Why Elders?: A Biblical and Practical Guide For Church Members

How churches are governed, or church polity, is one area which has divided churches, hence the many different denominations today. In this interesting study, Benjamin Merkle looks at the New Testament carefully and argues that the local church should be led by two offices: elders and deacons. He sets forth the case that this was the pattern of the New Testament Church, this provides help and accountability for a pastor, this produces a healthy church, and this promotes the biblical role of deacons. Merkle's treatment is biblical and helpful and there is much that I agree with him. In my view, however, what is lacking in his treatment is ignoring the writings of the Apostolic and Early Church Fathers which seem to provide evidence in support of episcopacy. Should church government matter? If it does, should we not go back to the early church and consider how local churches were governed and led? Church leaders should take church government seriously and Merkle's book is one good resource to read and study. Recommended.