While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks: 40 Daily Reflections on Biblical Leadership

by Timothy S. Laniak

The realities and rewards of leadership come to life in this illuminating and insightful look at the ancient biblical image of shepherds. Experience a fully illustrated personal encounter with Bedouin shepherds whose life and work prompt us to think biblically about serving Christ. Here is your trail to become a shepherd leader: a compassionate provider, courageous protector and competent guide. Take this forty day journey and experience a life changing encounter with the Divine Shepherd. Become a shepherd after God's own heart by rediscovering true biblical leadership. An authentic classic endorsed by Billy Graham and a host of church and ministry leaders from across the globe.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Faith, Discipleship, Ecclesiology

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Logan Thune]

Really solid.

[Doug Sullivan]

There's not a better book on leadership out there.

[Jeanne Higgins]

Excellent and in-depth evaluation of shepherding in the Middle East and the biblical idea of shepherding as a leader. The book includes pictures and parts of interviews with real-life shepherds and the lessons that work teaches Christians for how they lead in various arenas. It has church leaders in mind, but the principles are applicable in multiple settings. The Bible is much more understandable when we understand what a shepherd does and the differences between a good shepherd and ones who aren't good. Shepherds are a constant theme and descriptor in Scripture.

[Paige Redwine]

This is a beautiful book. The color photographs and 40 devotional thoughts give a thorough description of shepherding in the middle east and compares that to the Bible's use of this image. The author spent nearly a year immersed in the culture and learning from shepherds in order to compose this book. Well done!

[Joe McDowell]

This is a great book for pastors and other church leaders to work though. It give a wonderful look that the world of the shepherd and brings that to bear on the biblical image of the shepherd as the leader of God’s flock. It bring to life the Good Shepherd who cares for and protects His sheep. It contrast the world’s idea of a leader with God’s imagery of the shepherd leader.

[Eryn Fisher]

Great insight and beautiful pictures. Can be used as a personal devotion or in a group setting to discuss biblical leadership.

[Mary Myers]

Mainly geared to pastors, but still some good elements for all shepherds and sheep

[Sarah]

Best devotional I’ve read in a decade. Laniak’s pastoral heart and on-site insights into shepherding encourage & sharpen me to follow the example of our Good Shepherd.

[KristyLRod]

This book was inspirational, thought provoking, and humbling. Truly, one of a kind. Well done.

[Justin Lakemacher]

Very good devotional on pastoral leadership through the lens of shepherd. Refreshing reminder of our call as pastors.

[Glenn]

Great devotional for those who love to shepherd others!

[Jeff]

This is a 40-day devotional book that highlights leadership lessons from the world of shepherding.

Since shepherding is such an important context for the Bible, it's a very helpful read.

Some highlights:

In Bible times, a shepherd would sleep in the opening of a desert pen to personally guard the only access to his precious livestock. With this cultural context in mind, Jesus could as easily say, "I am the gate" as "I am the Good Shepherd." As a symbolic gate, the shepherd was the only means by which someone could have access to the fold. Jesus said, "The man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and robber." Only when the shepherd moves do the sheep move out in safety.

One of the many words Job uses for darkness is tsalmavet, found ten times throughout the book. This graphic compound term can be translated "shadow of death" or "deadly darkness." We're familiar with the phrase in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Here the psalmist is unafraid to walk through the valley of tsalmavet because the Lord accompanies him. This valley symbolizes life's hazardous transitions -- occasions when the Shepherd Guide could be trusted without the illumination of daylight.

[Juliana]

What an incredible book.

As Americans, we may not be able to comprehend how profound the understanding of shepherding is in relation to Biblical leadership, the functioning of the church as a whole, our relationships with God, etc. Researching shepherding from afar is not the same as experiencing it firsthand, and so Dr. Laniak's book is so much richer because of the time he took with Bedouins in their own surroundings. I wish I could give this book to my pastor; I wish we might all read it, because we have missed so much by not even beginning to comprehend the wisdom and knowledge behind the analogy of shepherding.

[Bauer Evans]

As a 30 day devotional, it was by far best book I read all summer; in term of its theme, shepherding as a biblical metaphor for leadership, his ability to drawn forth lessons from both its current practice in the real world, and as a metaphor for interpreting ministry, leadership and ultimately the character of God himself - it was brilliant. Dr. Laniak has provided what few books on leadership have ... inspiration, practical down to earth wisdom, and a lens for interpreting scripture.

[Kathy]

Great short read, great pictures. Keeps you interested and teaches very good key points about leadership as well as the significance of shepherding in the Bible and how it relates to biblical leadership in the Church today.

[Scotty Creel]

Great book. One that should be read and re-read by all elders.

[Gregory]

A must read for pastors and other leaders (teachers, parents). Laniak's cultural, theological, and practical insights are superb, and the accompanying pictures complement the text well.

[Allen Jr.]

This book surprised me. I generally prefer devotionals that are more intensely based on Scripture than this one is; it primarily offers just one verse per devo, with perhaps a few other Bible references throughout the explanation. However, I often found the author's insights and reflections on shepherding and leadership to be challenging and thought-provoking in my own life.

Each daily devotional is easy to read in a few short minutes, and Scripture references that are included are well foot-noted. There are high quality photographs which serve to illustrate each day's theme.

The book is fairly substantial in terms of size and weight, so wouldn't be a devotional book that I would want to take with me on my travels. But it would make a beautiful gift, and serve as an inspiring read for anyone providing any sort of leadership in life, church, or ministry.

Recommended.