The Shepherd’s Toolbox: Advancing Your Church’s Shepherding Ministry edited by Timothy Witmer. P&R Publishing. 152 pages. 2023
*** ½

One of the best books I have read recently has been Timothy Witmer’s 2010 book The Shepherd Leader. Witmer states that since the release of that book, faithful leaders have put its principles into practice and, more importantly, have addressed some of the challenges of establishing a shepherding strategy. This new book contains some of the best practices that have arisen in overcoming some of the thornier obstacles facing those who are committed to shepherding their flocks.
I really appreciated each of the chapters from the contributors of this book. The chapters focus on unique aspects of shepherding, including the role of women, technology, small groups, and church planters. Each chapter also includes a “User Guide” and “For Further Reflection” section. There is a list of “Recommended Resources” included at the end of the book. This book would be helpful for anyone wanting to establish or improve a shepherding program in their church.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

• When we as elders consider what motivates us to shepherd the flock, we must remember that it is Christ who has called us to serve in this office. Timothy Witmer
• It is mandatory for every member to know who their shepherding elder is so they can call him in an emergency. Ken Jones
• We want the shepherds to know the members who have been assigned to their flocks and want the members to know their shepherds. Gary L. Smith
• We ask each shepherd team to contact each member of their flock at least once every quarter. Gary L. Smith
• Our leadership adopted the aspirational goal that we will know every member of our church and care for every need within the church. John Barrett
• We assigned families not only to the elders of our church but also to the deacons. John Barrett
• We have also expanded our shepherding coverage by training qualified women to become part of the care team within each parish. John Barrett
• Shepherds must know and care for the sheep the Lord has entrusted to them. Randy Schlichting
• Churches often find it difficult to establish a shepherding system that submits to sound doctrine while including women. The solution is for church leadership to commission women to proactively and protectively shepherd other women in the church, alongside the shepherding elders. Sue Harris