An elder must be able to teach...

This is one of the Pauline requirements for eldership. But, what does it mean? A previous blog post looked at two different meanings of the word “able.” It can mean that a person is able to teach, meaning they have enough experience and understanding, or it can mean that a person is a great teacher; i.e. a very able teacher.

Let us keep in mind that all biblical churches will have elders in leadership, wherever those churches may be located. If we then consider the thousands of churches spread across the Canadian landscape, urban and rural, great and small, it seems to be highly improbable that all those elders will be gifted teachers.

Here is the thing: if the elders leading those churches do not have the ability to discern truth from error and to lead in such a way, it won’t be long before those churches lose their way. It seems to me that an elder that is able to teach must be someone that knows right from wrong and truth from error.

Secondly, the teaching should not only be done in public, but also in private. An elder that is able to teach/instruct/guide should be motivated to do so whenever the opportunity arises. This can be when a single parent asks advice about raising kids, when someone needs wisdom in handling a family or work situation, or when a person seeks help in how to explain the gospel.

Finally, an elder that is able to teach must be someone who strives to live in such a way himself. He does not have to be perfect, but he must have a desire to live as a disciple, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.

I am very grateful that we have such elders here at WBC.