Book Review/Summary - Pastor and Elders (Timothy Mech)

We read this book one chapter a month as an opening Bible study for our Elders meetings. I thought this book was a good introduction to what Elders are and what their role is, which was great for me as a first time Elder. This book also had some good anecdotes and Bible passages to back up what it was saying. I also think it hit all the right topics, but it did not really go into any depth into any of them. It could have either been longer or at least given references for further studying on individual topics.

Chapter 1
This book had a good discussion of who is in control and what authority everyone has. Mech had good points about the lines of control between Elders and Pastor. However, he uses non-standard definitions of authority and power in this chapter, making it very confusing. I discussed authority and power in a previous post here.

Chapter 2
Elders need to stay in the Word. It is important for Elders to have a home devotion and Bible study life, as well as go to the church's Bible study and services. Elders should be active members of the congregation, as well as being above reproach.

Chapter 3
Elders and Pastors all have to trust each other. Mech had some good points here and showed the need for trust, but he did not talk about what trust is or how we get/have it. I would recommend the book, The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey. Here is a summary in diagram form of his definition of trust.

Chapter 4
We live in a self absorbed culture and people do not volunteer, or have as much of a moral standard. Unfortunately this chapter is really needed in today's society.

Chapter 5
Vocation. This chapter had a good overview of what vocation is and explained that Elders are helpers to Pastor with administrative things related to the pastoral office. Basically Elders are like Aaron to Moses. For example, since Pastor cannot easily dispense communion alone, we help him. On a side note, this shows that Pastor should hand out the bread/body and the Elders should follow behind dispensing the wine/blood.

Chapter 6
We are all accountable to God through one another. Church discipline is an important part of being an Elder.  We keep each other, pastor, and the congregation accountable. This is the toughest duty by far in my limited experience.