Elder Governance: Insights Into Making the Transition

Synopsis: When the leadership of Patterson Park Church looked for a book explaining the process of transitioning from a board-run church to an elder led form of church government a structure they had come to believe was more in line with Scripture they found none. God honored their efforts and two of their elders decided a book still needed to be written. Elder Governance: Insights into Making the Transition examines church government from a biblical and historical context and tells the story of Patterson Parks transition. The authors are hopeful that God will use their experience to help others considering such a transition. Endorsements: This thoughtful expression of process for moving a congregation to elder governance also weaves together the biblical qualifications and functions of elders in the community of the redeemed in an expansive manner. What makes the book distinctive in the literature and thus worthy of high recommendation is the integration of process with theology. -James M. Grier Distinguished Professor of Theology Grand Rapids Theological Seminary For those churches who are attempting to make the difficult transition to a plural elder led form of church governance this book fills a void that has long existed: assistance in how to navigate those treacherous waters. Through their own experiences in helping their church work through this metamorphosis the authors have gleaned valuable insight that they have shared with us. -Alexander Strauch Author of Biblical Eldership Author Biography: Dan Evans is a non-vocational elder at Patterson Park Church and is currently pursuing a MAR in Christian Leadership. He is a physician and has published a number of articles and chapters in medical journals and books. Joe Godwin is a vocational elder and a teaching pastor at Patterson Park Church. He is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at Ligonier Academy. Joe has served in the pastorate for over twenty-five years.