Theo, that's exactly where I am aiming toward with the question.

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If a denomination differentiates between "ruling elders" and "teaching elders", is it permissible for a ruling elder to say, just teach by discussing theology "one on one" with a member of the congregation? Or does he have to actually teach a Sunday school class or Bible study?

Given the fact that Paul uses elder and overseer interchangeably and the apostle Peter refered to himself as "a fellow elder" it seems as if there is no real distinction between ruling and teaching elders. I have also read somewhere that the term "elder" was better known with the Christians of Jewish origin and "overseer" with those from the Greek world, but that both terms refer to the same office. But this then also affects the "qualifications" for elders. It seems to me that apart for the other qualifications for elders as given in 1 Tim 3 and in 1 Titus, there is also the requirement that an elder must be able to give instruction in sound doctrine.

And this relates directly to Robin's original question. Does this requirement mean that the person "nominated" to be an elder must already have the gift of being able to instruct other people in sound doctrine of should he get some training after being ordained as elder so that he is able to instruct? Not all people really have the ability/gift to teach/instruct other people. Mark Dever says the following:

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Ability to teach the Word simply means that a man is able to explain the Scriptures accurately to other people in ways that profit them spiritually. He should be known by others in the congregation as a man to whom people can go in order to have the Scriptures explained to them. This could mean that a man is gifted to preach. But is may also mean that a man has an effective an broad based discipling ministry in the church in which he is explaining and applying Scriptures to individuals in ways that help them grow in Christian knowledge, love, and fruitfulness.

With this understanding of what it means to be able to teach , we can see how some elders simply end up in public teaching situations more often than others. Yet for the development of their authority among the congregation, it is wise to choose men who are at least willing to teach publicly and who show some modicum of interest and propensity to do so.

This seems to me to be a good explanation. Comments?

Johan

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Johan