Divorce and Remarriage: Ecclesiastical Discernment and Pastoral Care

Biblical guidance on divorce and remarriage for pastors and church leaders facing difficult cases in their church.

Grounded in close scriptural study and the Lutheran tradition, Divorce and Remarriage: Pastoral Care and Ecclesiastical Discernment addresses one of the most difficult realities in congregational life: how to respond when marriages fracture. Benjamin T.G. Mayes approaches the topic with theological precision and pastoral seriousness, holding together the church's clear confession with the call to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.

Drawing on the Synoptic Gospels, Paul's letters, and the Lutheran tradition of casuistry, Mayes presents a coherent framework for ecclesiastical discernment. He distinguishes between civil and divine law, clarifies the purposes of marriage, and defends the historic Lutheran position that permits divorce and remarriage only in cases of adultery or malicious desertion. Throughout, he shows that these questions are not merely procedural but concern the care of souls.

Practical guidance, real-world cases, and clear theological definitions help bridge the gap between doctrine and pastoral practice, strengthening leaders to act with conviction and care.

This resource includes:

• Exegesis of key New Testament texts on divorce and remarriage
• A clear presentation of historic Lutheran teaching alongside contemporary views
• A framework for applying biblical principles in complex cases
• Pastoral guidance for counseling and church discipline
• Case studies that demonstrate faithful application in congregational life

In a time when cultural assumptions often shape expectations within the church, this book restores a disciplined, scriptural approach. For pastors, seminary students, and church leaders, it offers guidance that serves both the truth of Christ's teaching and the good of His people.