In a development that is stirring controversy among evangelical Christian circles, Rich Tidwell — pastor of the small non-denominational Ormond Church in Canton, Missouri — has publicly declared that he is married to two women and is expecting a child with his second wife. According to his website and his social-media announcements, Tidwell asserts that “polygamy is biblical.”
Who Is Pastor Rich Tidwell?
Pastor Tidwell describes himself as a husband, father (he and his first wife, Brandi, have seven children together, some adopted), YouTube apologist and polemicist advocating what he terms the “second reformation.” He claims a hermeneutic grounded in “original languages, cultural context and multi-verse coherence.”
In June of this year, he posted the announcement:
“My name is Rich Tidwell, I have two beautiful wives, and my second wife is expecting my 8th child!”
The Theological Claim
Tidwell argues that the Bible never outright forbids polygamy, citing examples such as Jacob (Genesis 30:18), David (2 Samuel 12:7-8), and Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2-3). In his view, God “lawfully regulated the practice of plural marriage” (citing Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 21:15-17; Leviticus 18:18), but did not categorically forbid it.
Reaction and Ramifications
The announcement has raised immediate concern among pastors, church leaders, and Christian commentators who emphasise that the New Testament’s teaching upholds monogamy. Many traditions highlight that an elder should be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2) and that marriage reflects the one-flesh union of a man and one woman (Matthew 19:3-6).
This case may prompt local congregations and denominational bodies to discuss:
- How to respond when a pastor publicly rejects widely held ecclesial standards for marriage.
- The pastoral care and safeguarding implications for children and families involved in non-traditional marital arrangements.
- The theological and cultural debates surrounding polygamy in Christian ethics and ministry.
For Pastors & Church Leaders
Given the immediate publicity and the doctrinal questions involved, church leaders might consider the following actions:
- Review your church’s statement of faith and marriage policy, ensuring clarity on the denomination’s or congregation’s stance.
- Provide pastoral care for the congregation and families who may be uncertain or unsettled by the announcement — offering teaching, counsel, and space for questions.
- Engage in thoughtful dialogue within your leadership team about how to respond to ministers or members who adopt alternative marital models, particularly when ministry roles are implicated.
- Encourage biblical literacy among congregants on how marriage is treated both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, and what the normative Christian ethic affirms.
Source: Adapted from Protestia, November 10, 2025.