Must an elder also be a pulpit preacher?

[Amargosa]

Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder? 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Here, the apostle Paul seems to differentiate types of elders. Thus my question.

Do the elders of your church preach from the pulpit?

 

[homwardbound]

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well

There be the answer, "who rule well"
Today is it Rule, is it to let go and not disciple anyone? if called by the anyone's seeking discipleship

Galatians 6:1-9

Authorized (King James) Version​

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

So seek from God Father of risen Son for you to know truth and accept Luke 21:14-15 for you
We all are called to tell the good news of God for us all by Son who took on the entire sin of the world for us to be born new by God Father working new through us by risen Son for us, who revealed to depend on Father 100% forever

Not of self anymore,
God Father is the only true elder, Son as Won )ne with Father for su to be new in love and mercy to all too

 

[Dino246]

The requirement, according to the first passage, is that elders be able to teach, not that they do teach and or preach. The second passage makes it clear that those responsibilities only apply to some elders.

Most of the preaching in my local church is handled by the pastoral staff. Elders are occasionally tapped to preach, but not all take on that task as it is not a strength of theirs.

 

[Edify]

The Bible says say they should be able to, but many are not.
It seems that 'ruling' is the main thing they do today, even though Jesus taught they should 'serve'.

 

[GWH]

Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder? 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Here, the apostle Paul seems to differentiate types of elders. Thus my question.

Do the elders of your church preach from the pulpit?

Elders must be mature Christians, which means being able to share a full understanding of the Gospel, which includes:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or Creator God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who loves sinful humanity (Rom. 5:6-8, John 3:16) and who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s grace or justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), at which moment God’s loving Holy Spirit of Christ indwells/baptizes the believer into the church (Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, 1Cor. 12:13).
5. Loving Christ Jesus as Lord (Luke 2:11), God the Son (Matt. 16:16) or God in the human dimension (Col. 2:9) means reflecting divine love (DL) as empowered by the Holy Spirit, thereby obeying His command to love one another (Matt. 7:21, 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2), which will eventually achieve spiritual maturity on earth and heaven after Christ returns at God’s resurrection (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Phil. 3:12-16, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

 

[homwardbound]

Elders must be mature Christians, which means being able to share a full understanding of the Gospel, which includes:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or Creator God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who loves sinful humanity (Rom. 5:6-8, John 3:16) and who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s grace or justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), at which moment God’s loving Holy Spirit of Christ indwells/baptizes the believer into the church (Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, 1Cor. 12:13).
5. Loving Christ Jesus as Lord (Luke 2:11), God the Son (Matt. 16:16) or God in the human dimension (Col. 2:9) means reflecting divine love (DL) as empowered by the Holy Spirit, thereby obeying His command to love one another (Matt. 7:21, 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2), which will eventually achieve spiritual maturity on earth and heaven after Christ returns at God’s resurrection (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Phil. 3:12-16, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

I am trusting God you believe this below reply too, and I thank you

Come to me all you that are in heavy labor and be given rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

What Lord do I need to do? believe "I" God through Son did what no other flesh can do for you to now be able to enter my rest
Believe, receive and see new, begin to at least and continue as said in Col 1:23 seeing verse 21-22 first
saying thank you Lord!

Hebrews 4:9
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Stop those tiresome works of self and trust God in risen Son to work through you as the Disciples did that spoke on Pentecost and as Peter did to the Gentile house of Cornelius. Then Father brought in Paul who was Saul, that did the Law better than any other people that stated, he gave up under Law Phil 3
woe is me Isaiah 6:1-7

 

[GWH]

I am trusting God you believe this below reply too, and I thank you

Come to me all you that are in heavy labor and be given rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

What Lord do I need to do? believe "I" God through Son did what no other flesh can do for you to now be able to enter my rest
Believe, receive and see new, begin to at least and continue as said in Col 1:23 seeing verse 21-22 first
saying thank you Lord!

Hebrews 4:9
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Stop those tiresome works of self and trust God in risen Son to work through you as the Disciples did that spoke on Pentecost and as Peter did to the Gentile house of Cornelius. Then Father brought in Paul who was Saul, that did the Law better than any other people that stated, he gave up under Law Phil 3
woe is me Isaiah 6:1-7

Of course I do.
My post/response was answering the OP.

 

[homwardbound]

Of course I do.
My post/response was answering the OP.

Love to you and all brother in risen Son, thank you

 

[Amargosa]

Poll is tied.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

There be the answer, "who rule well"
Today is it Rule, is it to let go and not disciple anyone? if called by the anyone's seeking discipleship

Galatians 6:1-9

Authorized (King James) Version​

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

So seek from God Father of risen Son for you to know truth and accept Luke 21:14-15 for you
We all are called to tell the good news of God for us all by Son who took on the entire sin of the world for us to be born new by God Father working new through us by risen Son for us, who revealed to depend on Father 100% forever

Not of self anymore,
God Father is the only true elder, Son as Won )ne with Father for su to be new in love and mercy to all too

Rule well is not a good translation IMO. It basically says let those elders who are presiding well to be worthy of double honor

Let the elders presiding well to be worthy of double honor, especially the ones laboring in the word and instruction. 1 Timothy 5:17​

 

[Gideon300]

Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder? 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Here, the apostle Paul seems to differentiate types of elders. Thus my question.

Do the elders of your church preach from the pulpit?

No, but they should. The pyramid leadership structure of most churches is one of the reasons that the church is struggling. A few years after I was saved, the Word of the Lord came to the Church in Australia. Lord said that the Church is a body, not a one man band leading the dumb sheep. The church I attended adopted this truth for a time. We functioned according to 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. And, as a result, there was a much greater manifestation of 1 Corinthians 13 also.

The pastor of the time was a control freak, as too many are. So the movement stalled, as it did everywhere that I know of. There are likely home based fellowships that are more free, but I've not come across any. Even the "Life Groups" our church has are pretty much controlled. It's one of the reasons so many have quit attending meetings.

 

[Amargosa]

The Greek word didaktos is translated as "Able to teach". But may be translated "teachable". Please see - What does didaktikos mean in 1 Tim 3:2 and 2 Tim 2:24?

 

[tablet123]

Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder? 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Here, the apostle Paul seems to differentiate types of elders. Thus my question.

Do the elders of your church preach from the pulpit?

1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.

Bishop
episkopos
ep-is'-kop-os
From G1909 and G4649 (in the sense of G1983); a superintendent, that is, Christian officer in general charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively): - bishop, overseer.

If a Bishops oversees Churches he can preach and might take precedence over the preacher of that Church to preach if he wants but the Spirit directs the Church.

1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Elder
presbuteros
pres-boo'-ter-os
Comparative of πρέσβυς presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”: - elder (-est), old.

I do not know if an elder is specifically to preach.

But I think the preacher can have who he wants to share a message to the congregation if they have something of value and is better at conveying that message.

1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

After the preacher is done having the floor the congregation collectively engages in edifying each other which people can preach a message then but it probably should not be too lengthy.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

1Jn 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

The preacher does not get more wisdom than a common pew sitter but all people get the same wisdom.

All people can understand the same.

All the saints are to preach and teach.

But not necessarily in the Church but to the people they encounter in every day life.

1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

The authority structure of God on earth.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

A man and woman are equal in the Lord.

1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Women can teach and teach a man.

But when the congregation is together a man is to lead the congregation.

And when he is speaking the people are to listen to him.

If women are talking while he has the floor they are interrupting the service which they cannot usurp authority over him when he is speaking.

But they can speak in Church.

After the preacher is not speaking then all the saints can participate which a man and woman are equal in the Lord.

 

[homwardbound]

Authorized (King James) Version
​

5 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; 2 male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
No one ever better than anyone else ever

Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Titus 2:4
that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

New International Version
Romans 12:9-21​

Love in Action​

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”

20 “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

[p_rehbein]

Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder? 1 Timothy 3:2 says, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober minded, self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…” (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” Here, the apostle Paul seems to differentiate types of elders. Thus my question.

Do the elders of your church preach from the pulpit?

No. Simple answer. The Apostle Paul also describes other positions within the Church. Deacons, Bishops and such.

 

[Aaron56]

@Amargosa
For the sake of information...

This is a pulpit: a raised, often enclosed platform in a church used for preaching, teaching, or reading scriptures



This is a podium or lectern: a standing desk with a slanted top used to support books, notes, or scripts, facilitating reading aloud during lectures, speeches, or ceremonies


In the most basic sense, a pulpit is a place of authority but it is not necessarily a structure. We have many English words like that...
"A house" traditionally meant "family" but we ended up building a structure by the same name because it was associated with the location of a family.
"An office" traditionally meant "place of authority" but we ended up naming the room where the person with the authority could be found.
There are a dozen such examples I could give but I think you get the gist.

So, to your question: "Must a church require elders to be able to preach from the pulpit, as a qualification of being an elder?"

Since "church" traditionally meant "those called out of the world by Christ"... living people... the church does not necessarily contain a structure called a pulpit. The church may meet in homes or any other building that serves their needs. Likewise, they may position their chairs in a circle facing inward.

BUT...

If you're asking "are elders expected to teach from a position of authority" that answer is "yes".

All elders are pastors: people supernaturally gifted with the ability to care for the people of God. Faithful pastors with much practice are qualified to become elders. By their own life's example they are teachers AND they are ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. From this position of maturity, they are qualified to teach with authority but that does not mean they have to stand in a certain place during a church meeting and give a sermon. Most teaching in the church is done within relationships.

Furthermore, I know of no Biblical example whereby elders were chosen except by apostles. I know why elders are chosen apart from apostles but that is a practice not found in the Biblical record. My point: many modern elders are chosen by the democratic vote of the people. Sometimes their standing before the Lord is dubious, at best, because their worldly success (business, wealth, influence, charisma) secured their support from the congregation. Not only are they unable to teach by example, they are not qualified to handle any measure of authority in the church.

 

[p_rehbein]

Furthermore, I know of no Biblical example whereby elders were chosen except by apostles. I know why elders are chosen apart from apostles but that is a practice not found in the Biblical record. My point: many modern elders are chosen by the democratic vote of the people. Sometimes their standing before the Lord is dubious, at best, because their worldly success (business, wealth, influence, charisma) secured their support from the congregation. Not only are they unable to teach by example, they are not qualified to handle any measure of authority in the church.

The Apostle Paul clearly defines the standards someone desiring to be a Bishop or Deacon must meet to become one. He gave this information to the various Congregations he established, so it is no great stretch of the imagination that he would expect the Congregations to appoint persons within the Congregation to be Bishops or Elders. As well, in explaining the various Gifts of the Spirit, he showed that many would be used to edify the Congregation.

Todays Congregations usually hold a meeting where someone puts forth a person for a specific job within the Congregation, and the entire Congregation votes yea/nay. This is not against Scripture IMO.

(just saying )

 

[Aaron56]

The Apostle Paul clearly defines the standards someone desiring to be a Bishop or Deacon must meet to become one. He gave this information to the various Congregations he established, so it is no great stretch of the imagination that he would expect the Congregations to appoint persons within the Congregation to be Bishops or Elders. As well, in explaining the various Gifts of the Spirit, he showed that many would be used to edify the Congregation.

Todays Congregations usually hold a meeting where someone puts forth a person for a specific job within the Congregation, and the entire Congregation votes yea/nay. This is not against Scripture IMO.

(just saying )

Can you show me a scripture where the church democratically votes for its leadership?

 

[Dino246]

Can you show me a scripture where the church democratically votes for its leadership?

Our friendly elephant is certainly welcome to respond as he sees fit, but I offer this in his defense: He didn't say there is such a Scripture. He said that such an approach is not against Scripture.

 

[Aaron56]

Our friendly elephant is certainly welcome to respond as he sees fit, but I offer this in his defense: He didn't say there is such a Scripture. He said that such an approach is not against Scripture.

As his opinion, yes.

First, I respect both you and him. You are both serious about the scriptures and our faith in the Lord.

Would it not be better to show how, in Antioch, the church chose Paul and Barnabas as apostles?

1"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away."

From the brief account we know the small group were of mature believers: they were noted as "prophets and teachers". Both callings require a record of having been led, faithfully, by the Spirit of God.

So when this occurs:

"The Holy Spirit said..."
...it was not an anomaly to them - the Spirit spoke to them often - they knew how to hear Him.

Furthermore, in the letter to the church in Ephesus you have this account:

“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

At the time, the Nicolaitans were likely a heretical sect that mixed worldly traditions with church teachings. The etymology of Nicolaitans is "rule by the people".

Democratic voting, for example, would be a tradition of the world that has been mixed with church teachings.

The Lord is King over a kingdom. We can entrust His Envoy to give us direction "The Holy Spirit said..." but we should not believe that the will of the majority is His will. Given the "wide road of destruction" I'm unsure if the majority has ever been correct about anything.