Weak Pastor, Strong Christ: Developing a Christ-Shaped Gospel Ministry

by Reuben Bredenhof

The second letter to the Corinthians is a touchstone for pastors seeking advice on effective ministry. It is a revealing window into the tumult of Paul's relationship with this congregation that shows Paul's concern for the spiritual welfare of a local church. Although he loved the Corinthians dearly and labored for them intensely, their relationship was marked by the tensions and challenges that are acutely familiar to church leaders unclear expectations, comparison to other pastors, criticisms of ministry style, vocational stresses, disputes over money, and more. Reuben Bredenhof expertly unpacks these complexities and reveals Paul's vision for Christ-shaped gospel ministry-a vision that can help you, too. Table of
Searching for a Model of Ministry
Serving under Pressure
Building a Ministerial Identity
Pastoring Like a Father
Preaching for the Glory of Christ
Facing a Barrage of Criticism
Handling Money Wisely
Being a Willing Sufferer
Working with Purpose
Traveling from Corinth to Today

Genres: Christian Living, Biblical Studies

141 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

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

[Zack]

Well written and focused on applying 2 Corinthians to the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry, this is a good practical exposition of the epistle. This is helpful devotionally, pastorally, and ministerially.

[Keith]

This short book was very encouraging. I think anyone who serves in a leadership role in the local church could benefit from the lessons taught in this book, pastor or not. I particularly enjoyed the chapter which articulated Paul’s reasons for refusing compensation from some communities and accepting compensation from others - I had never encountered such a helpful examination of that topic before. Overall the main message was excellent - God can and does use weak men to shepherd His church but when those men are confronted with their own weakness and rely on the Lord Jesus to be their strength, they will have success.

[Sean McGowan]

Very good book. Practical lessons from Paul’s pastoral ministry, specifically among the Corinthians. Recommended.

[Drew]

Worthy of a slower second read.