Witmer, Shepherd Leader

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Timothy Z. Witmer, The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding In Your Church. P and R Publishing, 2010.

Referenced in: Plural-Elder Congregational Leadership

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

As a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, Witmer writes from a Reformed Presbyterian perspective. What he suggests fits better within Presbyterian church governance, and may not be as applicable for Plural-Elder/Congregational governance (see the distinctions in Gundry, Who Runs the Church?). There are a few special features that broaden its usefulness.

One helpful piece is his survey of the practice of shepherding from the early Church Fathers, to Pre-Reformers, to Reformation, to Puritan, to Scottish Presbyterian, to American Reformed. He also surveys the teaching of Jesus and the Apostles. He argues that the model with best expresses this theology is the Plurality and Parity of the Eldership.

In the chapter, “The Shepherd’s Biblical Right to Lead,” Witmer is very strong (perhaps too strong) on the idea of elder authority, especially with regard to the execution of moral discipline. Yet he cautions against extremes, offering a helpful “Authority Continuum.” Witmer also is strongly critical of the emerging church.

Witmer offers a four-part plan for shepherding: Know the Sheep, Feed the Sheep, Lead the Sheep and Protect the Sheep.

From the Publisher

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.

About the Author

Tim Witmer is currently Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary where he is Coordinator of the Practical Theology Department, Director of Mentored Ministry and Master of Divinity Programs. He is also the Minister of Preaching at Crossroads Community Church (PCA) in Upper Darby, PA.


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