About the Author

Publisher's Description

The Shepherd Leader is a book that strives to bring the importance of shepherding to the forefront of our thinking about what church leaders should do and, therefore, what they should be. Too many church leaders perceive of themselves as a “board of directors” when the Bible is clear that they are to know, feed, lead, and protect the flock entrusted to their care. "Tim Witmer is the faithful shepherd of a growing, urban, multi-ethnic church. In this useful and important book, he explains a biblical, practical model for shepherding ministry in a local church. We plan to use The Shepherd Leader as a primary resource for all of our candidates, interns, elders, and pastors—our shepherds and shepherds-in-training." — Philip Ryken

Endorsement

As a pastor, sheperding is one of those things that I often intend to do well, but find that I can let it slip through the cracks. The tyranny of the urgent can often times drive sheperding to the bottom of the list. In my seminary days and beyond, I have read many books that spoke to the issue of shpeherding. Often times shepherding can be one of those things that is easy to plan, but hard to practice. Then, I read Dr. Witmer's book...

The style in which this book is written is clear and to the point. That is, a seminarian can read and be fed, but also those who are lay leaders can read the book and not feel overwhelmed. The book is essentially laid out in three distinct parts. The first part is the Biblical foundation for shpeherding. The second part is the philosophy for shepherding. The third part is how to practice sound shepherding.

Whether this style of Biblical leadership is foreign or you have done it all your life, this book speaks in such a way that is convincing to those who have never tried this model and convicting for those who have assumed that they have always done it correctly. Dr. Witmer gives helpful insights on how to implement a good shepherding plan that is consistent with a 21st century lifestyle.

I think this book should be required reading for all elders and pastors. Even if you don't agree with some of its conculsions, there is enough in the book to make you rethink how you are leading your church. I loved this book and have asked my fellow elders to read it with me. I greatly encourage anyone who seeks to lead in their church or ministry to read it. If you are like me, you won't be able to put it down.