pilgrim people

Called to Serve: Essays for Elders and Deacons (Grandville: Reformed Fellowship, 2007) is a book designed to help train and equip elders and deacons for their task as officers in Christ's church. It is the work of twelve authors, including Michael Horton, W. Robert Godfrey, Kim Riddlebarger, Cornelis Venema, and Danny Hyde. There are chapters on the nature, duties, and spiritual life of elders and deacons; why elders must know, love, and defend sound doctrine; advice to elders on how to deal with potential new members who do not yet understand covenant theology and infant baptism; church discipline; family visitation; diaconal ministry; how an elders' meeting functions; and more. There is also an appendix that lays out a ten-week training course for elders and deaocns, whcih can be used as initial training for potential new officers, or as a refresher course for those already serving in office.

My hope is that this work will bear much fruit for God's kingdom as it is manifested in the local congregation throughout the world. At $15, it is a great deal. And it's out just in time to be a great Christmas gift for that special elder or deacon in your life!

MGB