Dear Editor,
Thank you for the review of the book The Pastor With a Thorn in His Side in November’s en. I think this excellent book is so needed at a time when we need to recognise that God calls all sorts of men into the role of elder, including those with vulnerabilities in mental health, and not necessarily those who seem outwardly confident and extroverted in character (even fans of The Smiths, like those who wrote this book!)
It does also to my mind make evident the need for plurality in leadership, so that it is easier for elders with equal authority to give proper support when needed. Adam Thomas’ chapter in the book particularly reflects this.
