I really like the last sentence as I think it is a distincition that should be made and applied. All are not elders but there may be many teachers, if all are allowed to teach because of the supernatural gift then elders could function in a much more hands on way.

Excellent post.

At some point all of our doctrinal studies, listening to sermons and going to seminars has not led us to living a crucified life of following Christ and serving others.

At some point an elder must be more than a bible study teacher or lecturer of knowledge and information. The truth is that the average pastor or senior pastor is not going to be able to offer you or I much in the way of doctrinal studies, what I need is men like Knox and Black and Zens in my life whose doctrine has penetrated into their lives resulting in selfless living-whom I can emulate. That has to be what seperates a teacher from an elder, because we know the body of Christ and each local assembly will have numerous teachers gifted by the Holy Spirit who are not elders.