For some years Jenny Routledge has been exploring her deeply held concern for the development of strong and confident eldership. This book follows her journey, from her first questioning of 'What is eldership' to the profoundly challenging but transformative experience of testing that concern. The book explores the sometimes complex relationship that Friends have with the idea of eldership. Reflecting on parallels with early Friends' travelling ministry and on the experience of having an accompanying elder, this book is at once an intimate account of spirit-led discovery and a powerful exploration of the meaning of eldership in contemporary Quakerism.
The second half of this book is a practical course guide on the themes of 'Living eldership' for those interested in deepening the spiritual life of their meeting.