Blood-Bought Pilgrim
Puritan Board Sophomore
Is there a fundamental difference between the aspiration to eldership as talked about in 1 Tim. 3:1 and having a specific call to "pastoral ministry"? If so, how does one discern one over the other?
Obviously one's view of the number of offices will affect this. I hold a two office view, but I welcome input from all.
EDIT: I was thinking about my wording, and just to clarify, I'm not wondering about the difference between "aspiring" and having a calling per se-- but my essential question is this; Is there a fundamental difference in the way in which one is called to/determines to pursue lay eldership or being a "ruling elder" vs. being a "teaching elder" or minister?
Obviously one's view of the number of offices will affect this. I hold a two office view, but I welcome input from all.
EDIT: I was thinking about my wording, and just to clarify, I'm not wondering about the difference between "aspiring" and having a calling per se-- but my essential question is this; Is there a fundamental difference in the way in which one is called to/determines to pursue lay eldership or being a "ruling elder" vs. being a "teaching elder" or minister?
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