The Elder and His Work

by David Dickson

A thoroughly biblical and pervasively practical introduction to principles drawn from the New Testament. This classic conveys the gravity and importance of the elder's calling.

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Leadership, Church, Christian

99 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1883

Reviews

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The warmest and most human book I've ever read on pastoral ministry. Dripping with wisdom, kindness, and love. Every pastor ought to take up and read this little book.

"To be but hewers of wood and drawers of water in such a Master's house would be a great honor, but ours is still greater. As 'friends of the Bridegroom' (John 3:29), to be helps and witnesses to the betrothal of sinners to Jesus; to stand by and see the salvation of God; to watch the operations of his hand; to guide and encourage his ransomed ones on their way Zionward; and to see many of them safe home before himself - this is the privilege of a faithful elder." (129)

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and practical. This book will benefit every Christian and not just those who are called to leadership in the church. Dickson very simply teaches how to be a responsible and caring Christian.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is very well written and appropriately practical. Unlike some older authors (who seem to allow their earnest zeal and hyperbole to get away from them), Dickson writes with sanctified common sense and sanity. I will use this book in officer training in my church as we prayerfully seek men to serve as Elders in our congregation.

[Shawn Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Filled with practical advice and encouragements in the work. Excellent book for sessions to read together or to hand to new elders.

[Andrew Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful in many ways, but dated by the time in which it was written. The encouragement in the duties of elders should be heeded, but you will need to wrestle with how those duties are carried out in much more mobile and geographically spread out congregations.

[JT Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a ruling elder in the Scottish Presbyterian Church in the 1800s, The Elder and His Work is a timeless and practical treatise on the calling, duties, and spiritual responsibilities of church elders. David Dickson was not a vocational pastor—he was a lay elder who owned a business, served as a city clerk and treasurer, and was a deacon before becoming an elder for 33 years. His insights are rooted in experience and a deep love for the church.

This short book is clear, simple, and deeply encouraging. Dickson draws out the profound privilege of elder ministry in a way that stirs the heart and strengthens the hands. In an age where many elder boards risk becoming little more than decision-making bodies or passive “yes-men,” this work reminds us of the high biblical and historical calling of elders to shepherd, lead, and care for God’s people.

I’m grateful for this book. We’re currently using it in our men’s training, and the discussions it has sparked have been rich and edifying. This is a book I will return to often and one I plan to walk many future leaders through. Dickson’s faithful example and exhortations have helped clarify and encourage me in my own duties as an elder.

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d wager to say this is the gold standard for what it looks like to serve faithfully as a lay (non-vocational) elder in a local church

Rooted in sound biblical principles, this book is a treasure on what an elder qualified life and ministry looks like.
David Dickson was a 19th century Scottish presbyterian lay elder, who had a strong influence in his community career, as well as being a lay elder his local church.
He embodied a lot of the principles that he taught in this book, that was full of encouragements and exhortations.

An added benefit is that the chapters are concise yet deep, complete with discussion questions that any Pastor can take his fellow elders through in order to train them up in what this looks like.

Highly recommended!

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Dickson had gone into a bit more of the difficult side of conflict in the work of an elder, but what he had was absolutely excellent. It was clear, warm, thoughtful, and concise.

[Butch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical guidance for those who are called to the role of elder, especially those doing it as a lay-person. Challenging and helpful.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

OLD BUT GOOD

The ideas on Scriptural eldership are timeless. There is considerable depth of experience that Dickson writes from. But the language is out of date as well as the cultural references. This was written in the age of written tracts, social class distinctions and expected two-Sunday services being attended. The lack of relevance for today is seen in the examples given for ministry.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian man should read this book.

Even if we are not called by the Lord to be elders, we should be striving to be men who meet the qualifications for eldership.

This book is packed with practical wisdom to aid in this most important of pursuits. It’s an easy read, just over 120 pages, and will be well worth your time and effort.

[Christopher Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. I would commend it to any man considering or currently working as a church elder. It is very practical and born of experience. This is one book I will be reading every year and giving to others.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is chalk full of practical wisdom and encouragement. It’s a book written for ruling elders/lay elders and I really enjoyed.

Stick close to Jesus. Love the people God entrusts to you by word, prayer, and presence.

[Brett Jeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and wonderful work on shepherding as a lay elder or ruling elder. Should be mandatory reading for anyone considering the office of elder. Sharp points but also tender at times. Highly recommend

[Chuck Ransford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a treasure. I appreciate that it's not just an overview of the duties and qualifications of an elder, but he gives lots of practical advice and has some wonderful anecdotes. This should be read by anyone desiring to the office of elder.

[Caleb Marcoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that he lived a while ago, I agree with this guy pretty strongly. We think of them as being strict and never playing with children etc, but the way he writes it sounds to me like he would be labeled as too liberal in some of our conservative congregations.

[Marty Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated at points, but still an immensely valuable resource for the Elder or candidate.

[Eric Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great parts.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a 19th century Scottish Presbyterian elder. A really sweet book, with some simple yet profound insights.

[Coleson White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandatory for aspiring ministers and elders. Godly and practical wisdom that was more timeless than I expected.

[M.G. Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pastor gave me (and the other new elders) this book upon my ordination as a ruling elder in our church, a Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) church. Shortly thereafter, I was having a conversations with a friend who is a member of a PCA church in Pennsylvania. He had recently read this book and highly recommended it. I decided to read it on this vacation.

First, let me say I am unaware of any books that take up the effort to describe the work and ministry of the ruling elder. Second, let me say that if they do exist, they might not be very good as they remain unknown to me.

David Dickson, a ruling elder in Scotland during the 19th century, endeavored to describe the different ways the ruling elder can help to minister to the congregation. He does so with insight to the advantages and disadvantages the ruling elder has over the pastor (or minister) in the church. He recognizes that his discussion of these things is not something that can be imposed on all elders in all churches, since each church's needs will differ based on a variety of reasons: geographical location, socio-economic make-up, age, etc.

Taking this approach is helpful, he makes no effort to guilt you into doing things "his" way, and offers encouragement and support for why he finds these things helpful. In the end, I feel like he encouraged and compelled me to understand how and why I can take a more active role in "ministering" to the people in the church, rather than just "ruling" the people in the church.

This is the only book I've read on eldering, but I believe it can remain the best I've read on the topic even if that should change. Anyone considering or serving in the office of elder should read this book.

[Joseph Rizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for every elder, officer, or prospective elders. It is a concise practical book that maps out how elders of the church can effectively fulfill the call of their office.

My main takeaway is this:

Elders are to be men of the Word and of prayer.

This seems obvious based on many scriptures including Acts 6:4

"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

It is obvious, but it is also central. This was a fresh reminder for me to add to my prayer life and be more devoted to regular scripture reading.

Dickson encourages us to be always ready to listen to church members and those outside of the church that we encounter, ready to pray with and for them, ready to share an appropriate portion of scripture with them.

He also advocates regular visitation of members and their households and to be a true friend.

We are to visit the sick, stir up members to good works, and have a godly character, among may other things.

I'm glad that this older book has been reprinted. It is valuable to the church of Christ.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short study on the task of the ruling elder and his role in the life of the church. Dickson is highly practical, and his heart shines through all over the place. He discusses the qualification, the ordinary work, the disciplinary work, and the valley of the shadow of death work of elders, as well as their relationship to the minister. Very helpful for use in elder training.

The much more recent questions were hit-or-miss, some very helpful and some annoyingly trite.

Quotes:
"Even grace does not give common sense, a little of which would settle many controversies and heresies in the church of Christ." 32

"The usefulness of an elder will depend in the long run more on his character than on his gifts and knowledge." 34

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Dickson was a ruling elder (lay elder) in the Scottish Presbyterian church in the 19th century. By all accounts, he was an amazing man, and a great servant of the church. In The Elder and His Work he gives us a kind of "best practices" for elders as they serve the church. This is a very helpful manual for church leaders, especially emphasizing the character and warm temperament of a church elder, as well as the practical responsibilities of visiting and shepherding the people. Recommended for all church leaders.

[Mark Gring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, and quick, read on the office of the elder. David Dickson's 1800's Scotland makes it "dated" in some ways but George Kennedy McFarland and Philip Graham Ryken's updated introduction and end-of-chapter questions add sufficient update and contemporary application. This is a very pastorally written text with an emphasis on shepherding the flock.

[Julee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Much may seem outdated and out of sync with common day, but I found many nuggets here. All the chapters held a special nugget, with chapters 12 & 13 especially resonating with my heart.

I won't ever be an elder, but I have great respect for the office and there is plenty of wisdom here for believers to instill in their lives.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction to the practical work of being an elder. While some of the examples are a little outdated for an American Presbyterian context (communion tokens, etc.), it is a very encouraging look at how useful faithful elders can be in the church.

Update on 2nd time through: this is an excellent introduction and overview. It is highly useful for officer training.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction about what it means to be a ruling elder. I find that it's focus is practical and motivational. Also, many other books emphasize male only leadership so this is good for fellow egalitarians.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a pile of leadership books in the past couple years, and this is among the best. Concise yet broad in scope, Dickson challenges men to qualify for the office and serve faithfully in it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid work. Requires some adapting given that this was written in 19th century.