Sins can be forgiven, but when Scripture itself says even that situation means you are banned, you are banned.
It doesn't mean you can't still do other things to glorify God, though. Just not be an elder.
Do you also say presidents are free to run and get third terms of office?
Timothy 1:6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
Note the blameless part. No one is blameless, all have sinned in the eyes of the lord. I am sure you do not need a reference for that.
How do you allow for blameless to be “symbolized” and loosened in content while in the same verse require an etched in stone interpretation of the other part of the same scripture?
I am not being flippant, I am genuinely interested in the interpretation and understanding involved. This has me a bit baffled spiritually to be honest. I am one who does tend to go as literal as I can in scripture but this would pose a impossibility.
The Constitution doesn’t recognize a new birth. Christianity did and does.
Does “one wife” mean a widower cannot marry again and serve?
You DO realize polygamy was common at the time, don’t you?
How many deacons or pastors are asked about how HOSPITABLE they were BEFORE coming to Jesus?
Could a FORMER alcoholic, who changed after believing, qualify?
“make his children obey him with all respect. 5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?”
Umm...how many deacons and pastors would pass THAT test? Seriously, “PK Kids” have a reputation and it isn’t a good one!
How many deacons WERE “sober and self-controlled” before conversion? How many refused to chase money BEFORE conversion? In short, how many lived like mature Christians BEFORE they were believers?
Any?
I’ve never met one. If they didn’t change at conversion, why would I believe they converted?