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The Elder: Today's Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture
To rediscover God’s gift of eldership for the church today, we need to go back beyond the New Testament to the origins of the office of elder in ancient Israel. There we discover the enduring principles that guided the elder in antiquity—and that guide the church today. In this book you will develop a renewed understanding of the office of elder and of godly discipline.
The Explorations in Biblical Theology series addresses the need for quality literature that attracts believing readers to good theology and builds them up in their faith. Each title in the series combines solid content with accessibility and readability—a valuable addition to the library of any college student, thoughtful lay reader, seminarian, or pastor.
Endorsements"Rooted in the deep soil of Reformed faith and practice, The Elder is a treasure at a time when much gets lost in translation from theory to practice. I heartily recommend this book for current elders, elders-in-training, aspiring elders, and those who seek to be blessed by their labors."
—Michael S. Horton
"Cornelis Van Dam provides a full and intelligent discussion of the biblical texts that inform our understanding of the office of the elder in the church today. This book is a must for those who are elders or who think they might be called to that office."
—Tremper Longman III
The Explorations in Biblical Theology series addresses the need for quality literature that attracts believing readers to good theology and builds them up in their faith. Each title in the series combines solid content with accessibility and readability—a valuable addition to the library of any college student, thoughtful lay reader, seminarian, or pastor.
Endorsements"Rooted in the deep soil of Reformed faith and practice, The Elder is a treasure at a time when much gets lost in translation from theory to practice. I heartily recommend this book for current elders, elders-in-training, aspiring elders, and those who seek to be blessed by their labors."
—Michael S. Horton
"Cornelis Van Dam provides a full and intelligent discussion of the biblical texts that inform our understanding of the office of the elder in the church today. This book is a must for those who are elders or who think they might be called to that office."
—Tremper Longman III
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 19, 2025
Rich and Fulfilling
This is one of my first books, I’ve read on the office of the elder, and I found that it was not difficult to follow or understand. I enjoyed reading this book and coming to a better understanding of the office of elder, it’s responsibilities, it’s origins, and what it takes to be one who is called to be an elder. I’m thankful for this book, and I have recorded the resources from the back of the book to do follow-on reading. Thank you!
This is one of my first books, I’ve read on the office of the elder, and I found that it was not difficult to follow or understand. I enjoyed reading this book and coming to a better understanding of the office of elder, it’s responsibilities, it’s origins, and what it takes to be one who is called to be an elder. I’m thankful for this book, and I have recorded the resources from the back of the book to do follow-on reading. Thank you!
June 16, 2025
This book was 60% about the history of elders in Israel and was a bit of a drag to get through. I dont know if it was the author's choice of words & sentences or just the topic in general but pretty boring read 😬 Seems like I didn't learn a ton for it being 241 pages.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews