“I read Witmer’s book in one sitting. I found it that engaging and helpful. This is practical theology at its best: applying biblical principles to contemporary pastoral needs.” Kevin DeYoung

“The book is an outstanding presentation of how to engage in effective shepherding in a local congregation. I cannot recommend it too highly.”

“Tim Witmer’s book could not have come at a better time.So many are “slipping into the darkness” and most of us don’t know what to do about it. Now we do!In a Biblical, practical and wise way, Dr. Witmer reminds us, admonishes us and teaches us.Churches all over America will “rise up an call him blessed.”

“Tim Witmer ably guides us into rich pastures of writing on what it truly means to shepherd God’s people. For men called to love sheep, the results both compel and convict. For leaders who long to be faithful in the field, this book offers a wealth of theological and practical insight.ing 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.”

“The Shepherd Leader examines issues the church desperately needs to consider. We so deeply desire to organize and lead our churches by biblical principles, but can be confused or distracted by secular work or education principles. Now the fine pastor and scholar Tim Witmer brings his long experience of shepherding and close examination of Scripture to bear on the practical questions of leading and training to lead in the local church.”

“For five years our church has worked hard to improve elder-shepherding. We’ve worked on this as much as weve worked on anything. And yet, I’ll be the first to acknowledge that we still have work to do and gaps to fill. I read Witmer’s book in one sitting. I found it that engaging and helpful. This is practical theology at its best: applying biblical principles to contemporary pastoral needs. His grid for knowing, feeding, leading, and protecting the sheep through macro public ministry and micro private ministry is simple and compelling. If you can read this book and not be motivated to develop a more effective shepherding ministry in your church, you might want to check if you are called to shepherd in the first place.”