Q. Does the ERPC hold the two-office or three-office view?

A. Our Form of Government recognizes a distinction of teaching elders (pastors) and ruling elders, as well as deacons. So we are three-office. Our Form of Government also includes a provision for a ruling elder to be examined by the presbytery and licensed to preach the Gospel, but not perform the other functions of the pastorate (the sacraments, marriage, etc.). That licensure would be recognized within a presbytery, and it would be up to other presbyteries to decide if they would also recognize that licensure within their boundaries. We believe it is important and proper for men who are gifted to preach but are not called to full-time ministry to be able to do so, but to be examined formally to ensure that they are qualified. This examination would be in theology and apologetics, but not in other subjects such as the original languages or church history.