BOOK REVIEW
Book Review: Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership
Alexander Strauch’s ‘Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership’ is a resourceful book that addresses contemporary issues in the church. It enables the reader to connect biblical teachings with church leadership. Throughout the book, the author clearly summarizes the essential elements of biblical leadership: should be male, qualified, shared, and pastoral and above all, servant-hearted. The current church governments have a lot to learn from this book. There is no doubt that for tips about church leadership, this book offers priceless guidance.
About the author
Chapter by chapter summary
The book has several chapters, summarized as follows
Part 1- Biblical Eldership
Chapter 1: Pastoral Leadership
In the first part of the book, Strauch seeks to address issues dealing with Biblical Eldership. He dedicates the first chapter to deeply discuss pastoral leadership. According to him, a church leader should act as a good example and be a role model to the followers to encourage them embrace better habits. Under the aspect of pastoral leadership, Strauch stresses that a leader ought to have moral authority to lead others. He further argues that a pastor should be an elder, and vice versa. Throughout the chapter, he discusses how church eldership can be made to function effectively.
Chapter 2: Shared Leadership
In this chapter, Strauch explains why eldership in the church should be multiple. Sharing of eldership ensures that a myriad of issues are tackled. In addition, there is room for sharing thoughts on how to handle various issues that may arise. Strauch consistently argues against having a single elder in church leadership, which may lead to a number of problems and challenges.
Chapter 3: Male Leadership
This is one of the most controversial pronouncements by this author. In this topic, he gives an overview why biblical eldership should be steered by males. He is against the females being females. According to him, males are more resolute in handling challenges.
Chapter 4: Qualified Leadership
In this chapter, the author argues that elders should not be picked anyhow: they must be qualified. He further explains the threshold that should be used to determine if one is qualified to eldership: moral reputability. This means that an elder must be a person of a strong moral standing, with the ability to command respect.
Chapter 5: Servant Leadership
Above anything, Strauch argues, elders should see themselves as servants of the congregation. He notes that most elders have ignored this requirement and instead, they see themselves as being above everybody. The chapter stipulates that an elder is never above the congregation. Despite them being servants, they take responsibility of the congregation and will be held responsible in case of anything.
Part 2- Defense of Biblical Eldership
Chapter 6: Bible-Based Leadership Structure
Part 3- The Exposition of Scripture
Chapter 7: The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 8: Paul’s Letter to the Churches
Strauch discusses the letter Paul wrote to the Churches in this chapter. He emphasizes in the book of 1 Thessalonians
Chapter 9: Paul’s Instruction to Timothy
Here, the author gives a keen interpretation to the biblical instructions Paul gave Timothy. In doing this, he makes use of the biblical book of 1st Timothy
Chapter 10: Paul’s Instruction to Titus
In this chapter, he espouses on the book of Titus
Chapter 11: Paul’s Instruction to the Asian Elders
Chapter 12: James Instruction to the Sick
In this chapter, the author makes reference to the book of James and how eldership was used to anoint the sick
Chapter 13: Hebrews: Obey Your Leaders
In this chapter, he discusses the biblical book of Hebrews
Part 4- Related Topics
Chapter 14: Appointment of Elders
This chapter is dedicated by Strauch to address the process of appointing elders in the church setting. It further illustrates some of the qualities that a good elder should have.
Chapter 15: Elders and the Congregation.
This is the last chapter of this great book. Here, the author explains the how the elders should relate with the congregation and what they should expect in turn.
Strengths of the book
The book has a number of strengths that make it an authority. For instance, the fact that the methodology employed in the book and the conclusions arrived at have a biblical background means that there is little room to question whatever is explained. The move to back major arguments with biblical foundations justifies the position stipulated. A good example on how this is used is by observing how the author defines eldership. He begins the definition by giving it a biblical origin and term of shepherding. In the bible, this is a controlling and prominent image, portraying the role that elders are expected to play. In addition to this, the author makes reference to passages of the New Testament that talk about instructions to elders. The conclusions are also in line and support of the arguments that the author puts across. This is the key strength of the book.
Weaknesses of the book
Despite the many strengths of the book, there exist flaws and weaknesses that cannot be ignored. For instance, the concept of the role of the senior pastor can be interpreted as a weakness. In explaining off some of the advantages of plural leadership, Strauch argues that it becomes possible for the senior pastor to become a ‘first among equals’. Whereas the point is valid and accurate, the interpretation it is likely to be given may backfire. Strauch’s argument seeks to explain the notion that all people, including pastors, have weaknesses. Yet in the modern day era, it is difficult to see pastors agreeing to this concept.
Points of agreement/disagreement
It would be impossible to disagree with the discussion and arguments mounted by Strauch. In almost every aspect he argues, he introduces biblical elements to support his claims. His deep insight on the qualities of an elder cannot go unnoticed. The only disadvantage is that if his guidelines in the book are strictly followed, it would be difficult to find a person who is suitable to take this role.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the book is useful in the modern era in church contexts. In this century where church eldership has been commercialized, there is an inherent challenge of selecting elders based on their moral standing. A close read and understanding of the book is likely to ensure that church committees take into account relevant considerations in order to choose qualified elders.
There are several reasons as to why this book should be recommended. As a matter of fact, the approach employed by the author is simple and direct to the point. This means that users are likely to benefit from the insight given. The book is hereby recommended.
Bibliography
Strauch, Alexander. Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership. Littleton, Colo: Lewis and Roth Publishers, 1995.
