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

Well, the problem I see here is that there are no more Apostles nor Evangelists (early N.T. type). So, unless you are going to go back to Pente-caustalism and embrace the perpetuity of the Apostleship, who would "appoint" these men? Is it really any better that a bunch of liberal or heretical or worldly "officials" appoint men after their own liking rather than a congregation choosing from among a group of men who have initially met the basic qualifications? Neither alternative can prevent what we all would like to not see happen.

I've already remarked on this subject many times before. I am in full agreement that there is equality among the Eldership but a diversity of gifts. Today, we mainly see churches ruled by a Protestant Pope, i.e., the "PASTOR" before whom everyone must and does bow. In my experience, this is most typically seen in independent churches but it can also be seen in Presbyterian-type churches as well. There is this "I got the degree, so I'm the boss" mentality. But the truth is, I've known men who have had no formal training
but who have a far superior knowledge of the Bible and theology than the seminary-trained Pastor.

but I've been a Presbygationalist for years.

In His grace,