That illustrates the built-in weakness of splitting the office of Elder into "teaching elder" and "ruling elders." The "ruling" elders tend to defer to "the esteemed Pastors" because, after all, "they've been to seminary and know a lot more."

It isn't just the major Presbyterian denominations who do this. I am finding it among Reformed Baptists as well, even some who make no distinction between "teaching" and "ruling" elders. While FV is not as much of a threat to Reformed Baptists (because their view of covenant theology is incompatible with FV), there is no less danger of other false teachings poisoning the flock as long as The Esteemed Clergy is allowed to run roughshod over the Confessions due to their "superior knowledge."

It is the responsibility of "ruling elders" to study theology at least to the point that they can spot heresy; and it is their responsibility to stand up against the Esteemed Pastors who foist it upon the people. The "ruling elders" who have failed in their responsibility are no less liable for the departure from orthodoxy than the Esteemed Pastors are.

-Robin