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

Robin,

My church does it mostly like the way you describe not to do it. Besides going through a 3-6 weeks training, the church does require the officer to answer a questionnaire based on their personal Christian experience and on the WCF. Since the PCA has started requiring Bible (whatever it is called), I am sure that will be thrown in as an additional questionnaire.

Though I see your points, I do not agree that all officers be degreed holders in Seminary or Bible College. Are you implying a paid officer staff because most people will want their paid vocation be in whatever field they are formally trained? I've known plenty of RE who spent years in teaching SS classes and Bible studies who are quite knowledgeable in Christian and doctrinal matters. They have not received any formal training whatsoever.

Also, I dispute whether liberalism creeps into the church by so-called ignorant lay officers. I think it can be proven that liberalism creeps into the church by trained Pastors from seminaries and Bible colleges, not from those who has no formal training. Now of course their untraining may prove easy fodder for the trained liberal theologian, but that is another story - isn't. it.

As to the PCA system, I am sure there should be more accountability, but how to go about it is no easy answer. The men who are elected as REs in their local churches are seen as spiritual leaders in the church.