The elder’s blessed calling to oversee the gospel preaching
This article by elder Howard Pastoor addresses the God-given responsibility of church elders to oversee gospel preaching, emphasizing their accountability for the content, preparation, and doctrinal faithfulness of sermons. Pastoor argues that effective pastoral oversight requires elders to ensure preachers are spiritually mature, well-prepared, grounded in Scripture and Reformed confessions, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, with practical suggestions such as detailed monthly pastor reports to the consistory.
The elders are called by God to rule and oversee the church of Jesus Christ. This oversight also includes the calling to preach the gospel faithfully in the church and on the mission field. The elders are accountable to God Himself for what is preached, how it is preached, and for what is not preached on the pulpit. This calling has eternal significance that ought to bring all faithful officebeaerers to their knees, confessing with the apostle Paul, "And who is sufficient for these things?"...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org