An excellent and thorough consideration of elders as shepherds and what their work should look like: how they should "smell like sheep."

Yes indeed: I also assumed it would be the "sheep" who smelled like sheep, but the author continually returns to the theme of how effective and godly elders will "smell like sheep" because of their work in mentoring, equipping, advising, and guiding through moral suasion in their example.

The author does eventually get to considering the qualities of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, but first explored the nature and conception of the shepherd. The author has well identified shepherding as the predominant image of what the elder is to be doing, and everything else is understood in those terms. He then also frames the work of elders in terms of mentors and equippers: the kind of traits which go into mentors and equippers and how those who would be elders already prove active in the work of shepherding, mentoring, and equipping, not in an attempt to presume authority not given, but just in terms of their faithful service to Jesus.

Then the author considers the qualities of elders - he stresses the "qualities" framework over that of "qualifications" with a view to avoiding the "checklist" mentality. He considers the qualities of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 in terms of men who have experience, character, and who can cast vision.

In the final section the author takes aim at authoritarian understandings of the authority of elders in light and terms of 1 Peter 5:1-4. He demonstrates the elders do not have authority in the way many have conceived of it; they are not dictators, nor are they held as of higher value or rank than other Christians, but represent those who by their character and trustworthiness have obtained the moral suasion through their influence and example so that people will naturally want to follow after and even seek their wisdom, advice, and guidance. This is a helpful re-centering.

This is an excellent resource for those who aspire to be elders, who are elders, or who want to get a better understanding about what the eldership is all about. ( )

I was introduced to this book by my good friend Tim Marshall who gave me a copy and continues to model this behavior for me. The title describes well the book's thesis. Though some ministry is possible by long distance, there's no substitute for being near, spending time with, and loving people. It is the way Jesus did ministry. Pastors and other spiritual leaders cannot effectively minister only from the quiet air of their private study, but must experience the griefs and joys of their people alongside them. ( )