Crux:
“This book is designed to prove to you from the Bible that church leaders, specifically elders, are fundamentally undershepherds. Having proven that point, the book will then help you to implement an effective shepherding ministry in your church.” (4, 2)
Problem:
Shepherding is conspicuously absent in many churches today leading to a micro problem and a macro problem. The micro problem is members of churches feel spiritually malnourished and frustrated because they are not receiving the care that need and that the Lord requires that his shepherds provide (3). The macro problem is that these sheep are leaving churches and it’s causing the swell of certain churches into mega churches and the dying out of smaller churches.
Solution:
Elders and pastors need to take the call to shepherd the sheep seriously.
Structure:
Witmer first argues the Biblical and Historical prevalence and importance of shepherding in the church (chapters 1-4). Next he outlines four essential elements of a healthy shepherding ministry (know, feed, lead and protect – Chapters 5-8). Lastly, he lays out some practical ways to implement a shepherding ministry into your church (chapters 9-11).
Highlights:
- 34-35 – 1 Peter 5:1-4 passage about shepherding is so instructive and helpful. The word shepherd in verse 2 is in the imperative form emphasizing the command to pastors to shepherd the flock.
- 43 – The pastor cannot shepherd the whole flock by himself as great as he may be. Richard Baxter did it by himself and an assistant but this should not be modeled. This is extremely difficult for a congregation of any size. The elders should help with the shepherding.
- 50-51 – Shepherding in the church as a practice was lost for nearly 14 centuries. This doesn’t bode well for his argument. If shepherding is so essential then why would God allow it to disappear for 14 centuries? However, this doesn’t prove shepherding isn’t Biblical or a healthy practice.
- 81 – “Before you tear down a fence, you should find out why it was put there in the first place!” I liked this quote and thought it was a good argument against the dismantling of shepherding just because it seems hard or old fashioned.
- 89 – Peter writes that those who shepherd should do so “not because you must, but because you are willing.” After all, Christ came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” We can often view leadership as being in charge, making the decisions, being someone others follow, being looked up to and being held in high regard. However, a Christian leader is first and foremost a servant.
- 94-95 –In this section, Witmer details some past failures of shepherding in the church. In one movement called the shepherding movement pastors and elders became domineering and micromanaged every little details of their members lives. This is not healthy and can drive people into legalism, strip away Christian liberty, cause people to leave the church with deep wounds or all three!
- Chapters 5-8 – Witmer helpfully describes knowing the sheep (micro and macro) and feeding, leading and protecting them from false doctrine. He uses a chart that is helpfully filled in with certain tasks in each category.
- 164-165 – Witmer talks here about the importance of leading our families and marriages in pastoral ministry. Not only does this set an example but makes our home a respite that blesses our families and us in throughout the rigors of pastoral ministry.
- 172 – We need to know the cultural wolves that attack our sheep. For example, idols in the culture, false doctrines, teachings that undermine the Gospel and are contrary to scripture.
- 230 – Witmer lays out an argument against term elders. I believe it’s permissible to have term elders roll off in their active role as an elder. However, Witmer lays out a thoughtful argument here.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, it was a great book filled with sound biblical argumentation. Witmer makes a compelling case for shepherding and if I were opposed to it or ignorant of it I expect I would have been swayed.
Mike McGregor
Mike McGregor (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is Director of College Ministry at First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. You can follow him on Twitter at @m5mcgregor.
