The Ministry of Small Things: Wisdom for Those Who Serve the Church

by Reuben Bredenhof

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2026

About the author

For eighteen years Reuben served as a pastor to congregations in Canada and Australia. He became the Professor of Ministry and Mission at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 2023. He has authored several books, including 'The Ministry of Small Things: Wisdom for Those Who Serve the Church,' 'Thank God: Becoming More Grateful to the Greatest of Givers,' and 'Weak Pastor, Strong Christ.' He is married to Rebecca and they have been blessed with four daughters. He enjoys pounding the pavement on his morning jogs near their home in Hamilton while thinking about where to put more bookshelves.

Reviews

[Hayden Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Encouraging and convicting. I recommend for all pastors, and especially those going through hard times in ministry.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Ministry of Small Things, Reuben Bredenhof offers a thoughtful and encouraging vision of pastoral care rooted in faithfulness to the ordinary. He reminds readers that ministry is often carried out through small, simple, and seemingly insignificant moments—yet these are the very moments God uses mightily for gospel impact. What may feel small to us is often rich with spiritual significance in the hands of the Lord.

The Everyday Work of Ministry

The book examines the attitudes and expectations pastors should have as they engage in the everyday work of ministry. Bredenhof explores the activities that make up these “small things” and addresses the challenges pastors encounter as they seek to care well for God’s people. At its heart, the book affirms a biblical principle: God delights in accomplishing much through very little. Acts of quiet care, presence, and service are powerful expressions of love for the church.

Bredenhof emphasizes that listening and caring require time. Faithful ministry means embracing the ordinary rhythms of life and meeting them with the extraordinary hope of the gospel. Pastors are encouraged to be predictable—to show up consistently and reliably—because pastoral care is ultimately a ministry of presence. Being there, again and again, is one of the most meaningful ways to shepherd God’s people.

Purpose and Perseverance

As a lay leader, I found this book both practical and challenging. I learned valuable lessons about developing a “shepherd’s sense,” asking good and thoughtful questions, and not shrinking back from difficult conversations. I was encouraged to step out in bold faith rather than fear, to look for reasons to reach out rather than excuses to remain distant, and to grow in praying with others and offering encouragement—areas where I naturally tend to be more reserved.

The book concludes with many additional helpful chapters, but I was especially moved by Bredenhof’s call to savor the gift of ministry and to believe that people truly can change by God’s grace. The Ministry of Small Things offers pastors and ministry leaders a renewed sense of purpose and perseverance, reminding them that faithfulness in the small things is never wasted in God’s kingdom.

I received a media copy of The Ministry of Small Things and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[Luminous Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, pastoral reflections for those who serve the church. Nothing earth-shattering, but just plain ol’ reminders about the work of ministry.