We have been using this book in our monthly Elders meetings in an effort to crystallise our thinking on the biblical teaching concerning church leadership and how we should lead our meetings. I have a young eldership in that the other 2 men with me have been on board for a short period of time. This has meant trying to define and redefine our roles and functions within the ‘team’ and we have found that this little book has been helpful in at least getting the ‘juices flowing’ in terms of discussion.
It is specifically designed as a ‘Guide to effective elders’ meetings’ and has some practical, how to advice at the end of every chapter. His reasoning behind the book is that if elders meetings function as they should then that can only be good for the spiritual growth and development of the local church body. It has certainly helped us as men work out how we do things and discuss in what ways we could improve our meetings. When I arrived 4 years ago the meetings resembled a business discussion and hours were spent debating practical details better left to deacons. We have grown a diaconate structure since then and now, with the advent of a new spiritual leadership, we have found it helpful to restructure. Under the old system prayer was left hurriedly at the end of a 3 hour plus meeting whereas now we deal with pastoral and prayer concerns from the off and pray as we go along. It is not a perfect system and we are still working on it.
What this book does is offer some suggestions which may or may not work in your context. Even if they don’t quite fit, some of the ideas are a good springboard to further thought and reflection. This is a good, helpful book for any and all serious about leadership in the local church.