The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Who can teach in a Presbyterian church?

Thanks, Pilgrim! The original Form of Presbyterial Church-Government implicitly restricts Elders to church governance, and explicitly states that deacons are not authorized to teach (or to administer the sacraments). So the Dutch Reformed churches are not really alone in this matter.
I tend to agree with you that all elders must be able to preach, teach and rule, but there is a great weight of historical precedence and tradition to reckon with.
Effectually, a Reformed and confessional church has a teaching magisterium and received dogma (as do the Romish church and the Episcopal church). In our day and age, these concepts are not likely to be popular.