Book Review: "The Eldership"

Originally titled “A Treatise on the Eldership,” this short book is, in my opinion, a “must-read.” J.W. McGarvey (pictured) wrote this book originally in 1870, but the central thoughts are as new as if they were written yesterday.

The version of the book that I have is just 79 pages and I actually read the entire book in one afternoon (while the kids took a nap). It reads almost as if it were a term paper, but with many very scholarly thoughts.

McGarvey’s major thrust is that elders should work, and this emphasis comes through in nearly every section. He spends some time on the qualifications, but much more time on the work. His focus is on the fact that elders, as shepherds, need to be among the sheep.

Even in 1870 McGarvey saw a need for elders to visit and care for the sheep, instead of the preacher spending all his time doing that work. How modern is that?! This is just one example of how “modern” the book seems to be.

If you do not already have this book, please make it a priority to purchase it and read it. While you may find it cheaper on other websites, there is a link below to Amazon’s page for the book.