The idea of a "ruling elder" comes from 1 Timothy, where Paul says that
elders "who rule well" are worthy of double honor, especially those who work
hard at preaching and teaching.

Some read the last phrase as inferring that there are some elders who do not
preach and teach, otherwise why would Paul say that those who do are
entitled to special honor? Therefore, an elder who is not engaged in
preaching or teaching is a "ruling elder," having authority but not
teaching.

Of course, all elders are "able to teach," but not all elders teach at all
times, so the distinction does have a practical aspect.

Most Baptists who have elders do not use this distinction, I believe. In our
church, we saw all elders as being equal, but as having different roles. All
elders "ruled," but some elders did not teach at some times (after all, not
everyone can teach all the time).

James W. Allen
jallen@...