There is a great deal of confusion and ignorance in the church today concerning the office of Elder. What exactly is his role? What does the Bible prescribe for it? How can the elder live up to his leadership potential? The study of this subject is not only challenging but exciting, and spiritually rewarding as well. This text is provided as a needed tool to stimulate and support an interactive study by pastors and lay leaders. Suggested settings for its use might include: Group study Periodic workshops Retreat settings Personal study Board meetings Understanding the role and potential of eldership, and applying these principles faithfully, will greatly enhance the ministry effectiveness of pastor and elder alike. Pastors will find the author's companion volume, Preaching That Connects, helpful when using this book. Howard D. Vanderwell was an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and has committed his life to the preaching of God's Word. He received the MDiv and the ThM degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the DMin degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. He was ordained to the ministry in 1962 and has served congregations in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. He also served as the Senior Pastor of the Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.