The rapid changes all around us in the new millennium may cause one of two errors: wishing to return to an idealized past or refusing to look back at all. Both patterns of thinking lead to ineffective churches and communities. Look Back, Leap Forward challenges Christian leaders to balance the two extremes: look back to find the core values that give meaning to ministry and then use them to build the future and take hold of new opportunities.

This book’s unique focus presents a holistic picture of how lay leadership, not just clergy, can turn a church around. It is packed with practical examples that may be put to immediate use. McIntosh, a church growth specialist, provides step-by-step guidance to help pastors and lay leaders: -recognize and defeat enemies of the twenty-first century church -heal past wounds -look back to discover purpose, values, and vision for the future -accomplish more by doing less -control finances while leaping forward -develop a long-range plan for effective ministry.

From the Back Cover

“What happened to the tried and true ideas that worked so well before?” “Why isn’t our church attracting new members?” “Should we target our worship services to believers or to the unchurched?” To keep pace with rapid changes in the twenty-first century, pastors and leaders are being forced to take a close look at the programs and ministries of their churches.

According to church growth specialist Gary L. McIntosh, effective long-range planning should always involve careful examination of the church’s basic mission. He reveals how studying core values from the past will encourage the development of creative vision for the future. McIntosh offers simple, usable methods to stop the trend of declining effectiveness in the church, including: * using core values to tie mission and vision together * assembling a “present team” and a “future team” * controlling finances while leaping forward * developing mission goals, not survival goals

In Look Back, Leap Forward we are introduced to Wendy, the chairperson of her church’s vision planning team, and we learn along with her how to build a cutting edge ministry on the values of the past. The practical guidance is invaluable for all pastors, church leaders, and lay members who want to create an effective future for their church.