A Treatise on the Eldership

This exceptional work by J. W. McGarvey sets out in detail church governance at the local level; how pastors administrate their congregation, and how a good church should operate.

At the time this book was first published in 1870, new churches were being regularly established on the frontiers of the expanding United States. Meanwhile growing populations in the established areas led to a demand for more churches. Knowing how to properly set up and maintain a church was difficult and mistakes were common; thus McGarvey authored these lectures, that readers might comprehend what the office of church eldership entails. 

The function of the church as a teaching authority, as an organizer of communities towards both common effort and a shared understanding, is discussed. Each chapter focuses upon a different aspect of church administration; how elders are to qualify themselves, arrange to meet, organize for events, and fulfil their duties to the community. The book commences by asking whether the New Testament offers a model for churches; in proving this notion, the author frequently quotes scripture. 

Although arguably superseded by more modern guides to church administration, J. W. McGarvey's text remains a favorite among those in the field or aspiring to become effective pastors or leaders. For decades the author educated Christians on a variety of religious subjects; through experience, McGarvey came to learn how churches become successful, function well and help to build a strong community in a given locality.