God calls leaders to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care” (1 Pet. 5:2). While that role can take on many responsibilities of caring for the sheep, it’s critical for church leaders to remember that they are not the Chief Shepherd. Jesus holds that role and it is to Him we’re ultimately accountable (1 Pet. 5:4).
Resources about Shepherding Ministry
Begin with a broad understanding of a shepherding ministry. Then determine how to apply it to your particular situation.
Articles:
- Benefits of a Shepherding Ministry
- Shepherding Ministry Overview
- Shepherding Ministry Description
- Shepherding Ministry Duties
- Shepherds Need to Know the Condition of the Flock
- Shepherding Ministry: Lessons from John 21:15-17
- Shepherding Ministry: Entrustment
- Shepherding Ministry: Motivation
- Shepherding Ministry: Priorities
- The Church Needs a Network of Shepherds
Books:
- Shepherding Ministry Manual by Ministry Tools Resource Center
Resources about a Church Leader’s Role as a Shepherd
Articles:
Books:
Keep in mind that the pastoral ministry of church leaders doesn’t necessarily require leading in the position of a pastor. Elders and other ministry leaders also have a shepherding role.
While seeking to choose doctrinally sound resources, we make no claim to total endorsement of any listing. Where possible, links go to merchants with whom we have an affiliate relationship, such as being an Amazon Associate from whom we earn from qualifying purchases. These sites may use cookies to track activity to ensure that Ministry Tools Resource Center gets commissions from any sales. Links open in new pages to keep the list available.
- Church Elders: How to Shepherd God’s People Like Jesus by Jeramie Rinne
- Escape from Church, Inc.: The Return of the Pastor-Shepherd by E. Glenn Wagner
- Gospel Coach: Shepherding Leaders to Glorify God by Scott Thomas, Tom Wood
- Lead Like a Shepherd: The Secret to Leading Well by Larry Osborne
- Oversee God’s People: Shepherding the Flock Through Administration and Delegation by Brian Croft
- Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically by John F. MacArthur
- Prepare Them to Shepherd: Test, Train, Affirm, and Send the Next Generation of Pastors by Brian Croft
- Shepherding Ministry Manual by Ministry Tools Resource Center
- Shepherding the Church – Effective Spiritual Leadership in a Changing Culture by Joseph M. Stowell
- The Pastor’s Ministry: Biblical Priorities for Faithful Shepherds by Brian Croft
- The Way of the Shepherd: Seven Secrets to Managing Productive People by Kevin Leman, William Pentak
- They Smell Like Sheep – Biblical Leadership for the 21st Century by Lynn Anderson
- They Smell Like Sheep, Volume 2: Leading with the Heart of a Shepherd by Lynn Anderson
- The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People by Dr. Kevin Leman & Bill Pentak
How We Demonstrate Being a Shepherd Leader in Various Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Change Management: Shepherds Help People Navigate Change
- Decision Making: Shepherds Make Wise Decisions
- Facilities: Leader’s Role as a Shepherd and Facilities Management
- Finances: Shepherd Leaders Protect and Nurture in Regard to Finances
- Policies: Shepherding and Policy Making
- Staffing: Lead Staff by Shepherding
- Staffing: Staffing & Shepherding