Framed as a discussion between a pastor six months out of seminary and a veteran pastor, this book tackles the issues of how churches grow and how church size determines effective strategy for ministry. The pastors’ Saturday morning dialogues reveal ten areas that will help readers understand their own church’s psychology, addressing questions such as:
- How do churches grow?
- How does change take place?
- What is the church’s orientation?
- How is the church structured?
- Who sets the direction?
- What is the pastor’s role?
This is a vital resource for any new pastor, church planter, or lay leader concerned about his or her local church. Each chapter concludes with a Taking It Home segment.
Editorial Reviews
Gary McIntosh has done it again with his book entitled, One Size Doesnt Fit All. For whatever reason, most pastors dream and pray towards seeing their ministry grow in influence and numbers. There is nothing wrong with that. At best a small church is a distant cousin of the larger ministry. While sharing some things in common, their diversity must be understood if their ministry is going to realize all that God intended it to be. “Whats good for the goose is not always good for the gander. Dr. McIntosh has the ability to analyze the similarities and differences, surface the important differentiating factors and communicate them effectively to the broader church public. I believe Dr. McIntoshs book will encourage the churches regardless of their size to accept their limitations of their demographics and build solidly on those principles and practices that address their specific individual needs. One Size Doesnt Fit All will encourage, break the complacency of others, and hopefully refocus churches on the realities of their mission accepting both its limitations and potential. Each size ministry has its unique opportunities and its consistent problems. What works on a size C ministry may not be effective at all in a size A ministry. Dr. McIntoshs insights and analytical abilities enable him to surface for us those non-negotiables that must be in place if a ministry of any size is going to be blessed. Building on the non-negotiables are the unique characteristics of the individual church of whatever category.
Joe Aldrich, president emeritus, Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary
Gary McIntoshs book, One Size Doesnt Fit All, is the easiest and most informative book on church leadership I have ever read. Why didnt a few seminary professors teach me this stuff twenty five years ago? It would have saved me and some parishioners a lot of grief along the way. Garys description of the small, medium, and large church with its needs and expectations is a gold mine of practical insights for all pastors, no matter what size church they lead. This book will be a classic in the area of church leadership and growth.
Dr. Michael Bradaric, senior pastor, Magnolia Baptist Church, Anaheim, CA
If only I had been able to read this book eighteen years ago when I became a pastor. What a difference it would have made! This is the most significant book Ive read in the last twenty-four months. It is a must read for every pastor, lay leader and committed church member. I intend to use One Size Doesnt Fit All extensively as I help churches to grow. This book has my enthusiastic endorsement.
Dr. Mark Belokonny, church consultant
In this book Dr. Gary McIntosh uses his warm conversational style and vast years of experience in church analysis and consulting to provide a book of wisdom for pastors. We dont need more church growth information, but we do need more wisdom to apply the principles of growth and leadership in the unique context of the churches in which we minister. I believe Gary provides this wisdom in One Size Doesnt Fit All.
Dr. David H. McKinley, senior pastor, Boca Raton Community Church, Boca Raton, FL
Nobody knows the organizational structure and social dynamics of the church better than my friend Dr. Gary McIntosh. I highly recommend this insightful book, which will enlighten your understanding of the critical differences that exist between various sized churches and how they function.
Dr. Neil T. Anderson, president and founder, Freedom in Christ Ministries
Reading this book and gleaning its insights into the churchs orientation, structure, direction, growth, and so forth will save the so-called experienced pastor as well as the new pastor much frustration and pain in leading and ministering more effectively in the local church.
Aubrey Malphurs, professor, Dallas Seminary and President of Vision Ministries International
The church is one of the most important institutions in our society today. In a world thats changing so fast, we need a little help in making sure the church stays on course. Gary McIntoshs new book One Size Doesnt Fit All is helpful to the small or large church trying to grow. This easy to read parable will help us bring out the best in our churches, no matter what their size.
Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager
Theres something here for all churches. This book is an insightful resource for pastors, church boards and staff, and people interested in church growth.
CBA Marketplace, July 1999
This book is a process of wisdom for church leaders in understanding the changes that impact churches at each stage of their development. This material was researched well, practical in nature and insightful for all church leaders. After serving in small, medium, and larger churches I wish that this material was available twenty five years ago. I wish every church leader would read and apply these principles.
Dr. J. Michael Broyles, executive pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA
This is absolutely a great book. Every denominational leader should make sure that their pastors have a copy of this book. It is the most enjoyable, practical, and capsulated version of church growth dynamics I have ever seen. I sat down and read through it in one sitting. It is great information encased in an enjoyable story. I know I will find myself referring to One Size Doesnt Fit All regularly in my ministry.
Dr. Gil Stieglitz, senior pastor, Twin Lakes Community Church, Palmdale, CA
