Ex-Church of Christ Support Board

I never saw a CoC minister who was not married. My guess is even being divorced for adultery would make you ineligible. I don't remember any whose wife died. I did hear of some CoC ministers who had affairs, for one ended ittheir preaching career, another survived it but was fired at the church it happened.

I never knew of a coC preacher of any real adult age that was a "never married". I do know one who is still preaching even though his wife left him some 15 or so years ago. He decided, after they had been married for probably ten years, that he should be a preacher. She didn't sign on for that duty. She tried it for a few years but finally walked away. Surprisingly, the congregation he was preaching for were able to accept it and he's still there. CoC royalty Guy Woods was in a similar situation. His wife left him because she wanted a better life than a coC preacher's salary, in those days, would provide.

I remember one who did not marry until he was in his mid 40s. And he married a woman who was 8-10 years older than him. I think his home church was in East Tennessee but he did Gospel Meetings in Kentucky and West Virginia with some regularity.

I've seen more than a few congregations where, if someone did not marry by the time they were about 23-24, some folks would start whispering: "I don't know this for sure but. . . Shhh. . . he/she might be. . . QUEER."

Shane R wrote: ↑Tue Sep 24, 2024 2:02 am I remember one who did not marry until he was in his mid 40s. And he married a woman who was 8-10 years older than him. I think his home church was in East Tennessee but he did Gospel Meetings in Kentucky and West Virginia with some regularity.

I've seen more than a few congregations where, if someone did not marry by the time they were about 23-24, some folks would start whispering: "I don't know this for sure but. . . Shhh. . . he/she might be. . . QUEER."

If you reach age 30 without marrying, you have committed an unpardonable sin in the coC.

Yeah, it’s not common to see a CoC minister who isn’t married. In the cases I’ve seen or heard about, if a minister gets divorced because of adultery, it usually disqualifies them from leadership roles. I know a few who had affairs, and one of them ended up losing their position entirely. Another managed to stay in ministry but was definitely let go by the church. It’s definitely a big deal in that community, and the reputation side of things can make or break someone’s career.

zeek wrote: ↑Wed Sep 25, 2024 9:14 pm
If you reach age 30 without marrying, you have committed an unpardonable sin in the coC.

Wow...I made it just under the wire at 29!!!