The Nuts and Bolts of Presbyterianism

I've come across two good articles dealing with Presbyterian polity in the last couple of days.  They are excellent resources for understanding the Biblical underpinnings of a connectional church and the offices of minister & elder.

Why You Should Be Presbyterian:  This article is appreciated because it emphasizes how the church should be connectional in nature.  The author has as one of his goals the realization that churches that are independent and congregational lack proper accountabilty and fail to utilize the counsel of the broader church.

Do Minister & Elder Hold the Same Office:  This article was written by one of my former seminary professors.  Dr. Strange explains well the history surrounding the debate, as well as getting into many of the texts involved.  One will note that this view is deeply embedded in the roots of the OT.  The hermenutic we use in all of our interpretation as Reformed and Covenantal types does not neglect the continuity of Scripture.

It should be noted that I currently serve in a church that is more two office in its polity (I am three office).  It should be understood then that I do respect this long tradition and enjoy working beside my fellow elders very much.