Lawrence R Eyres, The Elders of the Church
Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing
Drew Gordon’s book on the eldership is an excellent contemporary introduction to the subject of the eldership. It was recently reviewed here by Rev. Yusuke Hirata. Another helpful introduction to the subject is this older publication by P&R. Admittedly its sickly green cover isn’t terribly enticing, but that’s why we ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. Inside you will find a very readable and helpful overview of the subject from one who is well seasoned in the office.
The book is a total of seventy pages, comprising of a Preface by Jay Adams, then an Introduction and twelve chapters by the Author. Subjects covered include:
- Made by God Not Men
- Selected by the Church
- Their Labour
- Submission Due
- Qualifications
He also addresses some areas which are not always covered in a work so small, such as:
- Seeking the Office and the Man
- Screening Procedures
- Between Election and Ordination
- Dividing the Labour
The book’s shortness does not mean it lacks substance. Each chapter provokes further reflection from the attentive reader and some of the more practical chapters finish with a list of questions for your consideration. The book’s length means the chapters are concise making it a suitable read for those who want to begin to familiarise themselves with the subject but perhaps face challenge of time constraints. The conciseness of the chapters and even the subsections within each chapter, also make it a suitable supplement to one’s own devotions.
Whether you are an elder, aspiring to be, cutting your teeth, or just want to pray informatively for your elders, you will find this book a profitable read.
Rev. John Coulter
