What is one requirement for a candidate seeking to become a teaching elder?

One requirement for a candidate seeking to become a teaching elder is the necessity to submit to Presbytery care. This process emphasizes the accountability and support that is integral to ministry within the church structure. Presbytery care provides a framework for the candidate to develop their theological understanding, undergo evaluation, and receive guidance from established leaders in the church. This relationship fosters a sense of community and collaboration, ensuring that the teaching elder is well-equipped for their duties and responsibilities.

The other options, while certain qualifications may be beneficial for a teaching elder, do not represent standard requirements across most denominations or church governance structures. For instance, the notion that a candidate must be an elder for a minimum period or hold a doctorate in theology is not universally true, as different denominational practices and traditions have varying criteria for ordination. Similarly, the requirement to be a chief advisor to the bishop is not applicable in the context of every denomination, making it an inaccurate representation of the path to becoming a teaching elder.