The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor

Proven Practices for Balancing the Demands of Leading Your Church

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About

As a pastor, if you were pressed to describe an average day of ministry, could you do it? In a single day, you may move quickly from counselor to theologian to student to manager to custodian. Some roles come more naturally to you than others, but every pastor wants to perform each role to the best of their ability.

In The 10 Key Roles of a Pastor, veteran church consultant Gary L. McIntosh shows you how to

· understand and juggle your many essential roles
· prioritize your time and energy
· manage your people's expectations
· and empower others to take up the vital work of the church body

Whether you're just starting out in ministry or you've been at it for a while and find yourself overworked and overwhelmed, this practical resource will help you live and lead more fruitfully in your calling.


"Gary McIntosh has helped me realize that to lead more effectively as a pastor I must wear various hats. We will be studying the book as a staff."--Nelson Searcy, author and founding/teaching pastor, The Journey Church, New York City

"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."--Tom Harper, publisher, BiblicalLeadership.com; author of Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership


Endorsements

"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, author and founding/teaching pastor, The Journey Church, New York City

"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."

Tom Harper, publisher, BiblicalLeadership.com; author of Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership

"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, district superintendent, PSW Movement

"This book is destined to be a pastoral preparation classic, as McIntosh defines ten critical roles of today's pastor. The book is brimming with telling research, provocative stories, and sage wisdom. Reading his synthesis on leadership hats will set hearts afire and minds spinning on how to lead the church more effectively. Some of the mirroring illustrations may be potent enough to help you avoid pastoral pitfalls and launch you into bigger and better mission trajectories. The 'Dr. Mc Sez' sections cut through the haze with straight talk. Get it. Read it. Apply it. Work it into your life and picture. You won't regret it!"

Gary Comer, author of Soul Whisperer and ReMission; president of Soul Whisperer Ministry

"Pastoring a church is not for the faint of heart! This book reflects the complexity of the pastor's role. It is a treasure of guidance based on both knowledge and experience. A must-read for those preparing for ministry, and a wise read for every functioning pastor. Dr. McIntosh provides a lifetime of priceless direction for every pastor and church leader."

Kent R. Hunter, church consultant, Church Doctor Ministries; author of Restoring Civility: Lessons from the Master


The Author

  1. Gary L. McIntosh

    Gary L. McIntosh

    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...

    Continue reading about Gary L. McIntosh


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