Elders in Every City: The Origin an Role of the Ordained Ministry

Addressing the changing role of the ordained ministry, Roger Beckwith looks both within and without the church walls in this journey of exploration. While the clergy's traditional roles in education, counseling, social welfare, and marriage guidance have been taken over by teachers, doctors, psychiatrists, and social workers, inside, the ordained ministry is also under attack. With the campaign for the ministry of the laity and the prevalence of the Charismatic Movement, the claiming of exclusive rights for the clergy has become much more problematic. This book explores the emergence and function of the ordained ministry against its historical background and draws out important lessons for today's church.