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John_C said:
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.

John,

Thanks for those comments. Your first paragraph is pretty much on target: I myself have seen different churches handle the teaching role of elders in every one of those ways--at least one that I had heard about even had ruling elders in the preaching rotation. It would be interesting to know if anyone has ever made a case for the different ways of handling that role: that is, why should a RE in First Presbyterian be required to preach or teach Sunday School, while an RE at Second Presbyterian winds up simply being asked to serve on Session and be knowledgeable of doctrine?

I do agree with your second paragraph personally but based on my own observations of four Presbyterian churches, I'd have to say that in at least two of them the Session had taken on the role of management leaders as well as spiritual leaders. And I would bet they were never going to relinquish control over the budgetary matters.

Theo