Leaving the Word of God to Serve Parliamentary Tables
McGeown argues from Scripture that ordained ministers must devote themselves entirely to preaching and pastoral care, and therefore cannot simultaneously hold political office, using the example of Free Presbyterian ministers in Northern Ireland. The article applies biblical principles about ministerial calling and the separation of duties to critique the practice of pastor-politicians, grounding the argument in passages like Acts 6:2 and 2 Timothy 2:3-6.
Martyn McGeown A minister of the Word and sacraments is to give himself “wholly” or “entirely” to the prayerful study and faithful preaching of the Holy Scriptures (I Tim. 4:15; Acts 6:4). Thus he is to serve Christ as a pastor or shepherd for the edification of his congregation. Therefore, unless a church is unable to support a preacher financially, he may not have a second job. This includes working in politics. Yet Rev. Ian Paisley and Rev. William McCrea have been working as preachers and...