Notes for Elders on the Way

by Douglas Wilson

If a man desires the office of an elder, he desires a good work.

For over a decade, during a period of significant growth in the congregation, Pastor Douglas Wilson included a brief exhortation to the ruling elders of Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho, in the minister’s report he submitted at each session meeting.

Notes for Elders on the Way will encourage and challenge those who hold church offices, inspiring greater dedication and faithfulness in their service. And it will give laymen a deeper understanding of their elders’ role, inspiring appreciation for the weight they carry and earnest prayer on their behalf.

At times, this book may feel like listening to one half of a phone conversation—vague allusions, redacted names. But just as we can apply the lessons of Paul’s thorn in the flesh despite having to speculate on its exact nature, we can glean much wisdom from these thoughts and experiences without having to know all the details of the events and individuals involved.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2026

About the author

I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

Reviews

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me grateful for my church's elders. They carry a lot of weight. I was particularly struck with how much patience they've had to have over the years regarding things like building plans. Things have simply never gone as expected in that department. And the conflicts and controversies and cases...whew!...glad it's not me!

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely helpful.

[Thomas Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short exhortations to elders from Pastor Doug Wilson over the years to the session of Christ Church. Some of the exhortations were obscure due to the issues discussed being 15 or more years in the rearview mirror, and others were just obscure. However, many held a nugget of memorable wisdom; a good book for using one's highlighter.
For myself, it was an interesting read in terms of seeing observations being made in real time through a particular period of Christ Church's history.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of lectures to Doug Wilson's fellow elders. Worth the time.