ANSWER: One does not have to marry in order to be a faithful Christian. It is clear that Paul was not married and that some of the apostles were. Apparently, the Lord’s brothers were also married (I Corinthians 9:5). In I Corinthians 7:8, Paul was speaking about a time when great distress (vs.26) was being placed upon Christians. He wrote, “I say therefore to the unmarried and the widows, it is good for them (during this period) to remain even as I (unmarried). But if they cannot contain (control their desires) let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.” The matter of one marrying or not marrying then is a matter of personal opinion with careful consideration toward one’s ability to do so without experiencing unlawful desires which could lead to fornication. That one is not commanded to marry or remain single is clear from this particular chapter.However, it is also clear from Scripture that none may impose their opinion on another, that is, none are permitted to command another to marry or remain single (I Timothy 4:1-5). Those who do so have departed from the faith!

A man cannot become an elder who is not scripturally married, however. In the list of qualifications given by God (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9) an elder must be the husband of one wife! These passages forever exclude the single man from becoming an elder! It is worthy of note that in the qualifications given for deacons in I Timothy 3:8-13, they, too, must be married!