Should Those Who Have Addiction Struggles Be Allowed In the Church Ministry?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Mar 11, 2016
3,055
241
63
Singapore
abigail.pro
#1
I have this friend / co-worker who goes to the same church as I. She smokes and has a girlfriend (lesbian). But she goes to church where she is accepted and not condemned while she goes through her struggles. Recently, she's been expressing interest to join the ministry. The ministry requirements are a grey area so she asked me if she should join. I honestly didn't know what to say.

So, I wanted to know, as Christians, should we let people who are going through struggles, especially addiction struggles, serve in the ministry?

What does the bible say about this?
 
Sep 12, 2017
65
2
0
#2
I have this friend / co-worker who goes to the same church as I. She smokes and has a girlfriend (lesbian). But she goes to church where she is accepted and not condemned while she goes through her struggles. Recently, she's been expressing interest to join the ministry. The ministry requirements are a grey area so she asked me if she should join. I honestly didn't know what to say.

So, I wanted to know, as Christians, should we let people who are going through struggles, especially addiction struggles, serve in the ministry?

What does the bible say about this?
What ministry does she want to be part of?
 
Last edited:

Locutus

Senior Member
Feb 10, 2017
5,928
685
113
#3
Why is she wanting to be in ministry?
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
12,820
8,596
113
#4
I have this friend / co-worker who goes to the same church as I. She smokes and has a girlfriend (lesbian). But she goes to church where she is accepted and not condemned while she goes through her struggles. Recently, she's been expressing interest to join the ministry. The ministry requirements are a grey area so she asked me if she should join. I honestly didn't know what to say.

So, I wanted to know, as Christians, should we let people who are going through struggles, especially addiction struggles, serve in the ministry?

What does the bible say about this?
I think struggles are a different category than poking God in the eye by saying sin isn't really sin. Is she struggling with homosexuality, and the desire to abstain from it? Or does she believe God is fine with her practicing homosexuality?

We all struggle to continually walk in the Spirit. So I don't think struggling is a disqualification for ministry. But to minister, especially to children, and display open rejection of God's wish to crucify the flesh, is dangerous, and I think wrong. Glad she has such a wonderful, loving sister in you.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,716
113
#7
The ministry requirements are a grey area so she
asked me if she should join. I honestly didn't know what to say.
I would suggest reading 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for a start on what is expected from those in ministry :)

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#8
That's a hard one, One of our leaders was a practicing homosexual who found God, Came to christ, Joined the fellowship. Got in a discipleship relationship. ended up finding a great Gal, got married has 2 kids who are entering ministry themselves. And worked his way to ministry leadership. Because of his faith and his testimony and his work in ministry.

So should they be banned from ministry? No! I was a divorced person who is remarried, and did not think I was qualified, But they showed me we all sin and what happened in the past in not us now.

I guess the question would be, are they still struggling, and how would it look if we give them this honor if they are still struggling? Would it help them heal, or would it be enabling them. Those are questions I think need asked.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,247
25,716
113
#9
Hmm, I never really asked. She only said she wanted to join the video team because she likes doing video stuff.
I see no problem if she is not using drugs or alcohol, although there may be those who would censure her lesbianism.
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#10
God has been using imperfect people to preach his perfect message from day one..........

This is not to say yes or no to the OP's question......to allow one with open sin to serve is to excuse said sin.....to me....if she is sincere about wanting to serve the first thing he should do is get right concerning her lesbianism.....JMO

This type of question has been discussed within the ranks of my friends who are preachers....for example....

How could an active lesbian or homosexual ever address lesbianism or homosexuality if the need ever arises?

How could an active drunk ever address the sin of drunkenness if the need arises?

How could an _______________________________________________________?

The logic bears out....MY first point about imperfect men is directed at those who have overcome, have a reputation and have gotten right and are attempting to serve God faithfully...

Just a few points to ponder.
 
Mar 11, 2016
3,055
241
63
Singapore
abigail.pro
#11
I think struggles are a different category than poking God in the eye by saying sin isn't really sin. Is she struggling with homosexuality, and the desire to abstain from it? Or does she believe God is fine with her practicing homosexuality?

We all struggle to continually walk in the Spirit. So I don't think struggling is a disqualification for ministry. But to minister, especially to children, and display open rejection of God's wish to crucify the flesh, is dangerous, and I think wrong. Glad she has such a wonderful, loving sister in you.
To be honest, I'm not sure if she had the desire to abstain from it. My church is grace-based and I think she somehow thought God is fine with it.

She just very recently started digging deeper into the Word, like maybe a month ago and she said there were some things she didn't understand before and now she's getting more confused. She's going through a sermon series about grace and foundational teachings about Christ's righteousness.

Then, a few days ago, she started asking me about the ministry. This was when I wasn't sure what to say.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#12
To be honest, I'm not sure if she had the desire to abstain from it. My church is grace-based and I think she somehow thought God is fine with it.

She just very recently started digging deeper into the Word, like maybe a month ago and she said there were some things she didn't understand before and now she's getting more confused. She's going through a sermon series about grace and foundational teachings about Christ's righteousness.

Then, a few days ago, she started asking me about the ministry. This was when I wasn't sure what to say.
sounds like she is a newer believer. Thats another question, is she mature enough. Anytime anyone goes into ministry, They are ripe for Attack by satan, Depending on what ministry, we can expect extreme attack (I know this from what I have seen and experience) if a child is not mature enough, it may be dangerous for them, they need to be prepared. One guy who was supposed to go into leadership with myself was told when I was how he would be attacked. We both said we were ready and could handle it, He ended up leaving the church and has not been back. The attack was foroscious, If not for my faith and my disciples helping me, I would not be here either.
 

Locutus

Senior Member
Feb 10, 2017
5,928
685
113
#13
It depends how she would work in the video ministry - editing videos, audio etc.

You do know that video's killing radio stars by the way.
 
Mar 11, 2016
3,055
241
63
Singapore
abigail.pro
#14
sounds like she is a newer believer. Thats another question, is she mature enough. Anytime anyone goes into ministry, They are ripe for Attack by satan, Depending on what ministry, we can expect extreme attack (I know this from what I have seen and experience) if a child is not mature enough, it may be dangerous for them, they need to be prepared. One guy who was supposed to go into leadership with myself was told when I was how he would be attacked. We both said we were ready and could handle it, He ended up leaving the church and has not been back. The attack was foroscious, If not for my faith and my disciples helping me, I would not be here either.
Ahh that makes sense. Another thing though. She's been in this church long before me. How should I tell her this without sounding, offending. We talked this week, and having nothing else to say, I told her to send her application and pray about it.
 
Jan 27, 2015
2,690
367
83
#15
I have this friend / co-worker who goes to the same church as I. She smokes and has a girlfriend (lesbian). But she goes to church where she is accepted and not condemned while she goes through her struggles. Recently, she's been expressing interest to join the ministry. The ministry requirements are a grey area so she asked me if she should join. I honestly didn't know what to say.

So, I wanted to know, as Christians, should we let people who are going through struggles, especially addiction struggles, serve in the ministry?

What does the bible say about this?
Struggles, yes. Patterns of deliberate sinful choices sans conviction, no.

Is she actually struggling with a smoking addiction and same-sex attraction, or is she living in both happily and without a care? The word "struggle" implies that she's putting up a fight. Honestly, having a girlfriend doesn't sound like she's actually fighting same-sex attraction, but indulging it. Nobody accidentally has a girlfriend. Can't speak on her smoking for sure, but that's usually a physical addiction that people have a hard time with, so given the known circumstances, it's a little more believable that she's actually struggling with that one. Bottom line is, I think the question of whether it's actually a struggle or if she's totally fine with it is an important question.

Also in ministry, a person has to be mindful of their "witness". How one is living (especially in a leadership position) matters. I don't think having a girlfriend as a woman is a good witness. You'd have to tell your friend something like that in love though.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
12,820
8,596
113
#16
To be honest, I'm not sure if she had the desire to abstain from it. My church is grace-based and I think she somehow thought God is fine with it.

She just very recently started digging deeper into the Word, like maybe a month ago and she said there were some things she didn't understand before and now she's getting more confused. She's going through a sermon series about grace and foundational teachings about Christ's righteousness.

Then, a few days ago, she started asking me about the ministry. This was when I wasn't sure what to say.
Well if she is studying Scripture and hungry for the Word, then that is a great sign the Holy Spirit is performing sanctifying work. Maybe she truly doesn't know that homosexuality is sinful. And He will reveal to her the changes in her life she needs to make.

Also, I don't see much danger in being a member of the tech crew. I'd be a little more leery about the Church itself, if it is teaching that homosexual relationships are ok.
 

Grandpa

Senior Member
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
3,188
113
#18
The big question is how do you find someone who doesn't have addiction struggles to serve in the ministry?


For some reason that I don't fully understand, the Lord makes us dependent on Him for all of our needs. I suppose those that are the most open and honest with their addictions are the ones that are bringing it to the Light.

Another strange thing that I don't fully understand is that old addictions have a way of creeping up on us. Especially when we think we have overcome them and no longer need the help of the Lord in that area.

There is no one more able to help people with problems than those who have gone through and are continuing to go through those same problems, imo.

A problem that I see with church is people that try too hard to look like they are perfect. People in ministry should understand better the power that is in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Power that we are all supposed to rely on and not some imagined obedience by our own strength.


I'm sure the enemy could take this and run with it, but bringing things into the Light when it is not comfortable to do so should be a big lesson to us. SHOULD be.... I'm speaking to myself here as much as to anyone else...
 
Mar 11, 2016
3,055
241
63
Singapore
abigail.pro
#19
Ohhh thank you for this Magenta. This clears up many of my doubts. I have not read this far in the NT yet xD

I would suggest reading 1 Timothy 3:1-13 for a start on what is expected from those in ministry :)

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
 
Mar 11, 2016
3,055
241
63
Singapore
abigail.pro
#20
Struggles, yes. Patterns of deliberate sinful choices sans conviction, no.

Is she actually struggling with a smoking addiction and same-sex attraction, or is she living in both happily and without a care? The word "struggle" implies that she's putting up a fight. Honestly, having a girlfriend doesn't sound like she's actually fighting same-sex attraction, but indulging it. Nobody accidentally has a girlfriend. Can't speak on her smoking for sure, but that's usually a physical addiction that people have a hard time with, so given the known circumstances, it's a little more believable that she's actually struggling with that one. Bottom line is, I think the question of whether it's actually a struggle or if she's totally fine with it is an important question.

Also in ministry, a person has to be mindful of their "witness". How one is living (especially in a leadership position) matters. I don't think having a girlfriend as a woman is a good witness. You'd have to tell your friend something like that in love though.
This is true. One of the reasons of my doubt is that I have observed changes in her ever since she started getting into the Word.

She's a very private person and though we're friends, we're not the closest. She just randomly sends me texts asking about these things, while she's reading her bible or listening to a sermon. So I'm not sure about the state of personal life now.

I guess I'm also afraid to ask her for more details that I'm only really giving her general advise.