Biblical Eldership Booklet

by Alexander Strauch

This booklet is a condensed version of Biblical Eldership because most people do not have the time or interest to read a large technical book like Biblical Eldership. However, the doctrine of biblical eldership is nonetheless very important for all church members to understand. Therefore, this small, 48-page abridgment of the full text was written to put the doctrine of biblical eldership within reach of every member of your church body.

Genres: Leadership, Theology, Ecclesiology, Christian, Church

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2011

About the author

1832-1893

Reviews

[Brenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick to the point overview on the importance of Eldership within the Church.

[Anthony W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This condensed booklet for the parent book by the same name was packed with loads of insight into the role of elder lead church. The biblical plan for church leadership was not for a single man to lead but for a group, a governing body of elders.

Great read and I can’t wait to read the parent book Biblical Eldership.

[Jake Stacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview of scripture on the topic; read for pastoral cohort with the boys

[Andrew Murch · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who want to get a quick (hour long read) baptism into the framework of biblical eldership, Strauch's primer is the perfect place to start. This booklet is a summary of his longer work by the same name, but that volume is likely less-accessible to the average reader (over 300 pages).

Strauch argues for local church eldership to be pastoral, plural, male-led, qualified, servant-leadership. He walks through every passage in the NT about eldership, and argues that there is far more teaching on this type of leadership than is often assumed. He sees the NT teaching as a mandate that the church must follow. He concludes:

"We have no right to take away the elder's God-given mandate. Yet that is precisely what most churches have done by applying the apostolic mandate to shepherd the local church to a single, professional pastor and by subordinating the eldership to the pastor" (p. 46).

I think Strauch's challenge to the local church is needed. He rails against the clerical mentality that professionalizes the ministry, creating passive pay-for-it-to-be-done congregations. I heartily agree with his stance on that. He also notes, toward the end of the booklet, that biblical eldership is not a "cure all" for every problem within the church, and that is it easier to form structures than it is to actually implement the biblical principles and equip/empower biblical elders. I have found this to be true on a practical level, and am challenged by this text to continue working at this task.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick summary of Strauch's longer work on Biblical eldership. I've gained enough insight here on his writings that I want to read the complete version. I recommend this title for Biblical thoughts on eldership. It is complementarian in its approach (only men should be elders), so if that is a problem for you, you'd want to read something else.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abridgement of his other book. Good overview of the subject.

I read a lot of short books, so it makes me look like someone who reads a lot.