Keeping in mind that all households generally had federal heads, i.e. fathers/mothers whom were responsible to teach. However, the teaching that is going on in these capacities cannot be compared with that of a worship service where lawfully ordained individuals are leading congregations.
Scott - I would like to drill down on what you been by the teaching in a home not comparing with that of a worship service. I think I know what you mean, but I am not sure.
There are many, many men that are more learned in the scriptures than the ordained pastor in their local fellowship. I dare say that there are many godly wives and mothers who are well versed in the scriptures. I have personally rubbed shoulders with the children of these families. Their biblical literacy is not in question and I would feel perfectly comfortable with them proclaiming God's truth within and outside the church. That said, I am not negating the need to have trained ministers of the gospel in our pulpits and overseeing the flock of God. The dynamics involved in shepherding the flock is more complex than just proclaiming God's word. Now if you are saying that, on average, the teaching received in the home is not equal to the teaching received from the pulpit from a qualified man of God, I would be in general agreement. I just do not want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
[Edited on 9-18-2005 by BaptistInCrisis]