The Elder: Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture

Explorations in Biblical Theology

by Cornelis Van Dam

A grand, biblical look at the office of elder from its beginnings in the Old Testament. This office blesses God’s church today if understood and enacted according to a biblical pattern.

Genres: Theology, Ecclesiology, Church Ministry

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had high expectations after hearing it recommended on the Reformed Forum by Camden Bucey. Unfortunately, this book is way too uneven to be 'the book on eldership'. Meticulous labour in the Old Testament (something that might be less useful for those that see more discontinuity than continuity - but that's not my position) without the 'so what?' application for today (OK, at times he will give you 6-8 lines long paragraph, but it's not very useful anyway). Many things are simply asserted and no consideration is given to differing exegetical options. Very useful discussion on the historical theology sources and good comparison between practices of Presbyterian and continental Reformed churches (if they differ), and the author is not afraid to challenge current practice of his own tradition. Overall, despite of all these things I have said, I still regard it as very useful book to read, and I'm glad that we have invested a few weeks in it together with my Pastor. Unfortunately, has some serious limitations that stop it from being the best book on the subject (even if I share most of his views). P.S. His short list of books for further reading does not make much sense - I understand that Gaffin's book on cesationism is good, but what is it doing among other resources? (and that is not an isolated case)

Edit: I originally gave this book 3 stars, but after reading a few more books on this subject, decided that Van Dam deserves 4 stars in the end. His extensive treatment of the OT makes you think, and other books only skim the subject with a few pages. He helps you to see the office as Biblical, not just the New Testamental.

[Eric Chappell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough and well-researched survey of the Bible's teaching on elders.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of the importance of Eldership in Christ’s church. I have some quibbles, particularly his view of three offices as opposed to two, but nonetheless this is helpful in getting a full orbed understanding of what biblical Eldership entails.

[Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched book on the office of elder. Connecting the biblical role back to the Old Testament. Lots of great research that makes use of targums, talmudic writings, and other extra-biblical writings to emphasize the truth of what the role and function of the office entailed.

[Sean Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful book tracing the office of elders through the bible. Very insightful and practical. I would recommend it to any men already in the office of young aspiring to the office. It truly is a high calling worthy of honour, which should only be entered into with fear and trembling.

Praise God that He supplies us with what we need to fulfil what He calls us to.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely helpful tool for understanding the role, expectations, responsibilities, and high calling of the office of the Elder. Every churchman should consider reading this to familiarize themselves with the office and its heritage going back from OT Israel to the expectations of the NT office today up to the eschaton.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough. I disagreed with a point here and there but was overall very impressed by Van Dam's work of biblical theology.

[Kris Lundgaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for the biblical theology, history, and practice of the office.

[Martinus · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I just finished the book, this review is still up to change *

A well-studied mid-level Biblical theology on the office of elder.

In a nut-shell, the book says that elders are to follow the example of God as under-shepherds of the church, they have strong roots in the Old Testament, have a vital role for the life of the New Testament church, and that the office is a privilege both to those holding it and those benefiting from it.

I appreciate what Dr v D writes about the familial roots of eldership, about the weight and purpose of excommunication, about the distinction (and yet connection) between teaching and ruling elders, and his wise treatment of women in office and definite or indefinite tenure.

Although the book is first a biblical theology and part of a biblical theology series, there are clear signs that Dr v D did effort to make it as accessible and usable for consistories to study. I do think that the Old Testament section might need to be abridged for that purpose. Otherwise, it would work well and answers many pertinent questions with clarity and pastoral wisdom.

All-in-all: 5-stars. What else could I give - It's by Dr van Dam.

[Calvin Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid teaching on the role of elder in the church, giving lots of material on the Old Testament background as well as current issues form a biblical basis. Much here could be used well in our churches to lay great foundations.