Book suggestions on office of the elder/church leadership

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Andres

Andres

Puritan Board Doctor
I would appreciate any suggestions the fine members of this board might offer in the way of books pertaining to the topic of the office of the elder or church leadership in general. The ones below are some I am presently considering. I will most likely buy the first two, the third I am still on the fence about. If anyone here has any feedback (positive or negative) on these three, I would also appreciate it. Many thanks in advance.

Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons Edited by Michael Brown

The Cross and Christian Ministry:Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians by D.A. Carson

Concerning the True Care of Souls by Martin Bucer
 
My preaching mentor wrote his Dmin on the topic of the ruling elder. I am sure he still has the paper in digital format. I can get a copy if you would like. Just let me know.
 
From what I've seen, the best two books on the ruling elder are John Sittema's book With a Shepherd's Heart, and Tim Witmer's book The Shepherd Leader. Probably a close third is Samuel Miller's book The Ruling Elder. As to deacons, the pickings are definitely slimmer. I have appreciated Strauch's book The New Testament Deacon.
 
greenbaggins said:
From what I've seen, the best two books on the ruling elder are John Sittema's book With a Shepherd's Heart, and Tim Witmer's book The Shepherd Leader. Probably a close third is Samuel Miller's book The Ruling Elder. As to deacons, the pickings are definitely slimmer. I have appreciated Strauch's book The New Testament Deacon.
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Thank you Boliver. If it's not too much trouble for you to track down, I would definitely read it.

Thank you Rev Keister. Is Strauch the same Strauch as this one - Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership. My pastor said that he remembered this book bashing Presbyterianism a bit. Have you read this one and/or would you agree?
 
Of the three, I've only read the D.A. Carson book, and I like it. It's Bible-based, practical teaching about Christian ministry and the attitudes and work patterns that should surround it. It's not so much about the structure of the church as it is about the heart of the minister and the spiritual truths that drive the way his ministry is done. An excellent little book if that's what you're looking for.
 
Andrew, I haven't read his book on eldership. I don't think he is Presbyterian, so I wouldn't be surprised if he argued against it. I thought his book on deacons was helpful and seemed to avoid Presbyerianism-bashing. Also, his deacons were not elders in disguise, as so many Baptist churches do.
 
My recollection is that Strauch is influenced by Plymouth Brethren views. I'm pretty sure he would object to a distinction between ruling and teaching elders. Maybe that's where the "Presbyterian-bashing" comes in.
 
Strauch's book is excellent. Of course, he's not a presbyterian, so it'd be silly to expect his book to be right in line with presbyterian views of eldership, but I don't recall anything that could rightly be called "presbyterian bashing."

"The Elder and his Work" by David Dickson (previously mentioned) is great as well (and was required reading when I was in training to become an elder)./
 
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