The Shepherd Leader-Achieving Effective Shepherding in your Church
Author: Timothy Witmer
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (John 10:14).” As our great shepherd, Jesus Christ, in an amazing way has come down to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). What is more is that He knows us by name
Shepherding is a theme covered in most of the Bible. In the Old Testament, men like Moses and David were shepherds, leaders of Israel. As we come to the New Testament, the apostle Paul has left the charge to the Ephesian elders- “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he brought with his own blood (Acts 20:28). “
Timothy Witmer sets out to do two things in this book. Firstly, to convince the reader that shepherding provides a comprehensive framework for what you need to do as a church leader. Secondly, to provide a practical guide to help you start a shepherding ministry among your people, or to improve the one you already have. To him shepherding is to know, feed, lead and protect the flock. Taking those four functions of a shepherd, mentioned above, and doing it from a macro and a micro level.
The Shepherd Leader is a great book. I recommend it to life group leaders and church leaders in general. It has stirred my convictions to work hard in getting to know the flock. To be acquainted with peoples joys, successes and struggles. The importance of having a system is a very effective way to love and care for the flock and most importantly, that no one falls through the cracks.
reviewed by Marc Krastin
