The Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone

by Gary L. McIntosh

Publisher:

Baker

, 2023

Overview

Being a pastor is a complex and demanding role, especially for someone leading alone. The majority of pastors find themselves in this position, leading their smaller church with no additional professional assistance. The challenges are many, including loneliness, isolation, self-doubt, overwhelm, feelings of inadequacy, and a constant search for additional resources and volunteers. Where does a solo pastor turn for help and encouragement?

With compassion and plenty of proven, practical strategies, church consultant and former solo pastor Gary L. McIntosh steps in to fill the void. In this book he helps the solo pastor
· understand the strengths and challenges of the solo-pastor church
· develop effective leadership skills
· build and maintain vital relationships
· manage expectations
· spot and neutralize “bullies” who seek to control the church
· communicate clearly
· make the most of limited resources
· establish healthy priorities and boundaries
· and more

From the Back Cover

Encouragement and guidance for successfully leading your church

If you’re leading alone--you’re not alone! The majority of pastors find themselves in this demanding and complex position, leading their church with no additional professional assistance. The challenges are many, including loneliness, isolation, self-doubt, overwhelm, feelings of inadequacy, and a constant search for additional resources and volunteers.

Where does the solo pastor turn for help and encouragement? To someone who’s been there. With compassion and plenty of proven, practical strategies, church consultant and former solo pastor Gary L. McIntosh steps in to fill the void. In this book he helps you

· understand the strengths and challenges of the solo-pastor church
· develop effective leadership skills
· build and maintain vital relationships
· manage expectations
· spot and neutralize “bullies” who seek to control the church
· communicate clearly
· make the most of limited resources
· establish healthy priorities and boundaries
· and more

God has placed you in your position for a reason. This book will equip you with the tools you need to lead your church successfully.

Product Details

• Title: The Solo Pastor: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Leading a Church Alone
• Author: Gary L. McIntosh
• Publisher: Baker
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 192
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781493437702, 9780801094897, 0801094895, 1493437704
• Resource ID: LLS:9781493437702
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-06-13T16:34:59Z

About 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 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.