|
Marty,
Perhaps someone can dig it up but I recall reading a quote from an ante-Nicene Father (Origen or Jerome perhaps) lamenting the passing of the Office of Ruling Elder in the Church.
I don't believe Presbyterianism rises or falls on the Office of an Elder that rules but does not teach (in fact, technically, most Church claim to only have deacons and Elders) but the issues are:
1. A plurality of Elders in each Church (which is supported by more than one Scripture)
2. Elders appointed from within the congregation
3. Elders which assemble from the Churches to council together to decide Church matters.
I think Episcopal and Congregational forms fail at one or more of the three points.
|