Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons
Author: Thabiti M. Anyabwile
Written: 2012
“God gives leaders to his churches for the maturity, unity, and soundness of each local congregation. Without godly, faithful, replicating leadership, churches suffer deeply.”
“Sheep are messy and shepherds need either good work boots or careful footing!”
Hello Ordinary Readers,
This was my favorite read over deacons and elders. It does give a biblical basis for elders and deacons but is more focused on the practical. If you already have a church structure of a plurality of elders and deacons as servants this book is for you. If you are looking for understanding what a plurality of elders looks like I would check out Church Elders by Jeramie Renne.
Thabiti’s book is aptly titled. This is a wonderful resource for pastors and elders to go through with potential candidates. It is also a great read to help even identify candidates. And even more, if you are considering whether you should be an elder this book would go a long way in figuring that out. You might read it and realize that you are more equipped to be a deacon. Thabiti points out many view the role of the deacon as being lesser but that’s not the case. Thabiti writes, “And the loftiness of the office is seen in (a) the character of the individuals required to fill it (“full of the Spirit and of wisdom”, (b) the fact that it facilitates the ministry of Word and prayer, and (c) the unifying and strengthening effect it has the whole church. The diaconate is important!”.
I love the way Thabiti lays out his chapters. Each section looks at one of the qualifications of an elder or deacon and he unpacks it. Thabiti gives notes on what pastors should look out for in finding prospective candidates. Then he has a list of great questions to ask of that person or for that person to really meditate on.
I know I said this book is great for pastors and prospective elders and deacon candidates but I think it is also good for any church member. Often times if this prospective elder or deacon is a candidate they most likely are already doing some of the work and who knows better than those other sheep around them if they are prospective candidates? Also after reading Thabiti’s book I think it can give church members a greater understanding of what the roles entail and how to be praying for their elders and deacons. Overall this is an easy enjoyable read on elders and deacons.
Happy Reading!
Quotes
“And the loftiness of the office is seen in (a) the character of the individuals required to fill it (“full of the Spirit and of wisdom”, (b) the fact that it facilitates the ministry of Word and prayer, and (c) the unifying and strengthening effect it has the whole church. The diaconate is important!”
“The joy, peace, unity, and fruitfulness of the local church depends in part on having a cadre of faithful table servants who are present when needed, eager to serve without being intrusive.”
“Being above reproach means that an elder is to be the kind of man whom no one suspects of wrongdoing and immorality.”
“Drunkenness, violence, and quarreling are probably clumped together in Paul’s list because they are often clumped together in life.”