Why are there very few celebate protestant pastors?

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I am curious for some protestant opinions. Im not wanting to debate if it is right or wrong for the Church to require her priests to be celebate. I believe it is her choice and she can reverse this vow.
My question is more to hear protestant views as to why there are very very few pastors in the denominations who feel God is “calling” them to a life of chastity? I think protestants consider St Paul the greatest evangelist, or at least one of the most important. Catholics would not argue. But in light of Paul’s expressions regarding the greatness of being single over that of a married life, i would think there would be a few single pastors here and there.
I do believe single pastors are likely out there, but i have never heard of one, nor anyone i’ve asked…is that not curious?

Thanks for your responses,
Michael
 
Since pastors in most Protestant congregations are members of the congregation that carries with it administrative responsibilities as well as the responsibility of teaching the word and working with the congregation to better fulfill the Great Commission and to equip the saints, they are not necessarily seen as “separate”…they are simply one person or two, that share in caring for those in their congregation. They hold no priesthood any other member holds…“some are called to teach”…“He set various gifts within the church”…“each of is a member of the Body of Christ, the hand cannot say it has no need of the foot…”

Each person is to be dedicated to the service of God. The pastor is one from among the people themselves who has exhibited a gift of ministry. “If a man cannot take care of his own household, how can he take care of the household of faith?”

“Husbands, love your wives…” I have been under the ministry of a Mennonite Brethren pastor who was engaged…he was not yet married. The church community expected him and his fiance to remain chaste until married. There was no other option for them to do so and continue in church leadership.

Most Protestant pastors marry…it’s what people do…they get married and raise families…the responsibility of leadership is hes as “chief administrator”…but he still is one of the congregation.
 
rcwitness said:
I do believe single pastors are likely out there, but i have never heard of one, nor anyone i’ve asked…is that not curious?
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You’ve obviously never seen the mothers of marriagable daughters in action! Those few single pastors do not stay single for very long. Sometimes I think they marry in self-defense. 😃
 
Publisher said:
Since pastors in most Protestant congregations are members of the congregation that carries with it administrative responsibilities as well as the responsibility of teaching the word and working with the congregation to better fulfill the Great Commission and to equip the saints, they are not necessarily seen as “separate”…they are simply one person or two, that share in caring for those in their congregation. They hold no priesthood any other member holds…“some are called to teach”…“He set various gifts within the church”…“each of is a member of the Body of Christ, the hand cannot say it has no need of the foot…”

Each person is to be dedicated to the service of God. The pastor is one from among the people themselves who has exhibited a gift of ministry. “If a man cannot take care of his own household, how can he take care of the household of faith?”

“Husbands, love your wives…” I have been under the ministry of a Mennonite Brethren pastor who was engaged…he was not yet married. The church community expected him and his fiance to remain chaste until married. There was no other option for them to do so and continue in church leadership.

Most Protestant pastors marry…it’s what people do…they get married and raise families…the responsibility of leadership is hes as “chief administrator”…but he still is one of the congregation.
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Thanks publisher,
Im not sure that all related to the question. But no prob, i liked to hear your thoughts. I feel like you are getting into the role of pastor and priests and their relation to the rest of the body. This is pretty off topic. I am not even neccessarily suggesting Paul was speaking only to leaders. This im not sure of and is not relavent to my question. Im wondering why, among the protestant pastors, or shepherds of protestant congregations in particular are not choosing a life of celebacy? I dont think they are wrong to choose to get married by any means. They are free to do so.

Michael
 
Priesthood celibacy is a fairly recent innovation in terms of church discipline. I suppose the better question is, why must Roman Catholic priests (generally) not marry?
 
There may be more than you think. Just because they do not publicly announce their choice to be celibate, doesn’t mean they aren’t.

On the other hand, not everyone believes there is a connection between celibacy and God. It may even be argued that celibacy is unnatural - that it either obstructs or distorts the view of the human condition. What if Paul had not mention sex at all - what if he had extolled the virtues of vegetarianism instead. There is logical thread to follow - from ‘thou shalt not kill’ to ‘don’t kill animals and eat them’. There is plenty of discussion in the bible about food, the same temptations for overindulgence. I am personally relieved that John The Baptist wasn’t more revered, as I hate the idea of locust wings getting caught between my teeth.
 
rcwitness said:
I am curious for some protestant opinions. Im not wanting to debate if it is right or wrong for the Church to require her priests to be celebate. I believe it is her choice and she can reverse this vow.
My question is more to hear protestant views as to why there are very very few pastors in the denominations who feel God is “calling” them to a life of chastity? I think protestants consider St Paul the greatest evangelist, or at least one of the most important. Catholics would not argue. But in light of Paul’s expressions regarding the greatness of being single over that of a married life, i would think there would be a few single pastors here and there.
I do believe single pastors are likely out there, but i have never heard of one, nor anyone i’ve asked…is that not curious?

Thanks for your responses,
Michael
Click to expand...
few people were required or “asked” to take a vow of celibacy in the O.T. not even the "approved prophets – well maybe elisha ? or Elishaa

and the rules for the nazarite

“This is the law of the Nazarite.” Numb. 6:21
  1. No juice of GRAPE,
  2. No RAZOR approaches the Nazarite’s hair.
  3. He must AVOID ALL CONTACT WITH THE DEAD.
so you might ask-- why did the roman catholic church decide on it ?? well one answer

Why are priests in the Roman Catholic Church required to take a vow of celibacy?

Answer

Celibacy did not become an official requirement until the 12th century. Many of the early popes were married and some of their sons even became popes. The original purpose of the vow of celibacy for the priesthood was to ensure that property remained with the Church and was not inherited by a priest’s children.

Today the Church claims that the main reason for celibacy is to allow a priest to devote more effort to pastoral duties, and to show commitment to heavenly rather than earthly matters.

Answer
The spirit of celibacy has always been of the Church, though the law, as with all things human, became necessary at a low point in Its history. The original purpose of celibacy was an understanding, now much lost in modern times, that things “sanctified” or dedicated to God were “set aside” for God alone, for His service, to do His work.

so protestants are not called to become celebate – because it it a church made rule-- for holyness–

not a God made rule – as if saint paul was makeing a new rule–

he was presenting his “opinion” as he did in other locations of scripture
 
Indifferently said:
Priesthood celibacy is a fairly recent innovation in terms of church discipline. I suppose the better question is, why must Roman Catholic priests (generally) not marry?
Click to expand...
Perhaps bro, but i live in this generation and cant really speak of the pre celebacy requirement times and how many priests i knew that were living voluntarily celebate lives. Though, it is still a choice to be celebate for them now. They can choose not to be a priest. They can be a deacon.
 
I suspect that in modern times, the Church of Rome maintains the celibacy discipline, not especially out of a strong belief that it is necessary, but more from the practical point of view that they simply do not have the sort of money required to keep a priest and his family in decent living conditions on his stipend. I suspect this underlying, pragmatical reason is also why the Church of England and other Anglican provinces have begun to ‘ordain’ women - the priesthood then becomes a low-income profession, perhaps a secondary income in a family, rather than something which pays a decent wage.

(Of course, people shouldn’t go into the priesthood for money - but that is to say, they also should not go into the priesthood if it means their family will not be supported).
 
rcwitness said:
I am curious for some protestant opinions. Im not wanting to debate if it is right or wrong for the Church to require her priests to be celebate. I believe it is her choice and she can reverse this vow.
My question is more to hear protestant views as to why there are very very few pastors in the denominations who feel God is “calling” them to a life of chastity? I think protestants consider St Paul the greatest evangelist, or at least one of the most important. Catholics would not argue. But in light of Paul’s expressions regarding the greatness of being single over that of a married life, i would think there would be a few single pastors here and there.
I do believe single pastors are likely out there, but i have never heard of one, nor anyone i’ve asked…is that not curious?

Thanks for your responses,
Michael
Click to expand...
Single Protestant Pastors actually have a harder time getting hired at a church than those who are married. The reason is because single women in a Protestant church will often seek out a single Pastor. Along comes the ugly head of jealously and division.

There is the possibility of scandal too. Many in the church become concerned about married women being attracted to a single Pastor. Pastors serve in a nurturing/leadership capacity and women who are hurting are often drawn to them.
 
rcwitness said:
I am curious for some protestant opinions. Im not wanting to debate if it is right or wrong for the Church to require her priests to be celebate. I believe it is her choice and she can reverse this vow.
My question is more to hear protestant views as to why there are very very few pastors in the denominations who feel God is “calling” them to a life of chastity? I think protestants consider St Paul the greatest evangelist, or at least one of the most important. Catholics would not argue. But in light of Paul’s expressions regarding the greatness of being single over that of a married life, i would think there would be a few single pastors here and there.
I do believe single pastors are likely out there, but i have never heard of one, nor anyone i’ve asked…is that not curious?

Thanks for your responses,
Michael
Click to expand...
They probably do not usually remain celibate because since there is no authority they follow commanding them to do so, they naturally succumb to their natural, bodily inclination, and get married.

The only reason Roman Catholic priests don’t get married is because they actually discipline themselves, by the order of a higher authority, to do so.
 
Journey322 said:
Single Protestant Pastors actually have a harder time getting hired at a church than those who are married. The reason is because single women in a Protestant church will often seek out a single Pastor. Along comes the ugly head of jealously and division.

There is the possibility of scandal too. Many in the church become concerned about married women being attracted to a single Pastor. Pastors serve in a nurturing/leadership capacity and women who are hurting are often drawn to them.
Click to expand...
Finally a direct answer:)…not that i dont like the indirect ones. Im not a moderator;)

And i love many pastors of the denominations. I like kids runnin around too! But my main question is in regard to how many pastors seem so devoted to what life God is “calling” them
to live. If living single was so good in St Paul’s opinion, why is God calling so few of them to it?

Maybe thats not fair to say? Paul was not neccessarily “called” to be celebate.
 
Journey322 said:
Single Protestant Pastors actually have a harder time getting hired at a church than those who are married. The reason is because single women in a Protestant church will often seek out a single Pastor. Along comes the ugly head of jealously and division.

There is the possibility of scandal too. Many in the church become concerned about married women being attracted to a single Pastor. Pastors serve in a nurturing/leadership capacity and women who are hurting are often drawn to them.
Click to expand...
I agree with this. At the Protestant churches I’ve been to, I don’t recall a single senior pastor (not sure about the associate ones). At some churches the pastor’s wife may be expected to be involved in the church.

Martin Luther married a former nun and some pastors may see him as a role model.
 
valerie10 said:
Why are priests in the Roman Catholic Church required to take a vow of celibacy?

Answer

Celibacy did not become an official requirement until the 12th century. Many of the early popes were married and some of their sons even became popes. The original purpose of the vow of celibacy for the priesthood was to ensure that property remained with the Church and was not inherited by a priest’s children.

Today the Church claims that the main reason for celibacy is to allow a priest to devote more effort to pastoral duties, and to show commitment to heavenly rather than earthly matters.

Answer
The spirit of celibacy has always been of the Church, though the law, as with all things human, became necessary at a low point in Its history. The original purpose of celibacy was an understanding, now much lost in modern times, that things “sanctified” or dedicated to God were “set aside” for God alone, for His service, to do His work.

so protestants are not called to become celebate – because it it a church made rule-- for holyness–

not a God made rule – as if saint paul was makeing a new rule–

he was presenting his “opinion” as he did in other locations of scripture
Click to expand...
Elaborating on these ideas: There are many other reasons and positive results of celibacy that may account for why the Church continued this practice beyond the 12th century. Celibacy in many cultures offers a person a spiritual/physical discipline that helps with spiritual focus and physical energy. (Yeah, I know that contradicts Kinsey and others but I don’t think Kinsey had his head on straight.)

Celibacy also offers to a Church community leaders who are less encumbered by family, mates, and the search for mates; they can focus on the religious life more, travel and move more easily, and worry about junior’s education less.

The original question of this thread is a very good one. Does it have anything to do with the history of the Reformation? Henry VIII? Attempts to distance oneself from the Catholic Church? I’m curious.
 
Offdoodykcrn said:
There may be more than you think. Just because they do not publicly announce their choice to be celibate, doesn’t mean they aren’t.

On the other hand, not everyone believes there is a connection between celibacy and God. It may even be argued that celibacy is unnatural - that it either obstructs or distorts the view of the human condition. What if Paul had not mention sex at all - what if he had extolled the virtues of vegetarianism instead. There is logical thread to follow - from ‘thou shalt not kill’ to ‘don’t kill animals and eat them’. There is plenty of discussion in the bible about food, the same temptations for overindulgence. I am personally relieved that John The Baptist wasn’t more revered, as I hate the idea of locust wings getting caught between my teeth.
Click to expand...
While you might think it unnatural, I would call it devotion. To devote ones mind, body and soul to God. To devote ones entire being to the Almighty. That’s what Priests do. That is what they are “called” to do. The Priesthood is not a “right”. Nobody is entitled to the Priesthood. There is nothing wrong with marriage. God calls most people to marriage (for the sake of building up His Kingdom). But it is true that anyone who “can” give up worldly things (including spouses) for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, should do so. Marriages are not eternal. Death breaks the marriage. “Til death do we part”. In Heaven there is no emphasis (at least none that was Divinely revealed to us) on marriage. There is only God, and all those whom chose Him over themselves, lived a good Catholic life, and were repentant upon their death to die in a state of grace. At the same time it is better to take a wife than to burn with desire. Celibacy is a beautiful gift of God. It is “not” something that should be ridiculed, looked down upon, or considered unnatural.
 
1 Timothy 3 lays out the requirements of pastors/bishops and deacons.

This is the standard most Baptists go by, and as the above verses mention wives and children, they certainly aren’t frowned upon. I’d say marriage is actually encouraged in pastors and deacons, rather.
 
Publisher said:
Hmmm, not a very charitable remark friend. 🤷
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Hey, it was just humor.
TC2 said:
1 Timothy 3 lays out the requirements of pastors/bishops and deacons.

This is the standard most Baptists go by, and as the above verses mention wives and children, they certainly aren’t frowned upon. I’d say marriage is actually encouraged in pastors and deacons, rather.
Click to expand...
Yes, a wife was definitely ok. But only one wife seems to be the jist of the qualification. But again, im not debating wheather its right or wrong for either protestants to marry or catholics not to. Just thoughts on why there are very few protestant pastors single, or more specifically celebate. And do you know any who are single?

Peace,
Michael
 
I don’t personally know any single pastors. This is either senior, assistant, youth or childrens pastors. All of the church websites I’ve browsed in my town/area (well, most of them) list on the staff page a pic of the pastor/ministerand his wife.

Oddly, I just realized that our church doesn’t do this. Lol.
But all of our ministers are married, as is our music director (not ordained), and all of the deacons.

Not sure if being widowed (widowered??) would null a deacons position. Hmmm, have to
ask about that…
 
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