Where In The Bible Does It Say That Pastors Can’t Drink Beer?

This is the 1st article in the “Where in the Bible does it say” series. Here’s the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Have you ever asked questions like: Where in the Bible does it say that it’s wrong for someone to drink beer, or to gossip, or dance, or talk publicly about sex, or smoke cigarettes, or listen to rap music, or find a wife, or…?

Question: Is it wrong for a pastor to ever drink wine or other alcoholic beverages?

Before we address those questions particularly, consider these three “real-life” scenarios and then decide for yourself.

Scenario #1. The caller is Jane, a relatively new believer and a member of your church. She calls her pastor at 11:00 p.m. on Friday night and is obviously quite upset.

Hello, pastor Charles? Yes, this is Jane. Pastor…John is leaving me for another woman. He’s in the bedroom packing his bags right now. He says he doesn’t love me anymore. I don’t know what to do. Will you please come over and talk to him?

I’m sorry, Jane. I really am. But unfortunately, I drank a few cans of beer tonight and I’m a bit tipsy. I can’t drive right now. Sorry.

Scenario #2. The caller is Michael, a non-Christian man who has been attending your church for a few months but hasn’t yet given his life to the Lord. He is very distraught at the moment.

Pastor Charles! Oh God, I don’t know what to do! The hospital just called me. My wife, Jane, was just in a terrible car accident. She was hit by a drunk driver. Oh pastor, will you please meet me at the hospital in fifteen minutes? Why did God let this happen?

I’m so sorry, Michael, really I am. That’s terrible news. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few glasses of wine tonight myself, and I’m in no condition to drive right now. Lord willing, she’ll make it through the night. But I’ll be at the hospital first thing tomorrow morning. Will that be alright?

Scenario #3. The callers are Michael and Jane. They are long-term members of your church and the main leaders in the youth program at your church.

Pastor…this is Michael Jenkins. You need to come to the church right now. Samantha, one of the kids who has been attending the youth group, just tried to commit suicide tonight by cutting herself. We just called 911 but you need to get here right away. There’s blood everywhere. The kids in the youth group are really upset. Hurry, please!

Wow, Michael, that’s terrible. Umm, I can’t make it right now, sorry.

What do you mean? Why can’t you get here?

Well…you see…my wife and I just finished off a bottle of red wine. I don’t think either of us should drive, just to be safe. I’m not drunk, just a bit light-headed is all. I don’t think the parents—(or the police)—would appreciate me hanging out with their kids right now. Can you call anyone else?

So, what do you think? Is it ever acceptable for a pastor to drink alcohol?

I could throw some theology at you about why pastors should never drink alcohol, but I thought these three scenarios would be a great place to start. I will definitely write a few more posts concerning the theology of alcohol and why pastors and church leaders shouldn’t consume liquor and other alcoholic beverages, but really, aren’t these three scenarios more than enough?

I mean, can you imagine the repercussions?

Question: Does the Bible condemn drunkenness? Yes, it does. It is wrong for any Christian to ever be drunk.

Question: Is it sinful to ever drink an alcoholic beverage now and then? No, it isn’t necessarily sinful, merely to drink a glass of wine or beer socially.

Question: Is it wise for church leaders to drink alcohol? Absolutely not!

OK, But Where In The Bible Does It Say It Is Wrong?

The main passages outlining the qualifications of a pastor/elder/overseer/bishop are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9; both of which are nearly identical lists. The few qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV) entail the following character qualifications for someone who is being considered as pastoral leader in the church:

“must be blameless” – The words “must be” are included, stressing the fact that what follows is absolutely necessary. Being “blameless” (“above reproach”) literally means “not to be held” in a criminal sense. This is the most important character qualification for the pastor, and the list of qualifications that follow elaborates on what it means to be “blameless.” There is to be no unrepentant sin that can be publicly named or pointed to in which the church or civil community is aware of. It doesn’t mean he is sinless or has never sinned, but that he can’t be held in contempt, either criminally, morally, socially, or ethically.

“sober-minded” – He is to be a serious man who knows how to order his priorities.

“of good behavior” – Means to be “orderly”…as opposed to being chaotic or disorganized.

“not given to wine” – Not a regular drinker of alcohol. The pastor must never consume alcohol because he could be called on at any time of the day or night to perform his duties and, therefore, his judgment must never be clouded by alcohol.

“must have a good testimony among those who are outside” – A pastor must have a good reputation with the surrounding community he lives and ministers in, particularly when it comes to unbelievers. Although non-Christians may disagree with his morals or spiritual beliefs, he must be respected as an honest, caring person (a good testimony).

QUESTION: Considering the three scenarios above, and these five character qualifications for a pastor found in the Bible…is it appropriate for a pastor to EVER drink an alcoholic beverage? Why or why not? (Please comment below.)

* Image credit: Sorceria (Creative Commons)

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Kevin Fiske

Can a pastor take NyQuil?
- http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht
  
  I sure hope so. I can’t stand head colds. ;-)
  I do believe there is a difference between taking cold medication/reliever and drinking social intoxicants to the point of a buzz or drunkenness. (As an FYI, someone very dear to me became an alcoholic by drinking 1/2 a bottle of NyQuil every night.)
Tom

As far as you don’t get drunk, it is not a sin at all.
Some conservative Christians just make that up to abstain pastors
from drinking. They fear their Pastor will go mad… But as far as you can control,
you CAN drink. I am a pastor and I drink beers (not liquors though) while
doing some fellowships! ^^
Richard L. Fairchild

In my opinion, from what I can see in the Bible, looking up the Hebrew words, and Greek words, and from what it says altogether in the Bible, to forbid drink is a foolish notion, whether unto pastors or laypeople. Drunk is drunk. One glass of wine, or one beer, or a little liquor is not drunk. Maybe even a little more is not drunk also. To circumscribe it plays into the devil’s hands. Yes, regarding the offense of another, that is something to definitely cause one to totally abstain; but unless you know another and they know you, also, for the weaker brother to judge the stronger brother is wrong.
http://www.craighurst.wordpress.com/ Craig Hurst

Charles, this is an issue I have battled in my head for years. I am personally of the belief that drinking in moderation is not a sin and it is a Christian liberty issue. I don’t drink myself but I have no problem with others doing it and I have several good friends who do (2-3 of them are pastors).

While I think the basic scenario you give makes a good point I have a problem. If God/Paul didn’t want pastors to drink at all because it might disqualify them from fulfilling one or more of the other qualifications then why does the text say “not given to wine”, which you define as ‘not always drinking’, instead of ‘not ever drinking’?It seems to me that if even the smallest amount of alcohol could disqualify a pastor from fulfilling one or more of the other qualifications then they would have to abstain period and that’s what Paul would have said. Even going with the argument that alcohol back then had a higher alcoholic content than today, one would have to have drunk more then in order to equal a drink today (depending on the drinks in comparison).

So, if abstinence was intended then why wasn’t it made that clear in the first place?

Does my question make sense?
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Craig, your question makes perfect sense. Actually, I don’t think it is a “sin” for a Christian to drink alcohol, even if they are a pastor. It certainly is a liberty issue. When people try to teach that the Bible teaches absolute abstinence from all alcohol, I just find too many holes in their arguments for them to be taken seriously on this issue. The Bible condemns drunkenness, not consumption.
  
  The basis of my article has to do with pastors, not Christians. I do not believe it is a “sin” for pastors to consume alcohol, whatsoever. I do, however, question the “wisdom” of it, for the reasons I have stated in the article and in the comments. I also personally know some pastors who drink alcohol occasionally and I believe it is well within their Christian liberty to do so. But the issue, again, comes into play about whether or not it is wise to do so, considering the responsibilities of a pastor, which can occur 24/7.
  
  Lastly, I always go back to when Paul wrote to Timothy saying that he should drink a little wine because of his stomach. It would seem that he had abstained altogether. But you also can’t deny the fact that Paul encouraged him to consume some wine. If consumption was prohibited behavior for a pastor, Paul would never have suggested it. I just see wisdom as the main issue in this Christian liberty, not sinfulness.
  
  Make sense?
  - http://www.craighurst.wordpress.com/ Craig Hurst
    
    So it’s unwise but not sinful. A friend and I recently had this discussion. He came from a background where he drank constantly for years and I came from a background where the closest thing I came to alcohol was stocking it at the grocery store and collecting empty cans for money:) He was of the opinion that it is unwise for any Christian to drink it though not sinful. I totally get where he is coming from but I still disagree with it.
    
    Aren’t there some verses in Prov. that deal with leaders (kings) and alcohol consumption? I think it gives some warnings because it can impair judgment and the like. Again, not outright condemnation but clear warning.
    
    Good discussion.
    - http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
      
      Yes, I think there are a fair amount of verses in Proverbs that deal with this issue. I should look those up. I guess the best way is to just settle on what Paul said in Romans 14:1-6. It was within his liberty to do so, but he would abstain if it would cause problems.
      
      “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God”
Katie Grant, author

I immediately think of a Doctor or Surgeon on call for the weekend=they don’t drink. Maybe its just that a pastor is always on call because you never know when God may call. I enjoyed all the controversy the article caused over drinking, I’m Christian and am enjoying a glass of wine right now. (watching Reality TV too, that may be a double whammy.)
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Katie, that’s what I think of as well. A pastor is on call 24/7. It is simply part of the position that we can be called on at any time of the day and for any reason. We need to be ready and sober-minded. Our role is different from that of a lay-Christian. (Enjoy your wine!) ;-)
http://www.jezjo.com/ Joie

I like this post. Pastors should not drink alcoholic beverages. Well said.
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Thanks Joie. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Blessings to you!
john c. o’keefe

i think you are so far off base it is amazing – first, that you would think (as you agreed with others) that all alcohol is off limits and that pastors should not drink beer or wine. no place in scripture does it forbid people from drinking, and you need to keep in mind that jesus’ very first miracle was to turn water into wine (the best wine, i might add) – the scripture you quote from 1 tim and titus say “not given to drunkenness.”

i believe the problem lies in that many conservative christians are looking for a way to justify their theology and in turn, they twist scripture to meet their point of view –

i have heard them say that the wine jesus turned from water was “new wine” or “sweet wine” and had no alcohol in it. but they forget that the only time the term “new wine” or “sweet wine” (gleukos) is in acts, when the the followers were accused of being drunk on “new wine” or “sweet wine.” when Jesus talks of “putting new wine in old skins” he uses the term “oinon neon” which translates as “wine that is new” and the story implies that alcohol is present in the wine, because the fermenting of the yeast would cause the skin to explode.so, you would teach that paul told timothy (a pastor, a leader) not to drink any wine if he was to be a leader in the church – yet, in 1 tim 5:23 paul tells timothy to drink wine, and not water – why would paul say “absolutely no wine” and then say “have some wine”? keeping in mind that the greek in both scriptures is “oinon” – that’s right, the exact same word – therefore it does not imply a medical value in the later scripture, because the word is the same and not modified by any other word – so, did paul lie when he told tim not to drink, or are you reading too much into the 1 tim 3:1-7? my guess, and this is just my guess, you are reading into scripture what is not there – nor is it implied.peacejohn
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  John, thanks for your reply. Obviously, I didn’t expect everyone (or even most people) to agree with my point of view. If you go back and read the article again, you’ll see that I don’t say it is sinful to drink alcohol, neither for a Christian or even a church leader, such as a pastor. What I did say, however, is that it is UNWISE for a pastor to drink alcohol. (the article does not deal with non-church leaders)
  
  Here’s what I said above: “Question: Does the Bible condemn drunkenness? Yes, it does. It is wrong for any Christian to ever be drunk. Question: Is it sinful to ever drink an alcoholic beverage now and then? No, it isn’t necessarily sinful, merely to drink a glass of wine or beer socially. Question: Is it wise for church leaders to drink alcohol? Absolutely not!”
  
  I appreciate your theology above, and I agree that it is the only genuine basis to determine whether something is true or untrue, biblically speaking. Moreover, I don’t want to hinder anyone’s Christian liberty. We have been set free from the burden of sin’s slavery, but we shouldn’t use our liberty as a cloak for licentiousness…or even the perception of licentiousness.
  
  Lastly, I disagree with your interpretation about 1 Timothy 5:23, where you wrote: “therefore it does not imply a medical value in the later scripture”. Paul wrote this to Timothy in that verse: “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” Obviously, it does appear to be suggesting that Timothy had stomach problems and other sicknesses (medical issues), and so the apostle suggested to Timothy to drink “a little wine” to help with that. Moreover, this verse would seem to suggest that Timothy, for whatever reason, had chosen to abstain from drinking alcohol altogether up to that point. Therefore, I don’t believe your interpretation is correct. The apostle Paul and Timothy didn’t believe that drinking alcohol was wrong or sinful, and neither do I. However, it seems to suggest that they…as church leaders…voluntarily abstained from drinking alcohol, so as not to be a stumbling block to others, to be blameless, not given to wine, and sober-minded.
  
  Do you agree?
  - john c. o’keefe
    
    my comments about the tim scripture was not based on the 5:23 verse, but the verse you quoted for making a case against drinking. my comment about a medical value, or exception, applies to the 3:17 verse – paul did not give a “medical exception” in the 3:17 verse.
    
    i also do not think tim abstained from drinking alcohol, and i do not see 5:23 as implying he did – wine and beer were the normal drinking for the day (and also throughout europe and the americas) because the water carried some pretty gross stuff (kind of like it does today).
    
    i also do not see the scripture saying we can not get drunk – keeping in mind, being a drunkard is very different from getting drunk.
    
    i also believe that we need to be very careful when we talk about “not being a stumbling block.” this places the responsibility of others on us, and that is not what it means. in fact, i have seen many christians become so righteous that they have become far more a stumbling block then me sharing a beer with a bud. keep in mind the “screw tape letters” :)
    
    now, if you wanted to say that “socially, and because of the responsibilities of the position drinking alcohol needs to be done with great care” – i’d buy that; or if you wanted to say “i, as a pastor, have decided not to drink because i believe alcohol will effect my ability to do the call” – as long as you are not saying it with a smirk – i’d buy that :)
    - http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
      
      Hello John. We may just have to agree to disagree, but that’s okay. I don’t think that I’m the “Christian liberty” police, so it isn’t my job to go around making to-do lists for people. Yet, at the same time, God has given us a list like that, called the Bible.
      
      If you are convinced in your own mind, then so be it. I do disagree, but it is certainly not a subject that should cause brothers in the Lord to separate over, etc. So let’s be sure not to do that. We simply have differing opinions.
      
      However, I would like to address one comment you made in your last post where you said, “i also do not see the scripture saying we can not get drunk – keeping in mind, being a drunkard is very different from getting drunk.”
      
      I do believe there are ample Scriptures which address this and that it is, most certainly, a sin to get drunk. You said there is a difference between getting drunk and being a drunkard, but how would you define it? I might say getting drunk once makes you a drunkard (I’m not saying that, by the way), but someone else might say getting drunk twice a month means you’re a drunkard. You see, that is very subjective. Actually, a murder only has to murder once to be a murderer. Same goes with a rapist. Same goes for a liar. Or a thief. And yes, I believe, a drunkard. At least, that’s my opinion.
      
      But who cares what I think. What does God say about it? Well, actually, He says getting drunk is sin and debauchery. In Ephesians 5:17-18 it says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”
      
      Like I said earlier…it just isn’t “wise” for a pastor to drink alcohol.
      - megan
        
        Charles,
        I agree with you as well. My pastor at one time (before he became a pastor) thought he had the “liberty” to drink and he nearly ruined his family, his business and nearly died before God finally woke him up. He has said that he believes now he could never take a drink or he would be a dead man. When he preaches now, it is not just at us, he says “I know whereof I speak.”
        Yes, technically we have that liberty. But it is too easy for that liberty to quickly turn into bondage. I am afraid of becoming addicted so I don’t do it. It feels very good to get giddy with a glass of wine, but it scares me so I don’t make it a practice or keep it in the house. Not that that makes me better than anyone, I have seen how easy it is to become addicted that’s all.
        
        http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
        
        Megan, your comments are very astute and wise. It is amazing how many people have been negatively impacted by alcohol and its abuse. And it is a crying shame when those problems invade the church and the people we fellowship with. Thanks for stopping by!
      - john c. o’keefe
        
        you are right, we see things very differently – and i am fine with that. i have zero issue with drinking, and i am very comfortable with that stance.
        
        getting drunk and being a drunkard are two very different animals – here is the difference. if you “have to” buy beer before you buy your child milk, you are a drunkard -
        
        peace bro :)
Stephanie Reed

I don’t think it’s right for any follower of Jesus to drink alcohol. I don’t want my behavior to tempt someone with alcoholic tendencies. Is it legal for me to drink? Sure. Is someome going to draw closer to Jesus because I have a drink? Never.
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Good insight, Stephanie.
  
  The alcoholic beverages of today are designed purely to enhance “social ease” around others, a feeling of light-headedness, and ultimately drunkenness. Really, alcoholic beverages serve no “positive” purpose at all, either morally, spiritually, or socially. I have also never heard of any unbeliever coming to the Lord because they saw or hung out with Christians who drank. Moreover, I’ve never heard of a believer’s walk with the Lord being blessed because they consumed alcohol. With this being the case, why would it ever be a good thing?
Nikki James

I agree with you 100% Finally a Pastor with brains! I got
into this with a local Pastor in my area he suppose to be a marriage expert.
Not sure what kind of church he has buts it’s pretty big. He has a talk show
where the callers email in and ask questions on marriage. There is a chat room
for when the show is on the air. He was talking about drinking and it’s ok. He
even talked about how he sat down with a Wiccan person. He had two beers.
That’s when I got upset because I believe drinking is wrong all the time but
especially in front of non believers. The Wiccan went on to tell him how cool
and laid back he was because he was not shoving religion down her throat for a
change and he had a beer with her. When I told him I thought it was a wrong he
tore me apart on the air and even swore at me. He thinks certain words are not
cussing because they are in the Bible and he went on from there to say how he
uses those words when he preaches. I said when you use them out of context it
is cussing. But that’s a whole different issue. We all know over time drinking
is bad for the liver and other organs. I’m not sure what’s all in beer but if
it’s bad for you why would you want to put that in your body even once when our
bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?

I personally think it is wrong to drink and especially in front of non
believers. What kind of example is that? Let’s take the scenario of husband and
wife. They are having a glass of wine or two or beer. Yes they are home for the
evening they had supper together and drank their wine or beer. Now their kids
go out to play and one falls down and needs to go to the ER. I don’t think
anyone should ever drive even its just one drink and they are under the so
called limit. Now they need to take their child to the ER. The injury is not
serious enough to call an ambulance. The only way to get that child to the ER
now is to go ask a neighbor the same one that you have been witnessing to you
for years and praying they would come to church. You have to explain to them
you were drinking and can’t drive little Timmy to the E.R. I think that pretty
much would ruin any witnessing you have been doing. Now what if you are a
Pastor of the church and you have to ask for the ride? What kind of example is
that? You had no intent for others to know you were drinking especially that non believer but now they are going know.
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Nikki, I agree wholeheartedly. There are thousands of “what if’s” that someone could come up with regarding scenarios such as these. But what about this… Or what if you drank on your days off… Or what if…
  
  The issue comes down to whether you eat, or whether you drink, or what ever you do, do it all for the glory of God. If there is even a “chance” that the consumption of alcohol might hinder that, then we should certainly think twice about it.
  
  Thanks for stopping by!
- Glo2mo
  
  Hi Nikki,
  I agree 100% with you and Pastor Charles, thank you Pastor Charles for being a man of the cloth fully carrying the word of Jesus Christ. My husband is also a Pastor and he believes as you do and he finds himself as being among a very elect few of Pastors that want to walk this way according to the bible. Some Pastors have said to and about him that, “they are not there yet, and they don’t live fully from the bible”. We were shocked and were like WOW!! And these people are leading large congregations. Thank you Pastor Charles and keep up the great work, it’s encouraging to see.
  - http://www.CharlesSpecht.com/ Charles Specht
    
    Thanks for your encouraging words! God bless!
Cam

The premise for all these arguments is that the pastor is drunk, ’5 cans of beer, 4 glasses of wine, 6 bottles of beer’. The argument is taken to an absurd level to make a point that doesn’t hold water otherwise.
As for the character qualifications, you equate someone who drinks alcohol as: held in a criminal sense, as someone who cannot order his priorities, as chaotic or disorganized, as ‘given to wine’ (which I believe you grossly overstate in your definition), and as someone who doesn’t have a good reputation in the community.

I think you make huge assumptions about people who drink alcohol.

This is a Christian liberty issue. If we were hanging out and my drinking a beer in front of you were to cause you to sin then it would be wrong for me to drink in front of you. However, if I am having a glass of wine with my wife over dinner and that does not cause her to sin then there is absolutely no issue there.

So while you may believe it isn’t wise for a pastor to drink alcohol, that isn’t a hard and fast rule and shouldn’t be touted as such.

I also understand that you wrote this to be controversial, but seriously, this is a bit extreme.
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  Cam, I tweaked the scenarios a bit so that they didn’t seem to be “over doing it.” Does that change your opinion at all?
  Also, the five character qualifications I listed above come from Scripture itself. They are not my personal opinions. Those five character qualification come from 1 Timothy and Titus. Those are God’s req’s, not necessarily mine.
  
  Also, I didn’t tout my opinions as a hard and fast rule, but my own opinions. What matters is what the Scripture says, not me. We can’t go against Scripture, or own consciences, and we should behave in such a way as to never put a reproach on Christ or a stumbling block before others. Does that make sense?
  - Seantambagahan
    
    I agree with Cam. He didn’t say that your points weren’t in the text, he was saying that your interpretation of those scriptures required you to read your point into the text.
    - http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
      
      I disagree, Sean.
      
      First: I believe my interpretation comes from the biblical text itself, not the other way around. Keep in mind that the article isn’t dealing with just anyone, nor is it even speaking about the average Christian. The article deals specifically with pastors. The scenarios were designed to demonstrate that a pastor could be called upon at any time of the day to serve in that role as the shepherd of the church. Therefore, the shepherd needs to be ready, both physically and spiritually.
      
      Second: The five qualifications I listed are from 1 Timothy and Titus 3 directly. I didn’t come up with them myself. These are character qualifications that the apostle Paul, while being inspired by the Holy Spirit, gave to the churches for any man that desires to be a pastor.
      
      How would you define those five qualifications from Scripture? I believe that my interpretations are correct, but I’m willing to be corrected if you can offer a more biblically sound alternative.
      
      1) “must be blameless” (1 Tim 3:2)
      2) “sober-minded” (1 Tim 3:2)
      3) “of good behavior” (1 Tim. 3:2)
      4) “not given to wine” (1 Tim. 3:3)
      5) “must have a good testimony among those who are outside” (1 Tim. 3:7)
      
      PS: I wrote an article about this issue in the past as well. Here it is: http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/20-qualifications-every-pastor-must-possess/
      - Cam
        
        Charles, I understand that this was written about pastors and not ‘just anyone’ as you put it. And I understand that you take the qualifications from 1 Timothy, as you should.
        
        The issue lies in the fact that you imply that someone who drinks beer cannot possibly have these qualities…which is patently untrue. So yes you did tout your opinion that pastors should never drink as biblical.
        
        And as for your reply to Stephanie’s comment: “The alcoholic beverages of today are designed purely to enhance “social ease” around others, a feeling of light-headedness, and ultimately drunkenness. Really, alcoholic beverages serve no “positive” purpose at all, either morally, spiritually, or socially. I have also never heard of any unbeliever coming to the Lord because they saw or hung out with Christians who drank. Moreover, I’ve never heard of a believer’s walk with the Lord being blessed because they consumed alcohol. With this being the case, why would it ever be a good thing?”
        
        I could not disagree more.
        
        Beer is made because it tastes good. Not everyone who drinks beer or wine does it to get drunk. I drink beer because I like the way it tastes, not to enhance ‘social ease’ around others.
        
        The positive purpose of a beer to me is the same as a coke, it tastes good.
        
        And just because you’ve never heard of an unbeliever coming to Christ because they hung out with a Christian who enjoys beer doesn’t mean its never happened. That’s a terrible argument. I’ve never heard someone speak Portuguese, so clearly no one speaks that language….do you see how ridiculous that sounds?
        
        And you’ve never heard of a believer’s walk with the Lord being blessed because they consumed alcohol, fair enough. But have you ever heard of a believer’s walk with the Lord being blessed specifically by the act of drinking a coke, or driving a car, no. The blessing doesn’t come in the act of drinking the beer, or the coke, or driving the car. It comes in the context of when and with whom you do those things.
        
        I’ve had some of my most meaningful conversations about God, life, faith and family over a beer. And I was blessed in those situations.
        
        http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
        
        Cam, thanks for the response. I truly enjoy the dialogue.
        
        You wrote the following: “The issue lies in the fact that you imply that someone who drinks beer cannot possibly have these qualities…which is patently untrue. So yes you did tout your opinion that pastors should never drink as biblical.”
        
        Actually, I am not trying to “imply” anything, but to be firm (with my opinion). However, no one is ever perfect at these character qualifications, and some of them are rather subjective. For example, one is that a pastor must be hospitable. Okay, but how hospitable? Who decides that. So I’m not saying that drinking one beer automatically disqualifies a man from being considered as a pastor.
        
        After the three scenarios, I did say, however, that I believe it is wrong to get drunk, that it is NOT a sin to have a drink, but that it is UNWISE for a pastor to do so. My personal interpretation is that pastors shouldn’t drink alcohol at all, for reasons like the scenarios provide. (This would not be the first time someone disagreed with me, by the way.)
        
        Moreover, I was a party animal myself before the Lord saved me when I was 22 years old in college. I’ve been drunk 100′s of times. And actually, I love the taste of beer as well. There are times when I really crave a cold, good tasting beer. But I also know that there are stigmas attached to it.
        
        You mentioned drinking coke, etc. But that is different. There isn’t alcohol associated and those “beverages” and they don’t have the same stigma attached to them. Therefore, it would seem to me that the wisest approach would simply be to abstain altogether.
        
        And (I almost laughed when I read this one) beer is not made merely because it tastes good. Sure, it does have a good taste, otherwise people would stay away from it. But that’s not the reason it sells at bars, taverns, etc.
        
        Lastly, if you truly want to drink a beer for the taste, might I suggest a non-alcoholic beer? ;-) LOL.
        
        Mike_quillin
        
        My dad and many of my friends who used to drink beer, wine, and/or alcoholic beverages have indeed lead people to Christ while drinking. Then they have been dealt with by God through the Holy Spirit that He (the Holy Ghost) is the better substitute to any alcoholic beverage or drug (for that matter).
        
        Proverbs 31 states that it is not for “Kings” or “Princes” to drink strong drink at all, period, no questions asked. Strong drink in the Hebrew is shekar (shay-kawr), and means intoxicating beverage, or fermented wine (in summary anything that pertains to alcohol in a beverage). Now without taking any scriptures out of context, let’s go to another scripture.
        
        Revelation 1:5&6 states 5 “And from Jesus Christ,
        who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the
        prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us
        from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
        
        Firstly, to look at this scripture it would seem to be referring to our heavenly realm. In retrospect as you look closer at this scripture it is easy to realize God is talking to us presently. The term hath made is from the Greek word poieo (poy-eh-o) and means already made. He already made us Kings and priests in this world, present tense, no question about it. If we are as He is (Jesus) in this world (1st John 4:17). So if we are as He is (the Prince of Peace, and King of Kings), then it is safe to realize that we have the same standing as a King and/or Prince in this world as of now.
        
        So now if we look back at the context of Proverbs 31, and its obvious intent for Kings or Princes to abstain from alcohol, then we realize that because of the finished work of Christ; we are in the same standing as Him (King Jesus). This being stated, alcohol that used to be accepted amongst men and women of God, is now to no longer be apart of ANY CHRISTIANS LIFE (this is in caps to prove a point, not to yell).
        
        In conclusion to this brief explanation of scripture; it can be deduced fairly easily what the meaning is in the context of the truth through the word. In the reasoning and/or meditation of these scriptures we can better recognize our standing on this earth, and in the Body of Christ. That though our before sin nature was subject to the laws of sin and death, we have been renewed to the newness of His Spirit through faith. Kings and Princes in this world is our standing, and Proverbs 31 is clearly recited as wisdom for them to abstain from alcohol (if you read further into this chapter). So the good news is that we do not need, or in any way, should want alcohol in our lives. The truth will set us free, and I believe this truth is freedom to the one who would take the time to look and meditate on it.
        
        Thank you for your time and God Blesses.
Knesm2

There’s a difference between having one beer and have so many that you can’t drive (which is the case in all three of the situations).
- guest
  
  even one drink disqualifies you from driving for an hour…but yes I agree, the examples were all clearly borderline drunken.
  - http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
    
    I tweaked the scenarios a bit so that they didn’t seem to be “over doing it.” Does that change your opinion at all?
- http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht
  
  I agree. Each person is different. Smaller men might not be able to tolerate a level of alcohol that a larger man could. But if it is that subjective, then maybe abstaining altogether might be the better choice. What do you think?
  
  By the way, I tweaked the scenarios a bit so that they didn’t seem to be “over doing it.” Does that change your opinion at all? I guess my feeling is that it comes down to whether or not it is at all prudent for a pastor to consume alcohol, because he could be called on at anytime of the day, for any reason, and needs to be clear headed.
- Mike_quillin
  
  According to the Law in any state of America ( http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/teen-drivers/pdf/alcoholanddrugs.pdf) Driving impaired is still a reason to be arrested, and therefore is still against the law to drink the amount exemplified in these scenarios. The word of God states in 1st Peter 2:13-17, and Romans 13:1-7, to (in summary) obey the law of the land. If a pastor is to exemplify this scripture the way that God has called him to then don’t you think it is a prerequisite to obey this.
  (Note the law on BAC being .02%) this is the equivalent to one drink of alcohol or even less, and this takes at least an hour to being completely eradicated from your body (no matter what size, shape, weight, or gender you are). Thank you for your comment, but this is the law, and nothing can refute what the word of God says about the law of the land and the governing authorities.
  Alcohol and the Law
  If your BAC is .08 g/dl or higher you are in violation of the law if you drive. If you
  are arrested for drinking and driving, the penalties are severe. If you have a BAC
  of .08 or higher, your driver’s license and driving privileges may be suspended.
  A BAC test measures how much alcohol is in your system and is usually determined by a breath test.If
  you are under 21, you can also be arrested for alcohol impairment at .02% g/dl. Even
  under .08 you are still impaired. Under the law you can still be convicted for driving
  impaired.
  A blood or urine test could also be required. You are required to take a BAC test if asked by a police
  officer due to implied consent laws. The implied consent law is based on the principle that when you
  get your driver’s license you have implicitly consented to a lawfully requested test to determine the
  alcohol content of the blood, breath, urine or other bodily substance if suspected of impaired driving.
  If you are found guilty of an alcohol violation and it is your first conviction, you will be fined plus
  court costs and your license could be suspended. For second and subsequent convictions, the penalties
  are much worse. You could be sentenced to jail and your license could be suspended.
  Information for this fact sheet was derived from:
  ADTSEA Curriculum version 2.0
  AAMVA Model Driver Manual
http://www.crazyaboutchurch.com/ Charles Specht

Considering the three scenarios above, and these five character qualifications for a pastor found in the Bible…is it appropriate for a pastor to EVER drink an alcoholic beverage? Why or why not? (Please comment below.)