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The Ministry of Small Things: Wisdom for Those Who Serve the Church
144 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2026
40 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Reuben Bredenhof
6 books6 followersFor 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.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 5, 2026
Phenomenal. Encouraging and convicting. I recommend for all pastors, and especially those going through hard times in ministry.
March 5, 2026
Many helpful chapters--not only as I begin my work--but also to use with elders in training us for out tasks. Christ can do a lot with a little. May it be so.
March 18, 2026
Latest read:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
The ministry of small things reminds me that ministry is about intentionality. And not with grand gestures but the small things. The follow up text, the pausing and praying with people, or weeping with people. The discipleship. Loved this book and give it a 10/10. Every pastor should read this little reminder.
1. “The things that we do when we don’t think we are doing anything significant might make the most difference.”
2. “Sometimes I wonder how God might have blessed my ministry differently if it had a lay been my practice to pray for my people.”
3. “Yet the ministry of the gospel should be this for his people.: the predictable pastor.
4. “A pastor must reflect: Have I proved faithful in the ministry that God entrusted to me?
5. “Not every struggling sheep appreciates our shepherding efforts. Not every unrepentant sinner will heed our warnings. But pastors should never discount the power of the Holy Spirit to change people.”
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
The ministry of small things reminds me that ministry is about intentionality. And not with grand gestures but the small things. The follow up text, the pausing and praying with people, or weeping with people. The discipleship. Loved this book and give it a 10/10. Every pastor should read this little reminder.
1. “The things that we do when we don’t think we are doing anything significant might make the most difference.”
2. “Sometimes I wonder how God might have blessed my ministry differently if it had a lay been my practice to pray for my people.”
3. “Yet the ministry of the gospel should be this for his people.: the predictable pastor.
4. “A pastor must reflect: Have I proved faithful in the ministry that God entrusted to me?
5. “Not every struggling sheep appreciates our shepherding efforts. Not every unrepentant sinner will heed our warnings. But pastors should never discount the power of the Holy Spirit to change people.”
February 28, 2026
Deeply encouraging simple reflections on ministry, filled with both conviction and comfort. Easy to read and probably better to read one at a time over the course of a month or so, to promote irrigation by water of life.
March 2, 2026
A very encouraging book! Just a simple, solid encouragement for pastors to keep loving, serving, sacrificing, and going!!
February 24, 2026
This is an excellent resource for pastors.......seasoned and new. Short chapters with very practical insights. I suggest reading it slow (the book is a quick read) so that you can think through each chapter before moving on to the next. Great book!
February 13, 2026
“This work of pastoral ministry comprises many small but significant moments.”
This book is brimming with practical wisdom for those who serve the church and unpacks what pastoral care looks like in ministry. What it looks like to tend God's sheep on a daily basis, and what scripture says about the attitudes and practices of a good pastor and shepherd.
I especially appreciate how Bredenhof highlights the daily practices of those who serve in the church and helps us to see the true significance of the “small” moments in ministry, that may not seem extraordinary but are used by God to do incredible things in people’s lives.
From the importance of praying with and for the congregation, to remembering birthdays and special events, to perseverance through difficult circumstances, to learning how to ask for help, this book offers practical insight while also reminding ministers that faithfulness in small things, everyday things is never wasted and has an eternal impact when done with Jesus! 🤍
“So much of what undergirds this book is the work of loving people: by listening to them, counseling them, being present with them, not giving up, remembering, praying, and encouraging. A ministry of small things will be a ministry marked by love.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is brimming with practical wisdom for those who serve the church and unpacks what pastoral care looks like in ministry. What it looks like to tend God's sheep on a daily basis, and what scripture says about the attitudes and practices of a good pastor and shepherd.
I especially appreciate how Bredenhof highlights the daily practices of those who serve in the church and helps us to see the true significance of the “small” moments in ministry, that may not seem extraordinary but are used by God to do incredible things in people’s lives.
From the importance of praying with and for the congregation, to remembering birthdays and special events, to perseverance through difficult circumstances, to learning how to ask for help, this book offers practical insight while also reminding ministers that faithfulness in small things, everyday things is never wasted and has an eternal impact when done with Jesus! 🤍
“So much of what undergirds this book is the work of loving people: by listening to them, counseling them, being present with them, not giving up, remembering, praying, and encouraging. A ministry of small things will be a ministry marked by love.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 10, 2026
Warm, pastoral reflections for those who serve the church. Nothing earth-shattering, but just plain ol’ reminders about the work of ministry.
February 3, 2026
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
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
March 12, 2026
The book is more of a very light overview than a deep dive, about 3 pages per topic. Many of the topics should be common knowledge for most pastors.
This would be a helpful primer for seminarians and possibly a good discussion book for elders and others who serve in the church.
The point of view from which it is written is very senior-pastor centric, in the sense that it takes for granted that one man carries the ministry rather than a board of elders, even though the book does mention elders.
This would be a helpful primer for seminarians and possibly a good discussion book for elders and others who serve in the church.
The point of view from which it is written is very senior-pastor centric, in the sense that it takes for granted that one man carries the ministry rather than a board of elders, even though the book does mention elders.
April 2, 2026
Very encouraging read. I appreciate the short chapters and the question at the end of each chapter for further meditation.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews