Christ never intended church leadership to be earned by seniority, purchased with money or inherited through family ties. Instead, John MacArthur argues, it is absolutely essential that the local church adhere unfalteringly to biblical shepherding principles, understanding itself as an institution existing for the glory of God rather than as an organization to be managed by the methods of the surrounding culture.

The book works through the biblical qualifications for elders and deacons, the distinction between spiritual leadership and corporate administration, the plurality of elders, and the congregation's responsibility toward those who shepherd it. Drawn from MacArthur's decades at Grace Community Church, it is used widely in elder training and in seminary courses on pastoral ministry. A Spanish edition is also available.