The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum How are Elders Trained?

Theo,

One of the requirements in the Presbyterian office for RE is to be able to teach. Now, how that is applied may be different between churches. Some requires that they have ability to preach from pulpit, some require teach in SS, some require to teach in small groups, and others may only require they know their theology well enough to keep accountability of all the church's teaching.

There may be some misconception of the function of the Ruling Elder. They are the spiritual leaders in the church, not the management leaders. They have the same requirements as outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus. The PCA Book of Church Order (BCO) says in 8-9 "Elders being in one class of office, ruling elders possess the same authority and eligibility to office in the courts of the Church as teaching elders. They should, moreover, cultivate zealously their own aptitude to teach the Bible and should improve every opportunity of doing so."

I have heard the Presbyterian form of government called a two and a half officers whatever that is meant. But there is not as defined delineation of responsibilities of the TE & RE as some wants to make it.