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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

There is a difference between preaching per se from a pulipit and teaching. Since I see no scriptural warrant for a ruling elder vs teaching elder, i cannot partake in that type of discussion. It is way too vertical and smells of ecclesiastical popery to me, but thats another story.

My point in my post was not to neglect the teaching aspect as laid out by Paul in Titus and elsewhere. The elder is a much broader person than we tend to make him.

Since the primitive church appeared to be taught by a plurality of elders, and not a one man show of pastor/laity, instruction should be done one on one, private study and during worship. This whole idea of a 20 minute sermon by an ordained minister and that becomes the teaching for the week is absent from the inspired writ.

I believe the Holy Spirit picks those fit and then they are confirmed in their ministy and gifts.

There never was a sinner half as big as Christ is as a Savior.