[thackney]

Most people want a pastor who can help them with life. They want the pastor to be able to relate to them and being in a romantic relationship is a big part of most people's life.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Most people want a pastor who can help them with life. They want the pastor to be able to relate to them.

My mother's pastor is single, and I believe my mother would agree with you.

[TheDingoAteMyBaby]

People who are single into their 30s and 40s also want someone who can relate to them, too.

[MrEdd]

Most people want a pastor who can help them with life. They want the pastor to be able to relate to them and being in a romantic relationship is a big part of most people's life.

Bingo.

And that is not in any way a minor detail, nor is it something that can be fully understood without experiencing life as a couple.

Some congregations have other preferences for similar reasons. A church focused on outreach to a large population of addicts may specifically search for someone who was an addict, or grew up in a home with substance abusing parents.

There is a place in the body of Christ for every one, but not every place may be best filled by just any willing applicant. The elders who make a call for a congregation are tasked with finding a proper fit. They may make mistakes, but these sorts of requirements for different congregations are necessary.