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Biblical Eldership, An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Alexander Strauch
Is leadership in the church about popularity? Should churches simply find those individuals that have done well for themselves in the community? What makes for good and, more importantly, godly leadership? Do pastors have authority? Should they? What does this authority look like and who gave it to them? Churches should be asking these and like-minded questions. Unfortunately, many churches do not ask such questions until they are faced with a problem in the body or the failure of a shepherd. "Who can calculate the damage done during the past two thousand years to the churches of Jesus Christ because of inattentive, naive, and prayerless shepherds?", writes Strauch.
Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch is already a classic on the subject. I'm tempted to skip it and not blog about this particular book because of its rapid and deserved rise to the must-read list on the topic of church order. On the other hand, one suspects that taking such worthy works for granted is how they often fall into disuse. Perhaps there are church members, elders, deacons, and pastors who are yet to benefit from this work. My concern specifically is for the younger ministers that are building their libraries and constructing their understanding of biblical church order.
Solomon wrote that to the making of books there is no end. Speaking as one who blogs on the joy of books and reading, I'm perfectly happy with Solomon's observation. In the spirit of Solomon's great wisdom, it behooves us to be selective about our reading. Research what are the best works on a given subject and read them first then if there are time, money and energy to read more, do so. It is my observation that most people read. That is not the question. What makes the difference in us is that we are reading deep, Scriptural works that transform our minds and lives in conformity to God's Word. Such is Biblical Eldership. This is not a "church growth" book so if you are looking for the latest and greatest on how to grow your church to be the talk of the religious stratosphere then this is not the book for you. But if you want to build godly, servant-leaders that uphold the sound doctrine and spiritual vitality in your congregation then this book is most certainly in the must-read list.
Biblical Eldership is written with balance and clarity. Strauch has made great effort to build upon solid and thorough exegesis of pertinent Scripture. Furthermore, he has researched broadly on the implementation of the Bible's teaching on elders, which is often a gap not bridged. In fact, I am comfortable saying that for Strauch these are one and the same. It is clear that he is working from a firm belief in the sufficiency of the Scriptures. Strauch expounds the Scriptures then explains how this is to be worked out in relation to other passages and in light of church history, as it relates to church order. It is worth mentioning, as well, that his style is warm and winsome. Strauch never comes across as if he were on the attack. He believes in and defends his position but in an engaging way so that even if you do not agree with the concept of elders in the church you will benefit from making this book a part of your research. Practically speaking, this would be an excellent "required reading" for all church leadership for teaching how to care for the Lord's flock. It is my prayer that all shepherds will take time to digest this book and implement its wise counsel.
Post tenebras lux,
Scott
Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch is already a classic on the subject. I'm tempted to skip it and not blog about this particular book because of its rapid and deserved rise to the must-read list on the topic of church order. On the other hand, one suspects that taking such worthy works for granted is how they often fall into disuse. Perhaps there are church members, elders, deacons, and pastors who are yet to benefit from this work. My concern specifically is for the younger ministers that are building their libraries and constructing their understanding of biblical church order.
Solomon wrote that to the making of books there is no end. Speaking as one who blogs on the joy of books and reading, I'm perfectly happy with Solomon's observation. In the spirit of Solomon's great wisdom, it behooves us to be selective about our reading. Research what are the best works on a given subject and read them first then if there are time, money and energy to read more, do so. It is my observation that most people read. That is not the question. What makes the difference in us is that we are reading deep, Scriptural works that transform our minds and lives in conformity to God's Word. Such is Biblical Eldership. This is not a "church growth" book so if you are looking for the latest and greatest on how to grow your church to be the talk of the religious stratosphere then this is not the book for you. But if you want to build godly, servant-leaders that uphold the sound doctrine and spiritual vitality in your congregation then this book is most certainly in the must-read list.
Biblical Eldership is written with balance and clarity. Strauch has made great effort to build upon solid and thorough exegesis of pertinent Scripture. Furthermore, he has researched broadly on the implementation of the Bible's teaching on elders, which is often a gap not bridged. In fact, I am comfortable saying that for Strauch these are one and the same. It is clear that he is working from a firm belief in the sufficiency of the Scriptures. Strauch expounds the Scriptures then explains how this is to be worked out in relation to other passages and in light of church history, as it relates to church order. It is worth mentioning, as well, that his style is warm and winsome. Strauch never comes across as if he were on the attack. He believes in and defends his position but in an engaging way so that even if you do not agree with the concept of elders in the church you will benefit from making this book a part of your research. Practically speaking, this would be an excellent "required reading" for all church leadership for teaching how to care for the Lord's flock. It is my prayer that all shepherds will take time to digest this book and implement its wise counsel.
Post tenebras lux,
Scott
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