At my messianic congregation some people would like the head elder replaced because they think he is not an annointed teacher. They claim he must have an annointing of teaching and it s/b confirmed by at least 2 witnesses. All i see in the NT is that elders were appointed by Apostles and i guess you can deduce they had a gift of teaching but i'm not really clear about this subject. BTW this elder was appointed by our umbrella organization a few years ago although the congregation did vote and approve him at that time.
Can anyone provide any light on this subject, thanks.
Pastor Qualification
Re: Pastor Qualification
An elder is required to be "able to teach" (1 Tim.3:2), though there is no biblical reference to his "anointing." I believe there is a "gift" (or "anointing") to teach upon some people, though there is nothing that suggests that every person who ever teaches must have this gift (for example, all mature Christians, whether anointed or not, should be able to teach others—Hebrews 5:12).
Having said that, though, I would go on to say that it would be most desirable to have a "gifted" teacher doing the public teaching for the congregation, unless the church has no one with such a gift. One who is not well-gifted in this area might be able to muddle through a pulpit assignment, but it is not desirable that the congregation be bored to death by a poor or lifeless communicator. Some elders "labor in the Word and teaching" more than others do (1 Tim.5:17). Those with such gifts should be the most frequent in the public teaching role. Those who lack such gifts may still qualify for eldership, even if public speaking isn't their forté.
Having said that, though, I would go on to say that it would be most desirable to have a "gifted" teacher doing the public teaching for the congregation, unless the church has no one with such a gift. One who is not well-gifted in this area might be able to muddle through a pulpit assignment, but it is not desirable that the congregation be bored to death by a poor or lifeless communicator. Some elders "labor in the Word and teaching" more than others do (1 Tim.5:17). Those with such gifts should be the most frequent in the public teaching role. Those who lack such gifts may still qualify for eldership, even if public speaking isn't their forté.
Re: Pastor Qualification
Thanks for the reply Steve.