Q. Bishop Houston does a man’s previous immoral lifestyle or sinful things he’s done in his life disqualify him from a leadership position in the church?
Answer: This is an awesome question. It’s a question I’ve had to answer for many, and it’s personally one of my favorite questions. I’ll be delighted to answer you.
Beloved, in my opinion, the most important biblical text, for your question is, found in 2 Corinthians 5: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (AMP) – *16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Him in this way. *17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].
You see, when we fully believe and trust, in other words, have “ALL CONFIDENCE” that it’s Jesus’ saving work that rescued or removed us from immoral harm or danger, we become a new creation. Our old concepts and views no longer exist. The blood of Jesus covers the sins of one’s pre-conversion. In Christ, our sins (immoral ways and thinking) are both exonerated and not remembered.
” Jeremiah 31:34 (Msg) says: They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart, and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree. Hebrews 8:12 (AMP) says: “For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 10:17 (Amp) says: “And their sins and their lawless acts I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].”
Paul understood it and believed and acknowledge it in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT) – *15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. *16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Beloved, God’s restorative blessing ought to humble us and inspire us to work for Him, understanding that whatever He accomplishes through us is to His glory and praise. It should also persuade others by giving them hope of being useful in God’s service, “whether it be in a leadership role or not).
Paul reminds the Corinthian saints that many of them were once in the fast lane, (getting drunk E & J, Crown Royal, Hennessy, The Bull, etc… Getting high smoking weed-kush-wet, shurm, crack, shooting heroin, cocaine, meth, etc.. Women abusers (beating and or cheating on your spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, and Women of the night too, were given a new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (CEV) says: Don’t you know that unjust people won’t inherit God’s kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Those who are sexually immoral, those who worship false gods, adulterers, both participants in same-sex intercourse, *10 thieves, the greedy, drunks, abusive people, and swindlers won’t inherit God’s kingdom. *11 That is what some of you used to be! But you were washed clean, you were made holy to God, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Paul delivers this message to everyone: our identification with Christ by faith means that we died with Him. Christ has completely dealt with our sins and the sentence has been erased. When we were restored to life in Him, we climbed into the vehicle of a new kind of life, rejuvenated by His Holy Spirit. So, we must no longer live as we did during pre-conversion. We now live our life for Him – Romans 6:8-11.
Now there are qualifications for elders (and deacons) found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus. They are character qualifications based upon a reasonable period lived as a Christian, not a new convert according to 1 Timothy 3:6. So actually, they don’t focus on anyone’s sins before salvation.
So, in general, the sins of anyone’s past as an unbeliever cannot disqualify a “new creation” from leading in the church or mystery. Now, if, for some reason, this individual’s past casts a shadow on his reputation inside or outside the church, rightly or wrongly, then it would seem best not to appoint him or her to a leadership role in the church.
I also do believe one’s past sins should be considered in certain instances, for the safety of the forgiven sinner and the reputation of the church. For example, if a convicted embezzler “pre-conversion” would best not be made the church treasurer. It may tempt that individual, or to make him or her vulnerable to suspicions and accusations.
Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you. Again, thank you for your question.
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
