OK, so true story, I finished this book weeks ago, but have not posted a review. I think what finally makes me post it is the fact that I’m nearly done with another book and I don’t want to be in the place of having to post two reviews. That would be weird. Anyway…onward.
Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons is another great resource from author Thabiti Anyabwile and 9Marks. I received this book [among many others] in my goodie bag and it is indeed a goodie.
The book, as one would expect is very well organized into three helpful sections – deacons, elders, and pastors. Also, as one would expect, all the chapters are solidly biblically based – and by that I mean the chapter content is all based on a particular qualification for an elder or a deacon. There are 28 total chapters but they are short and impactful.
So, when it comes to deacons, think not of high church Baptist style, but rather think of Acts 6 –
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:1–3 ESV)
Anyabwile steps thru each of these, and more deacon qualifications in a systematic and helpful manner.
Likewise, elders are clearly identified in Scripture in such passages as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Elders are called to shepherd the flock of God, but doing so knowing that “ultimately, the shepherd we need is Jesus himself.” [49]
Last, the author provides a section on pastors, which at first I found a little odd, as pastors and elders are used interchangeably in Scripture. The qualifications for each are the same, with the grand exception of a pastor being one who is called to be an elder full time and receive his income from it. Thabiti writes about this difference “on the one hand, a senior pastor has the same basic tasks as an assistant pastor or a lay elder. On the other hand, the leadership demands are different. More issues stop at my desk for decision, input and direction.” [111]
One of the primary ways this is manifested is the regular preaching of God’s Word. All elders must teach, but there is something different about the man who is called to be the primary teacher, Sunday after Sunday, of God’s Word to a particular body of believers. This should be a weight and responsibility that drives us to our knees in humility and supplication for God to empower us to do this diligently!
With so much misunderstanding about the role of the church, flat out false teaching, and confusion about church leadership, this book is a breath of fresh air and a challenge. This should find it’s way onto every pastor, elder, and deacon’s book shelf.
Mike Ruel 