gifts , like leadership , are to be celebrated , not limited . But it ’ s best to work with your church ’ s structure , not against it , at least in the beginning of your ministry .
Leading as a solo pastor begins with relating to the people and church structure as they are rather than as you wish they were . Be the leader the church needs now , not what it will need in some mythical future . Then take it to where God wants it to be .
Excerpt from Chapter 3 of The Solo Pastor : Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone ( January 31 , 2023 ) by Dr . Gary McIntosh , Baker Books , a division of Baker Publishing Group , used by permission .
NOW
Gary L . McIntosh ( PhD , DMin , Fuller Theological Seminary ) is president of the Church Growth Network and distinguished affiliate professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology , Biola University . He is an internationally known speaker and church consultant who has written many books , including Biblical Church Growth , Beyond the First Visit , What Every Pastor Should Know , Growing God ’ s Church , Building the Body , and The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor . He lives in California .
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