Gary Mcintosh: Biblical Church Growth

Gary L. McIntosh 's book: Biblical Church Growth, looks at how the church in the Bible grew in it 's time period. Gary McIntosh worked as a Vice President of consulting services at the Institute for American Church Growth and later became a professor at Talbot School of Theology (McIntosh 16). The author takes lessons from the Bible and applies them to today 's world and culture. McIntosh mentions first off that: ". . . contrary to popular opinion, church growth is not based on sociology, marketing, or demographics." (McIntosh 9). While he touches on such subjects briefly, his main focus is getting back to the authority and power of the Word. In chapter one, faithfulness is named as a prerequisite for any church. It 's theology and theory

Having the right pastor and the right people will greatly aid a church. Does the pastor (minister?) have faithfulness to God 's Word, and humility of mind. Integrity of heart and skill with people are also mentioned as integral. One of this authors favorite quotes from the book is: "We are not called to be successful but faithful." (McIntosh 103). He then shifts the focus to the members. It 's not good enough to grow in knowledge and grace and then do nothing else. Will members share their knowledge? Will God 's grace touch members toward good deeds? Spiritual gifts are given to all and all can play a part. Another wise bit of advice that is given in the book is: people reach people- not

A right philosophy must be in place in order to reach the lost. If the congregation isn 't in tune with the culture around them, it will be very difficult to reach people. Certainly Paul used poets and every day things (like Jesus) to communicate the gospel. The Apostle also became all things to all men (1 Cor 9:19-23). A right plan must also be in place. Are college students or older members the target audience? God started with Abram and worked His way to the whole world. Jesus ate with sinners and associated with the poor. Paul often went to large cities and Synagogues first because they may be more receptive. Applicable is also the need to identify needs of people: why would people come to this church? The final chapters look at the right procedure specifically concerning simplicity, and an overview of what has been said. Order should be a hallmark of the church (1 Cor