The Ministry of Small Things is available for order here and elsewhere online.
The Ministry of Small Things
Wisdom for Those Who Serve the Church
What if it’s the little things that matter most in ministry?
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Christians are encouraged to attempt great things for God. But pastors in particular need to see the significance of the little practices and regular habits in a ministry of caring well for other people.
It is texting someone to see how they’re doing after their knee operation.
It is showing up when there’s a family crisis, and praying together, and reading a Psalm.
It is spending an hour with a young person over a cup of coffee to hear about their life.
It is asking the right question on a pastoral visit and then taking the time to listen.
It is not being surprised by sin, nor cynical about the possibility of change, nor captive to praise or criticism, but believing that God’s goodness and Holy Spirit are always operative in his church.
Our apparently trivial acts of care and minor moments of service—these are what Christ uses in order to bless and grow his church. This book encourages pastors to have a “small ministry” when caring for the church. Its thirty chapters are short, focused explorations of the moments of ministry that are outwardly simple yet used by God for great impact.
“What’s the first item in a pastor’s job description? Preach the Word. Beyond that? We might list a number of items, but a crucial one is pastoral care. For that, you’ll find Bredenhof's book uniquely helpful and insightful. I’ve not read one like it, but I would strongly encourage every elder to read it. Behind this book is an overall vision of ministry that needs to be recovered by many today.”
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—Jonathan Leeman
President, 9Marks
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“With seasoned pastoral skill, Dr. Bredenhof shepherds his fellow shepherds, catechizing them in these simple but eternally-valuable habits of a faithful ministry: Loving the sheep. Praying with the sheep. Listening to the sheep. Showing up for the sheep. In the kingdom of God, the least is the greatest. And so it is in the rhythms of pastoral life; often the smallest acts of faithfulness have the greatest impact. Here is a manual of faithful shepherding. Every pastor would do well to heed to the wise counsel contained in these pages.”
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—Joel R. Beeke
Chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Bredenhof has done aspiring, young, and older pastors a favor by reminding them of the many mundane moments of ministry that are essential to the pastoral office and calling. This book will not weigh you down with guilt or shame because Bredenhof’s tone emanates from a place of deep humility. This book sounds like a companion walking with you as you navigate the challenges of pastoral ministry. So read to be equipped but better, to be encouraged!”
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—Dr. Tim Lane
President, Institute for Pastoral Care; Author of How People Change and Unstuck: A Nine Step Journey to Change That Lasts
“The challenging nature and unpredictable seasons of the ministry underscore the desirable place of a predictably reliable pastor. Bredenhof details an unpretentious ministry of the faithful pastor who is there for his people and the thoughtful pastor who knows why he is there; one who accordingly listens carefully, prays and opens God’s Word thoughtfully, and remembers constantly.”
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—Dr. A. Craig Troxel
Robert G. den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California
“With thoughtful, biblical, succinct, and practical insights, the nearly spent shepherd of Christ’s sheep will discover here a friendly fount of blessing to refresh his challenging, yet necessary role as the physician of souls. A daily dose of the “Ministry of Small Things” will prove to be a month’s sabbatical for pastors on the frontlines of ministry.”
—Dr. Peter A. Lillback
President, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia