Selected to Serve: A Guide for Church Officers

by Earl S. Johnson Jr.

Earl S. Johnson, Jr., has created an accessible, popularly written textbook for Presbyterian churches that covers all aspects of officer training--call, duties, ethics, the Presbyterian Constitution, and much more. Congregations will find this resource indispensable for the recruitment and training of effective church leaders.

200 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone joining a church council. Much of it is specific to the Presbyterian U.S.A. denomination, but there are several chapters on general governance and decision making procedures within the church. It articulates very well how to set a vision and make difficult choices within a congregation made up of diverse points of view. It also inspired me to buy a novelty shirt that reads, "Presbyterians do it decently and in good order." I'll be gifting one of these to elders within my own church when they rotate onto session.

[LemonLinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful guide for incoming Presbyterian church ruling elders and deacons. It covers what it means to be willing to serve from the denomination viewpoint as well as that of the individual congregation and how willingness to accept a leadership position, if done so prayerfully and thoughtfully, can help a congregation and individuals to grow with new experiences and opportunities for service.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I prefer the Gray and Tucker book, but this is a more condensed version. Highly recommend.