Minister Rogers' Neighborhood: How Fred Rogers Glorified God in His Work—and How You Can Do the Same

by Jordan Raynor, Kaleigh Cox

In this free eBook, excerpted from Five Mere Christians by Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox, discover how Fred Rogers swapped pulpits for puppets and changed the world—and how you can glorify God in your work, too.

“Plenty of books tell you how to glorify God in your work. This one shows you. You won't be able to put this book down!" —Marcus Brotherton, New York Times bestselling author of Blaze of Light and We Who Are Alive & Remain

What does it mean to glorify God when you’re not a pastor, missionary, or religious professional? Rather than offering theological exposition to answer that question, Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox use vivid, fast-paced storytelling to present the captivating life of Fred Rogers, who will show you what it looks like to follow Christ wherever you live and work.

This extremely entertaining, profoundly helpful biography can be read in under an hour and will show you how to glorify God

•    Treating your current job as a “priestly” duty
•    Making time to truly experience the love of God while you work
•    Living at a pace that allows you to extend that love to others you encounter Monday through Friday

If the idea of glorifying God in your work has ever felt abstract or out of reach, Fred Rogers’ real-life example will forever transform how you work.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

About the author

Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.

In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.

Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.

Reviews

[Rachel Renz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely read! I love the way this eBook combines compelling storytelling to share Fred Rogers's story (I learned a lot of new things about his life!) and practical application points for imitating Rogers's example in my own work and life. Can't wait for the full book to come out--Five Mere Christians, coming this May!

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise biography of a man who was larger than life for our tiniest TV watchers.

Fred Rogers, aka, Mister Rogers, is a devoted man: devoted to God, his wife, his family and his calling to serve children. Fred was good at television, called to be a pastor, had an heart for children and was able to draw all three disciplines together. It wasn’t easy but Fred was singular in focus.

This short biography is actually excerpted from a larger work. In addition to learning about Fred’s life, readers are given instruction on how to glorify God in everyday life - home, school, work, recreation; every where you go, not just on Sunday!

Mister Rogers didn’t have an easy path to become the beloved friend and neighbor to millions of children. This is a story that will tug on the heartstrings for most. Please, won’t you be a reader❓

[Shelley Wilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Reminder of Why I Love Mister Rogers

When I was a little girl, I can remember sitting in my little wooden rocking chair in front of our television, watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I knew he was talking directly to me!

Now I’m nearing 60-years old, and as I read Jordan Raynor’s words about Fred Rogers, my TV childhood friend, it came flooding back into my memory as if Mister Rogers was speaking to me all over again!

I could hear the echoes of his quiet but pleasant, and peaceful voice in my memory. But what stood out to me is that all along, all those shows, all those lessons he taught, were really showing the love of Jesus to millions of children, myself included. That is laying an ever small foundation that, years later, can be revisited.

This has helped me realize that, even in my own writing, I have a unique gift and calling from the Lord, and I, too, can glorify God in my work.

Thank you, Jordan, for such a great reminder from a great man of God: Mister Rogers.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching and moving!

I loved this book because it does an amazing job cataloging the life of Fred Roger's. This biography was both touching and moving! It touched me because Fred was a true example of a person and pastor touching the lives of everyday people. It moved me to want to become more like Jesus Christ in this way. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! This book is definitely a five-star read!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief but powerful look at how the beloved TV host lived out his faith through his daily work. Drawing from Fred Rogers’ life and legacy, this book shows how ordinary work—done with love, excellence, and integrity—can become an act of worship. Inspiring and practical, it invites readers to see their own jobs as sacred callings and to glorify God right where they are.

[Jeanne Bugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Rogers touched a lot of lives !

Mr Rogers biography is so unique and spot on ! He was a truly remarkable human being with his kindness and love showing throughout his whole life! I loved reading more about him ! Thank you !

[Jacqueline Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth your attention

This author offers us a perceptive insight into the life and legacy of Fred Rogers. One glimpses real life examples of how Fred lived out his Christianity in his daily life. He urges us to glimpse some truths from Fred‘s life that will help us be better witnesses of Christ in our lives.

[Michelle Kssili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fred Roger's aka Mister Rogers Neighborhood was from Latrobe PA. He came from a very wealthy and supportive family. He was a man who had an incredible connection to children. He was a pastor, which I never knew. I must disagree with something the author had said ( Apostle Paul was a dishonest and disloyal man to Jesus. He betrayed man christians as well.)

As a child, I enjoyed watching his program "wonderful day in the neighborhood." I learned so much about his life I didn't know before. Sad to hear 3 years after his program ended, he died of cancer. (FYI, Jesus never referred to himself as Jesus Christ. He said I am a follower of God.) Excellent story.

[Ken Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring biography of an inspiring man

This short (less than an hour read) reveals the true character of the beloved Mr. Rogers. A man who lived out the instruction of Jesus to love God with all of our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through stories and music and a truly compassionate heart, he engaged the hearts and minds of young children, discussing hard topics in a simple, empathetic way that helped children deal with fear, insecurity, and many other emotions. Wonderful book. Wonderful man.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I was in high school when Mr Roger's first aired so I missed his gentleness and values that were so different from what I had seen in my own life. I found him in my 30s as a nanny and his show positively changed the direction of my life, not to mention my heart. I'll be forever grateful for Mr Roger's Neighborhood and, if the program is still available I would recommend to parents to share it with their children.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professional as a mission

This is a short biography, but we learned a lot of things from this short biography. This is a business as a mission book. This book teaches us that nothing is secular, everything is sacred, including your work as a mere Christian.

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an endearing book to read; plus, it helped reinforce the tenets which Mr. Rogers always showed forth on his show. His life spoke volumes, and we can all learn from him. I plan on buying an actual hard copy of this book to read again, and it one I could read over & over.

[Medenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this man for granted as I was growing up.

God used Fred Rogers in so many ways, which I only appreciate looking back. He was a fixture from childhood that I wish I had paid more attention to.

[Joseph O. Gilpatric II · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. He was soft-spoken, and you could feel his love for children. I learned things about the man that I never knew. I learned how the show came about. If Mister Rogers was part of your past, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

What an incredible amazing life of Mr Fred Rogers. He truly was a great example of a follower of Jesus. An amazing inspiration.

[Anne Marie Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Truly, Fred Rogers was empowered by the Holy Spirit working so miraculously in his life - touching millions on-screen and off-screen.

[Julie Pingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short and free ebook that reminds us how Mr. Rogers impacted so many people through his faith and kindness.

[Helen Meissner · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Need More Mr. Rogers

Very quick read with lots of good information, insights and interesting stories from his life and through the life of his career.

[April Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous quick read

I highlighted nearly the whole book! So many good nuggets in this one. Good for work and non-work settings as well.