In-a-Box Description (ELDR1002)

Governing in Christ: Provoking the Potential of Presbyterian Polity

by Brian Fraser • Released August 1, 2005

In a number of interviews among members of the fictive congregation "Knoxville" some of the essential questions about governing in The Presbyterian Church in Canada are discussed. These questions include:

• How Presbyterians in Canada have structured their life and witness through the polity of their denomination;
• How the principles of Presbyterian polity, passed down through the tradition, can guide the way elders use those structures;
• What key challenges confront the mission and ministries of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and how they can be seen as opportunities for better serving Christ; and
• How teaching and ruling elders can increase their awareness of and responsibility for the work and witness of their own congregation.

Table of Contents

• Dedication
• Author's Preface
• Introduction
• A Cast of Characters and a Framework for Learning
• Chapter One: Sacred Trust
• Chapter Two: Engagement
• Chapter Three: Street Smarts
• Chapter Four: Strategic Planning
• Chapter Five: Innovation
• Chapter Six: Order
• Chapter Seven: Now, Over to You...
• Epilogue: What if?
• Appendices: 1. Teal Trust Leadership Style Indicator and Scoring Sheet
• Appendices: 2. Declaration of Faith Concerning Church and Nation