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 Park's 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.
