayer or preaching a lesson or be serving the Lord’s Supper?

Sincerely,
Vetting The Leadership

Dear Vetting The Leadership,

The only requirement for a man to participate in worship services is that he be living a faithful life.  You gave an example of a man living in adultery; this man would be disqualified from service because of his sinful lifestyle.  1 Cor 5:1-5 makes it clear that someone who has returned to ungodly living is to be disciplined by the church, not embraced.  The church has the responsibility to reprimand, exhort, and if they won’t repent, withdraw from christians who have returned to sin (1 Cor 5:11-13).  If someone is actively engaged in a sinful lifestyle, that would exclude them from any leadership position in worship until they repented.

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