Finding Them, Keeping Them: Effective Strategies for Evangelism and Assimilation in the Local Church : Book Review

"Finding Them, Keeping Them" by Gary L. McIntosh offers valuable insights on how to attract and retain members in any organization, with a particular focus on churches. Drawing from his extensive experience as a church consultant, McIntosh provides practical strategies for building strong connections with people and creating a welcoming environment.

The book emphasizes the importance of making a positive first impression and outlines steps to enhance the welcoming process. McIntosh stresses the need for genuine care, attentiveness, and personal touch to make newcomers feel valued and connected. Furthermore, he provides advice on fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusivity that fosters deep connections with members.

Effective communication is also addressed in the book, highlighting its role in maintaining strong relationships. McIntosh provides guidance on various communication strategies, including clear messaging, active listening, and utilizing various channels to reach different audiences. He stresses the importance of tailoring communication to meet the specific needs of individuals and encourages leaders to be open to feedback and suggestions.

Addressing the issue of membership retention, McIntosh offers practical solutions. He explores the concept of creating a sense of ownership and belonging among members and highlights the significance of active involvement in the community. The author provides strategies to promote member engagement and participation, which ultimately fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment.

Overall, "Finding Them, Keeping Them" is a comprehensive guide that organizations can use to attract and retain members. McIntosh's practical insights, derived from years of experience, make this book a valuable resource for leaders looking to build strong and enduring relationships with their members.

What are readers saying?

"Finding Them, Keeping Them" by Gary L. McIntosh has received a range of reviews from readers with varying perspectives on the book's exploration of church growth strategies. McIntosh, drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, offers insights and practical advice on attracting and retaining members within a church community.

Positive feedback from readers highlights McIntosh's expertise and the informative nature of the book. Many readers found his emphasis on building a strong sense of community and creating an inviting environment for newcomers to be valuable. However, negative reviews expressed disappointment, suggesting that the book lacked originality and merely rehashed common strategies already known in the field of church growth. Some readers also felt the content was too generalized and not specific enough for their own church settings.

It is worth noting that the book primarily caters to an evangelical Christian audience. While some readers appreciated the faith-based principles and scripture focus, others felt the content may not be as relevant or appealing to those from different religious backgrounds.

Critiques of the book included repetitive content, with the same ideas being reiterated in several chapters. Additionally, some readers found certain sections to be overly lengthy and verbose, leading them to believe that the book could have been condensed.

Opinions on the book's practicality varied. While some readers found the strategies useful and applicable to their church communities, others found certain suggestions unrealistic or challenging to implement. Additionally, some reviewers wished for more specific examples to better illustrate the concepts discussed.

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