40 questions about elders and deacons / Benjamin L. Merkle. [print]

Includes bibliographies and index.

Offices in general -- Why is it important to have a biblical form of church government? -- What are the various forms of church government? -- Does the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 support Episcopalianism or Presbyterianism? -- What New Testament evidence is there in support of congregationalism? -- Are the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and priest for today? -- How many church offices are there today? -- The office of elder -- A. questions related to background issues -- What is the background of the terms "elder" and "overseer"? -- What is the origin of the Christian elder or overseer? -- Do the terms "elder" and "overseer" represent the same office? -- Does 1 Timothy 5:17 make a distinction between two types of elders? -- What is the role of an elder? -- How much authority should the elders have? -- Were Timothy and Titus pastors/elders? -- Questions related to qualifications -- What are the situational and family qualifications for an elder? -- What are the moral qualifications for an elder? -- What does it mean that an elder must be "the husband of one wife"? -- Must an elder be married and must his children be believers? -- What are the reasons for affirming that women can be elders? -- What are the reasons for affirming that women cannot be elders? (part 1) -- What are the reasons for affirming that women cannot be elders? (part 2) -- Questions related to the plurality of elders -- Should each church have a plurality of elders? -- How many elders should each congregation have? -- What is the relationship between staff members and elders? -- Should there be an equality (parity) among the elders? -- How should the elders make decisions? -- What are the advantages of having a plurality of elders? -- Why do so few churches have a plurality of elders? -- How does a church transition to a plurality of elders? -- Questions related to the selecting, ordaining, paying, and removing of elders -- How should elders be selected? -- Should elders have terms or serve for life? -- Should elders be ordained? -- Should elders be paid? -- What should be done if an elder is caught in sin? -- The office of deacon -- What is the background of the New Testament deacon? -- What are the qualifications for a deacon? -- What is the role of a deacon? -- What is the relationship between the office of deacon and the office of elder? -- What are the reasons for affirming that women can be deacons? -- What are the reasons for affirming that women cannot be deacons? -- Is it important to use the terms "elder" and "deacon"?

"Organized around common FAQs, 40 Questions About Elders and Deacons tackles the major questions that pastors, church leaders, and students ask about congregational church government, a topic of significant interest in the church today. It gives readers a clear analysis of key biblical passages and succinct answers (4-8 pages each). The book's unique format allows readers to pick and choose what issues are most pertinent to their interests and needs. Thought-provoking discussion questions for each topic are ideal for personal or church-wide study"--Back cover. Back Cover

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