Book Review: The New Elder's Handbook by Greg R Scharf and Arthur Kok

The New Testament is clear. The church is to be led by a plurality of elders. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 give us the qualifications for elders. Each church has their own expectations of the elders, but nothing should be outside the Biblical requirements.

The church will always be in need of good godly, maturing believers who are called to be elders. How does a church look for elders and what should be expected out of them. Greg R Scharf and Arthur Kok have developed a book to assist churches not only in identifying potential elders, but help also train them. The book is titled, The New Elder's Handbook.

This book echoes what the Bible says about those who aspire to elders, they desire a noble task. An elder must be grounded in the gospel so that they make teach it to others in the church. An elder is a man who is growing in the word of God and prayer. An elder desires to work with the other elders and seek to live life together with the church. This process does take time, but there is no clear direction as to how long the process should be. It could be months or a couple of years.

A big chunk of the book deals with 75 questions that pastors can use to ask their potential elders. I don't think the authors mean for this to be the standard for every church to use, but it does give an idea on what to ask potential elders. These are theological questions along with ministry questions and questions in regards to our walk with Jesus. The authors give scripture that will hopefully back up the potential elders' answer to the questions. The last two chapters are practical studies that pastors may want to take their potential elders through. These studies is deal with practical Christian living and a study of 2 Peter.

I found this book very helpful for those who are looking for new elders in their church. I think it is very practical and down to earth while remaining faithful to the Scriptures.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.