Can a pastor drink?

Question

I really need some wisdom on this. Perhaps I'm just too religious. I recently found out my pastor has wine with dinner every now and then. Sometimes just to unwind, other times to 'set the mood' so to speak. I'm not sure what to think. My spouse and I are both in high positions of leadership in the church. They don't let members of the congregation know, or perhaps just a select few. I know the old, "IT HINDERS YOUR WITNESS" argument. Let's not go there. I get it. What else pro or con is IN THE BIBLE about drinking, especially in a position of leadership?

Forgive me for not being clear. I am not being condescending on this so please don't harass me. I'm genuinely bewildered. Also, it's kind of in the church by-laws, which the pastor helped to write that leaders cannot drink. Now I'm just rethinking that bit of it.

Answer 1

Well I would have to disagree with all these people..

I don't think he should be drinking.But with a lot of religions they think drinking,smoking, is okay...So why is it that the church members don't know that he drinks..look into the word of wisdom..

Answer 2

The idea that drinking is somehow immoral or wrong is a purely cultural one. During Jesus' time, he drank wine. He turned water into wine for Pete's sake! The early Christians had many debates about what foods were proper or improper to eat, because Gentiles were joining the movement that up till then had been mainly Jews. So, Peter and Paul both realized that nothing is "unclean" in and of itself, but it is whether or not it is a stumbling block. For example, I like to have an occasional drink, and drink wine, but if my sister-in-law who is an alcoholic is visiting, then I won't, and shouldn't. The movement against drinking as a moral issue really didn't come about as a major issue until the Temperance movement in the early 19th century. There's a difference between having a drink or two, and drunkenness, which no one, leader or not should be.

Answer 3

Christianity has always had communion. Many sects no longer offer it or have a communion with grape juice but there is nothing in the Bible or any other Christian doctrine against drinking alcohol.
The people who appeared in the Bible and those who wrote the Bible would have had reduced access to fresh drinking water in the amount that Americans now have, drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages was healthful and normal. Not a religious doctrine issue, just a personal one.

Answer 4

It really depends on your denomination's view on alcohol. Some are completely against it and some will say it's okay to drink it in moderation. Some churches, like Catholic and Anglican, still use real wine for the holy communion.
As far as the bible goes, wine was a common traditional drink at the time it was written, and let's not forget that Jesus himself made an excellent minute-old brew at a wedding party.

Answer 5

The Bible never says it is wrong to drink wine or any other alcholic beverage. It does say that we shouldn't be given to it, or drink it to the point of intoxication. I am a minister and personally don't drink and only have issues with Christians who drink wine only because they want to be able to say that they drink wine. As far as Christians go, I think that if stays within the confines of the home, then its a personal choice. But the problem is that, (like you are right now) when people find out that their minister drinks, they seem to want to ask questions.

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong with drinking now and then in moderation. Jesus drank wine at his friends' wedding, didn't He? As long as he is not drinking to excess, or getting drunk, why shouldn't your pastor be allowed to have a glass of wine? I haven't read the whole Bible or anything, but I don't think there's anything against wine in moderation. Don't worry so much!

Answer 7

There's nothing in the Bible against drinking alcohol. What the Bible says is wrong is drunkenness.
1 Timothy 5:23 says:
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Answer 8

lets see my brother is a minister and he drinks . my dad was a minister and he didn't but should have would have helped him to relax . my grandfather was a minister and he didn't
point can a minister drink yes they can .
should you drink ?
why would you consider a minister or other clergy having a drink to be not OK
getting drunk not good for anyone really
a drink here and there in moderation sure
take note
JESUS MADE WATER BARRELS TURN INTO GREAT WINE
GEE I WONDER WHAT DID JESUS THINK THE PEOPLE WOULD DO WITH THE WINE ?

Answer 9

In one of his letters to Timothy--I think it's the second, but I can't swear to that--Paul advises his fellow disciple to "take a little wine instead of water to help your digestion."

Jesus turned water into wine in his first miracle. So I think a moderate consumption of alcohol is certainly allowed. Timothy was a teacher and preacher, associated with Paul. That would lead me to believe a pastor could also take a little wine as long as it wasn't done to excess.

So I would say the answer to your question is yes.

Answer 10

Jesus and his apostles drank wine. That should be enough for anyone. It's hypocritical on the part of the elders to judge. In addition to drinking wine regularly, He also said let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Answer 11

Salud....1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.