Elders in Congregational Life by Phil Newton
Some of my favorite quote so far from Elders in Congregational Life: Rediscovering the Biblical Model for Church Leadership
I know of no other book that gives such particular and practical consideration for transitioning to plural elders. Mark Dever, Capitol Hill Baptist Church
when the leadership group of a church is swamped in the mundane and temporal, they may fail to take to heart the deeper spiritual needs of the church.
the duties of elders might better be approached in a fourfold manner: doctrine, discipline, direction, and distinction in modeling the Christian life.
What difference can elders make in church life? If a congregation has a group of godly spiritual leaders who walk with Christ, who do so in such a way that they assist the body in fleshing out the details of the Christian life, who attend to the doctrine of the church, who labor to maintain discipline of the members, and who regularly give direction to the church, that church will be better positioned for spiritual growth and effective ministry.
These young, small churches of Asia Minor needed biblical instruction, regular discipline, spiritual leadership, and models for the faith.
The most remarkable thing about these characteristics is that there is nothing remarkable about them. -D. A. Carson speaking of requirements of elders in the Bible
Elders, deacons, and other church officers that fail to display the character required of spiritual leaders have done great damage to churches.
The congregation as a whole was not part of the discussions or debates, but they were later informed, and affirmed the result of the council
the congregation at large must focus on mobilization for ministry rather than spend its time worrying over governance.
the pastor is first among equals in authority-first by virtue of the church's call and his training and gifts, but equal in that he is not a "Lone Ranger" figure in church leadership.
