McIntosh Gary L. - Building the body: 12 characteristics of a fit church

Building the Body powerfully draws on the biblical imagery of the church while taking the concept of church health to a whole new level. Becoming fit is presented in a way that motivates rather than produces guilt, and the combination of principles and practices apply to churches at all levels of development. A practical resource to read individually or share with a group that will remain a valuable reference long after it is first read.

Wayne Schmidt, general superintendent, the Wesleyan Church

Have you ever said, I can get in shape if I want to? Do you do anything about it? Building the Body is a practical, informative, doable resource for leaders and churches who want not only to get better but also to get as strong or fit as possible for the good of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.... Keep this one handy in your everyday ministry and leadership regimen!

Dr. Jim Dunn, vice president of church relations, Wesleyan Investment Foundation

Fitness of any kind is a matter of knowing what to do and committing to it. You may be really committed to do something but wind up doing all the wrong things or you may know a lot but have no will to do it. In Building the Body , using physical fitness as an analogy, Gary and Phil bring will and knowledge into helpful focus. You will be motivated and informed to higher levels of effectiveness in your church. And while physical fitness is a good way to add a few years to your stay on earth, church fitness opens eternity to a lot of other people!

Rev. Kevin Mannoia, chaplain, Azusa Pacific University; president of the International Council for Higher Education; founder and chair, Wesleyan Holiness Connection

Practical steps to the next levelthats what this book offers. Wherever your church lies along a continuum of twelve factors (e.g., outreach, stewardship, worship, disciple making), McIntosh and Stevenson give concrete strategies for advancing to the next level... and then the next level... and then the next level.

Donald R. Sunukjian, chair, Department of Christian Ministry and Leadership, Talbot School of Theology

Your church might be healthy but not fit. Gary McIntosh and Phil Stevenson are two outstanding church leaders who have once again delivered an insightful book that will help pastors and volunteer leaders develop a church this is truly fit. I think the practical genius of the book is found in the specific applications that are organized into five categories of churches: beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced, and elite. Identify which church you are and dig in!

Dan Reiland, executive pastor, 12Stone Church

Building the Body is full of practical, next-step ideas for churches that want to be fit to effectively join Jesus on the mission field and impact their communities. Gary and Phil, pulling from their years of experience working with churches and church leaders, provide tools to help understand your starting point and how to adjust priorities and identify action items to move toward being fit for the mission. In the church consulting world, where so much of the material is theory-based, Building the Body is a practical, hands-on, and helpful book.

Lonnie J. Bullock, executive director, New Church Specialties