The Solo Pastor
- Christian Living
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2023
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
Being a pastor is a complex and demanding role, especially for someone leading alone. The majority of pastors find themselves in this position, leading their smaller church with no additional professional assistance. The challenges are many, including loneliness, isolation, self-doubt, overwhelm, feelings of inadequacy, and a constant search for additional resources and volunteers. Where does a solo pastor turn for help and encouragement? With compassion and plenty of proven, practical strategies, church consultant and former solo pastor Gary L. McIntosh steps in to fill the void. In this book he helps the solo pastor· understand the strengths and challenges of the solo-pastor church· develop effective leadership skills· build and maintain vital relationships· manage expectations· spot and neutralize "bullies" who seek to control the church· communicate clearly· make the most of limited resources· establish healthy priorities and boundaries· and more
Endorsements (7)
“A wealth of insights for pastors on the day-to-day issues of leading an effective church.”
“What Every Pastor Should Know is an invaluable reference book. Its value lies in being well researched, comprehensive, specific, and practical. It is also user friendly in listing so many guidelines and rules to help church leaders keep on course and not become sidetracked.”
“I’ve never been one to wear hats. Some say it’s because my head is too big, but that’s another story. However, Dr. Gary McIntosh has helped me realize that to lead more effectively as a pastor I must wear various hats. In this book, hats represent the roles of a pastor, and I’ve never seen them defined so clearly. This book will help you lead better as soon as you engage it. We will be studying the book as a staff, and I encourage you to take a deep dive into the wisdom of my good friend Dr. McIntosh. Now that I think about it, I’ve never tried on a cowboy hat. I wonder if they have one in my size . . .”
Dr. Nelson Searcy
“Gary is known as a down-to-earth writer who provides principles that any pastor can use. He does not disappoint in this book. All pastors would agree with the ten key roles he identifies. The illustrations he shares come from his wealth of experience working with churches of all sizes. You will find the information about prioritizing your hats very helpful in implementing the insights provided.”
Dr. Phil Stevenson
“Pastors bearing a heavy load of demands and pressures have just been given a gift! This book simplifies the work of leading a church and is a practical tool for moving into an uncertain future.”
“I love pastors. I am humbled by the fact that pastors often come to me for advice and wisdom. Now I have a resource that answers so many of their questions. This book is fantastic! There is no doubt that it will be on my shelf as a reference for years to come.”
“Gary McIntosh is one of the leaders in research on growing churches. Anyone who is interested in knowing about growing churches should read this book. Everyone who is interested in actually working in a growing church needs to read this book.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem