by E. Glenn Wagner
and Steve Halliday
Zondervan Publishing
2001 US $12.99
Reviewed by Benjamin C. Maxson, Director, General Conference Stewardship Ministries
Wagner challenges the contemporary church with a renewed vision for pastoring in the ?shepherd? model of Scripture. The author begins with an analysis of the contemporary church and its structures. He shows the ways in which we have followed the business model and lost the essence of being the church.
Then he analyzes the pastoral calling to be shepherd. He contrasts the leader and shepherd, highlighting the important distinction on the basis of identity. While the shepherd must inevitably lead, the leader can function without shepherding.
Even though the shepherd model is an agrarian symbol, Wagner shows how it still has contemporary relevance and urgency for today’s church. This is a book well worth reading; especially since it will challenge us to think biblically about our calling.
