The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church by Timothy Z. Witmer. P&R Publishing. 289 pages. 2010   
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The thesis of this book by a pastor and seminary professor is that the fundamental responsibility of church leaders is to shepherd God’s flock. The author tells us that shepherding is at the very heart of the biblical picture of leadership, but unfortunately this emphasis is missing in many churches. Hebrews 13:17 tells us that church leaders keep watch over the souls of their flocks and will have to give an account for their shepherding (or lack thereof).
This book is designed to prove to the reader from the Bible that church leaders, specifically elders, are fundamentally undershepherds. Having proven that point, the book then helps you to implement an effective shepherding ministry in your church. The book is a practical guide to convince you that shepherding provides a comprehensive framework for what you need to be doing as a church leader, and to provide a practical guide to help you start a shepherding ministry among your people, or to improve the one you already have.
The book begins by looking at a biblical and church history survey of shepherding and moves toward the “How To’s” of what a shepherding plan should look like, including seven essential elements of an effective shepherding ministry. The book then addresses some important implications of having a commitment to shepherd the flock as well as suggesting some practical ways to implement a shepherding ministry.
The author tells us that the biblical imagery of the Lord as the shepherd of his people is plentiful and rich throughout the Bible. If the Lord is the shepherd and the people are his flock, we should not be surprised that he uses shepherding imagery to refer to those he calls to lead and care for his flock. The biblical material makes it clear that the heart of the work of the elder is to shepherd the flock. He writes that in your congregation, it is not only wise but biblical to develop a team of elders who are gifted and called to shepherd the flock.
The author uses the categories of knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting when discussing shepherding. He discusses macro-shepherding (referring to those important leadership functions that relate to the entire church), and micro-shepherding (referring to the personal ministry of the elders among the sheep). The primary concern of the book is the micro, relational, personal interaction of leaders with their sheep. The author tells us that this is where most leaders fall short.
Among the many subjects addressed in the book are deterioration of respect for authority in culture, home visitation, the case against term eldership, church discipline, and church planting.
The author tells us that the church desperately needs elders who think like shepherds, not like a board of directors. The church also desperately needs elders who love the sheep and are committed to providing not only direction for the congregation as a whole but personal care for its members.
This is a well-written, practical guide for the case for shepherding and how to set up an effective shepherding ministry in your church. I would recommend that church leadership teams read and discuss this important book, one of the best I have read this year.

Below are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

• Failure to shepherd impacts church health.
• A mark of true disciples is that they follow their shepherd.
• All who are called to be elders are called to the sheep-intensive work of shepherding. They are called to exercise their leadership together for the benefit of the flock.
• Throughout its (church) history, when a clear biblical understanding of the importance of the office of elder and its shepherding functions has been absent or impaired, God’s flock has suffered. On the other hand, when leaders have sought to care for the flock, it has prospered.
• Leadership among God’s people is always servant leadership.
• Every member should have a personal connection with at least one elder.
• The foundation of any shepherding plan must be the establishment of a relationship of trust and caring.
• A faithful shepherd moves quickly to address the needs of the sheep.
• A fundamental responsibility of any and every shepherd is to assure that the sheep are well nourished.
• Leading the flock is a key responsibility of the shepherd. In leading the flock shepherds must be motivated by love for the Lord and for the well-being of the sheep.
• The seriousness of caring for the flock must impress the elder with a sense of urgency.
• Most leadership teams are more effective on the macro level than on the micro level.
• The offices of elders and deacons together represent the comprehensive care Christ has provided for his flock.
• Effectiveness in shepherding is only possible when elders are faithful in prayer.