With a Shepherd’s Heart

Pastors have the privilege and duty of reading scores of books on the subject of church leadership and management. Elders usually don’t have this luxury or time. For this reason alone John Sittema’s book ought to receive a wide distribution among Elders and those who desire to serve.

Often, an elder serves without significant training and is left to muddle through somehow. Now, let us hope that those who receive this august responsibility find in their hearts that God has called them to it. In meek humility, let them serve with Rev. Sittema as their companion and acher. Let them not trust their instincts or the opinions of those who have gone before them. However good those sources may be, they are not to be compared with the Holy Bible and its insistence on giving them the first and final word for their calling.

Everywhere we turn churches are failing because of professional ministers and compliant elders who want their pastor to simply “do it.” A strong elder board will solve that problem. Gentlemen, get this book and a strong elder board will emerge.

—Rev. Zachary Anderson

Dr. Sittema's book stands out among books on the office of elder. What makes the book so valuable is that is is orgainzed in such a way that it can be used as a study guide. In my congregation we used it as a training manual for potential elders and are planning to use it in the future as ongoing education at monthly elder meetings.

In a day in which authority is slighted so often, this book will help the rulers of the church stand as an authoritative voice while at the same time doing so with a shepherd's heart.

Paperback, 271 pages 

—Rev. Daniel R. Hyde