Church That Works: Your One-Stop Resource for Effective Ministry [Paperback]

Gary L. McIntosh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

Get sound guidance on the ministry details and decisions that sooner or later require your attention. In this idea-packed book you will find practical advice on issues like assessing new ministry trends, welcoming and following up with visitors, planning worship services, revitalizing a declining church, ministering across generations, leading and compensating staff, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Help for facing the challenges of ministry in the real world

Church That Works offers sound guidance on the ministry details and decisions that sooner or later require your attention. In this idea-packed book you will find practical advice on issues pastors commonly face, such as

-assessing new ministry trends
-welcoming and following up with newcomers to your church
-planning worship services
-revitalizing a declining church
-ministering across generations
-leading and compensating staff

Whatever your ministry situation, Church That Works gives you the insights and wisdom of a trusted advisor to help your church face the challenges of ministry in a new century with confidence.


"Remarkably insightful, informative, and thought-provoking. Gary has an outstanding knowledge of a wide range of subjects. I heartily recommend this work to all pastors and church leaders."--Dr. Mark Williams, vice president of training, Dynamic Church Planting International


"Church That Works will enable every leader in the church to understand twenty-first-century congregation health, growth, and outreach. Comprehensive in scope, practical in discussion, and empowering in change; every minister and church member will be lifted to a new level of effectiveness. It is a must read."--Mark T. O'Farrell, district superintendent, Southeastern District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance

About the Author

Gary McIntosh is a professor of Christian Leadership and Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is editor of Church Growth Network and the Journal of American Church Growth. He has written or cowritten a dozen books. A former pastor, McIntosh now works as a consultant who has diagnosed more than 500 churches in 53 different denominations. He has conducted nearly 150 workshops for pastors and leads about 15 national seminars a year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801091616
• ISBN-13: 978-0801091612
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and president of the Church Growth Network. He has consulted with church leaders in more than five hundred churches from fifty-five denominations. He is editor of the Church Growth Network newsletter and the Journal of American Church Growth. He has written or co-authored more than fifteen books and manuals.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your One-Stop Resource For Effective Ministry, September 12, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Church That Works: Your One-Stop Resource for Effective Ministry (Paperback)

Church That Works: Your One-Stop Resource For Effective Ministry by Gary L. McIntosh (Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, La Mirada, California) is a useful advice guide for pastors. Topics covered include how to assess new ministry trends, welcoming and following up with newcomers to one's church, revitalizing a declining church, ministering across generations, leading and compensating one's staff, and much more. Of especial interest is the insight into the changes the Boomer generation have brought to American secular and religious society, reinventing and redefining even the stages of life. Emphasizing practical needs as surely as spiritual, Church That Works is an all-around excellent reference and resource, highly recommended for anyone charged with tending to the daily workings of a church or the spiritual needs of a congregation.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a Blessing!, September 7, 2009

By 

Anthony Hodge "Pastor Anthony A K Hodge" (Rodeo, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Church That Works: Your One-Stop Resource for Effective Ministry (Paperback)

I thank my brother Pastor, Victor Lewis. He recommended this wonderful book as our ministry pondered the decision of moving to a second Sunday service. The insight that was given, truly Heaven sent. The author Gary McIntosh allowed the Spirit of the living God to use him mightly. The Zion Hill Baptist Church of Rodeo, CA is most assuredly indebted to God and this author. To God be the Glory!! Praise... His Holy Name!

3.0 out of 5 stars Aimed for financially sound/established churches., December 13, 2011

By 

ScottieG - See all my reviews

This review is from: Church That Works: Your One-Stop Resource for Effective Ministry (Paperback)

I like many of the ideas for involving/reaching groups of people. That said, this book seems to be aimed at churches with money. Many of the ideas in here are not very feasible for a small church with limited budget and etcetera. That said, the most valuable resource in a church are the people, and a passionate, creative congregation will find ways to implement some of the strategies in this book.