Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons

by Thabiti M. Anyabwile

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2012

Overview

Every church leader knows the qualifications for elders and deacons that are spelled out in the Bible, but actually finding other leaders who fulfill the biblical qualifications can be difficult. Thabiti Anyabwile writes from his expertise as a pastor and elder, showing how to identify and reproduce legitimate leaders and willing servants throughout the ranks of the local church. Balancing thoughtful analysis of pertinent passages with thorough application for practical use in a contemporary context, Anyabwile answers the questions, “Who should we look for to lead and serve in the church?” and “What should they do to fulfill their calling?”

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Explains how to identify and reproduce legitimate leaders and willing servants in the local church
• Balances thoughtful analysis of pertinent passages with thorough application for practical use
• Answers important questions relating to church leadership

Contents

• Finding Table Servants
• Finding Reliable Elders
• What Good Pastors Do

Top Highlights

“2) Does the potential deacon speak consistently to different parties?” (Page 29)

“When looking for deacons, churches must look for men full of the Spirit. The office is a spiritual office. Its discharge is a spiritual work, even if your church organizes deacons around specific practical tasks. The church and the gospel receive no advantage from our appointing those who are not full of the Spirit. Deacons are to be men known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Pages 23–24)

“1) Does the prospective deacon have a reputation for being filled with the Spirit and wisdom?” (Page 24)

“Being above reproach means that an elder is to be the kind of man whom no one suspects of wrongdoing and immorality.” (Page 57)

“1) Does the potential deacon have a reputation for keeping his word?” (Page 29)

Praise for the Print Edition

Choosing men who will lead your church is serious work. I commend this valuable resource to you from my friend and partner in the Gospel, Thabiti Anyabwile. It is both thoughtful and practical. His insights in this book will help you recruit, enlist, and reproduce faithful leaders in your church.

—James MacDonald, pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel

Out of an obvious love for the local church, Pastor Thabiti takes biblical leadership very seriously. He takes it so seriously that he has written a book designed to be both biblical and accessible to the people of the church—clearly explaining the Bible’s teaching on the qualifications for leadership and so much more. After a careful exposition of every leadership qualification, he includes a list of helpful questions for the aspiring leader to ask one’s self and for those who will be interviewing such aspiring leaders.

—Tom Steller, pastor for leadership development, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Product Details

• Title: Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons
• Author: Thabiti M. Anyabwile
• Series: 9Marks
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Pages: 176
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Elders (Church officers) › Baptists; Deacons › Baptists
• Resource ID: LLS:FNDNGFTHFLLDRSD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T03:15:07Z

About Thabiti M. Anyabwile

Thabiti M. Anyabwile is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman and the author of numerous books, including What Is a Healthy Church Member? and Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons. He serves as a council member with the Gospel Coalition, is a lead writer for 9Marks Ministries, and regularly blogs at Pure Church, hosted by the Gospel Coalition.