Divorce and Remarriage Policy Download our Divorce and Remarriage Policy.

Introduction

These guidelines are an attempt to respect Biblical teaching on divorce (cf. Matthew 5:31, 32; 19:3-9; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Malachi 2:16); to acknowledge that we all need Christ’s forgiveness and that His forgiveness and grace are available for any sin and the restoration of fellowship; and to apply Biblical teaching and the implications of that teaching to matters of divorce, remarriage, and church leadership at SCBC.

Divorce

Marriage has been instituted and ordained by God (Genesis 2:18, Ephesians 5:31). As a covenantal relationship which visibly expresses the relationship between God and His people, it is an indissoluble, sacred union between a man and a woman.

However, because of the fallenness of human nature and the resultant hardness of heart, the Scriptures permit divorce on two grounds:

In such cases, the offending spouse shall come under the discipline of the elders for the purpose of repentance and reconciliation. Should extensive efforts to achieve restoration fail, the offending spouse shall be separated from church membership. The “innocent” spouse is permitted, but not under obligation, to divorce his/her spouse and is encouraged to seek the counsel of the elders.

Remarriage

After divorce, the “innocent” spouse is free to remarry in the Lord. This should take place only after counsel has been sought through church elders. In cases where innocence is clouded, the Elder Board should examine each case on an individual basis.

The remarriage of believers may not be approved when:

Implications on Potential Church Leadership at SCBC

The covenant of marriage is very serious and solemn and, on one hand, seems to warrant exhaustive guidelines for church positions regarding it in order to protect it. On the other hand, due to the number of factors and unique circumstances that surround every marriage, it isn’t possible to put policies in print pertaining to every scenario. Therefore, the SCBC Elder Board will prayerfully evaluate each specific divorce and remarriage situation from the basis of Scripture and this policy statement.