Phil Newton’s book is not long but it is definitely helpful those thinking about making the change from congregational governance to elder governance. Even though the book is written from a Baptist perspective, it really is insightful for anyone thinking about this issue. He spends the first two parts of the book addressing eldership in the Bible. His exposition of Acts 20 is what got me thinking about Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders. And this text is quite important to the role and necessity of biblical eldership. Of course he also deals with Paul’s letter to Timothy and Titus and then the Hebrews writing on elders in Hebrews 13 and the final words from Peter on eldership.

The last part of the book is entitled, “From Theory to Practice.” And for those who are even thinking about eldership, this is a good reference to start. His emphasis on teaching and study on eldership is so crucial, as the most practical thing a pastor can do during this time is to teach and preach on the subject, a pastor’s most valuable tool.

On page 135, he has a useful tool that Mark Dever uses to select elders, utilizing these criteria: Central Christian Concerns, Distinctive Theological Concerns, Distinctive Cultural Concerns, Love for the Congregation. With these in mind, Mark Dever carefully selects men who would love Christ and love the church.

The book is not an exhaustive treatise on eldership, hence the short length. It also leaves some questions unanswered such as, “Does Scripture mandate vocational eldership or does it allow non-0vocational elders?” “Can there be a church without a plurality of elders?” But I would recommend this book in a pastor’s library, especially if he is considering leading the church towards elder governance.