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Johan said:
Joe_k

Thanks.

In Titus 1:9 Paul says of the overseer that

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He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it

Robin said that the task of the elders is to shepherd the flock through teaching and preaching and I agree. But I think that in our churches we have made a lot of the overseeing aspect of the task of the elders but the teaching part has, I would say, been neglected.

So, what is the practical implication of "to give instruction" in Titus 1? Is it preaching as from the pulpit or is it something else?


Johan

That is a REALLY good question. If a denomination differentiates between "ruling elders" and "teaching elders", is it permissible for a ruling elder to say, just teach by discussing theology "one on one" with a member of the congregation? Or does he have to actually teach a Sunday school class or Bible study?

On the other hand, denominations such as Anglicans have all presbyters preach--and even deacons are expected to preach. I do not know if any or all of the continental Reformed groups differentiate between "teaching elders" and "ruling elders"--would be interested to know the answer to that.

Theo