John SeCheverellAndrew Frank Noah Hoffman Brittany WestAaron Pfahler

PASTORAL DIVORCE: A CASE STUDY

Note denominational and congregational guidelines regarding pastoral divorce.

Look for any historical precedent within the congregational history

Attempt to ascertain what is meant by “irreconcilable differences”

If it is something illegal (i.e. physical abuse, child molestation) contact the authorities.

If it is something that is not, attempt to reconcile it quietly

PRELIMINARY ISSUES

Following the example of Christ, attempt to reconcile them back to one another

Assess the Church’s resources regarding couples therapy or support groups and the like.

Continue to listen and trust the body, perhaps someone knows something that the couple is not admitting that may

be helpful.Continue to listen to the couple as well, sometimes what is

said at first is not the whole of it.

RECONCILE THE IRRECONCILABLE

Issues like these are not contended with in a vacuum. They have to be dealt with while sermons are spoken, budgets are handled, and mentoring is taking place.

The load has to be shared in times of trial!

FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We would, if possible, attempt to aid the minister in reconciling their relationship

with their spouse through therapy and related means. If they still decided to split, and no reason of note was

ascertained, then we would look to denominational

precedent and congregational leanings to

decide.

CONCLUSION

HAVE A NICE DAY!