Each year, we host a weeklong intensive course designed with pastors (both aspiring and current) in mind. For Summer 2020, Dr. Timothy Z. Witmer (DMin, Reformed Theological Seminary) of St. Stephen Reformed Church (PCA) will guide us through a graduate-level exploration of his book, The Shepherd Leader.
Instructor
Dr. Timothy Zimmerman Witmer grew up in New Holland, Pennsylvania where he was raised in a Christian home. He attended West Chester University where he became a Christian through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (1975) he attended Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) where he completed the Master of Divinity degree.
On November 11, 1979 he was ordained as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and was installed as Assistant Pastor of Berith (now Springton Lake) Presbyterian Church in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. He was called as Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and was installed on December 14, 1986.
While at Crossroads he began his doctoral studies at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando). He received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1998.
In 1999 he was invited to join the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary where he served as the Coordinator of the Practical Theology Department.
He “retired” from his ministry at Crossroads in January of 2014 and was named Pastor Emeritus. Shortly thereafter the Lord opened the door for him to serve as part-time pastor at St. Stephen Reformed Church. His ministry at St. Stephen officially began on January 1, 2015. He retired from his work at Westminster Seminary, being named Emeritus Professor of Practical Theology, and came to St. Stephen full-time on September 1, 2017.
He married Barbara, his high school sweetheart, on July 26, 1975. They have three children: Sara, who is married to Joel Schuster; Rebecca, who is married to Mike Smith; and Nathan. The Witmers have seven grandchildren: Mikayla, Abbie, Kathryn, Emma, Lily, Benjamin, and James.
He was motivated to write The Shepherd Leader as he became aware of increasing numbers of congregations which were like “sheep without a shepherd.” His objective is to see pastors and elders embrace their calling to shepherd the flock. Visit his website, The Shepherd Leader, to learn more.
Course Description
The Shepherd Leader is a graduate-level exploration of pastoral theology, using materials gathered and prepared over a lifetime of local church ministry.
Special attention will be given to understanding, planning, and implementing the principles contained in Dr. Witmer’s book, The Shepherd Leader, in local church settings.
How to Register
Spots are available for purchase. For information on how to register, please contact Mrs. Kathleen Curto (Registrar) at registrar@gpts.edu or call the Seminary at 864.322.2717.
