Authentic Ministry: Serving from the Heart

by Michael Reeves

Where does authentic ministry lie? The answer of this book in the heart. Authentic ministry is not simply a matter of mastering professional skills or of endlessly pouring oneself out in works of service. Rather, it springs from joyful union with Christ.

Authentic Ministry offers practical guidance and spiritual nourishment for all who serve the church. Each of the nine chapters orients readers to the “one thing [that] is necessary” (cf. Luke 10:42)—abiding in Christ—while asking and answering questions both simple and What is prayer? How should I respond to suffering? Who is my friend? What is theology? What does it mean to love?

This short volume originated as a series of talks delivered to various assemblies of students, pastors-in-training, and church leaders in the UK and beyond.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Leadership, Christian Living, Faith, Audiobook, Nonfiction

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

Michael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.

Reviews

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reeves is always worth reading.

[Alexandra Frederickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much wisdom in here that covers several different categories from friendships to theological study and practice. Very helpful and encouraging!

[Rebekah Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic book for anyone whose job is any kind of ministry work because Michael Reeves is very honest and convicting about the unique temptations and burdens that come with that life. Words that will stick with me, “And within the church, it is often those with theological training who get exalted. Whatever it is you’re going to do when you finish your studies or gain more theological knowledge, almost certainly you will be given more power, more authority- people will seek to put you on a pedestal. Will you let them?”

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully encouraging for those in ministry, seminary students (content originally crafted for this audience) and the churchgoer. Particularly enjoyed the first few chapters.

(One star off for the friendship chapter, which glaringly did not include any female examples.🫣 Let’s *all* be friends.😊)

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! A collection of lectures by Michael Reeves for students in seminary but so good for all in ministry. I really enjoyed it. Recommended for all ministers

[Shelby Semjenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely will recommend this book to people. I enjoyed Michael Reeves’ style of writing. If you’re involved in a ministry or leading/serving in a ministry in any sort of capacity this would be an encouraging & convicting read. Not just for vocational ministry. Any Christian would benefit from reading. It’s not overwhelming & long, but hits straight to the heart. You can get it free right now at https://nambstore.com/products/authen...

[Cam Spigle]

Every seminary student should read this! Chapter 4 “relish humility” is gold. Highly recommend.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reeves provides a brief and helpful book for pastors that calls them to rest in God with humility as they labor for the kingdom of heaven. Much of what is said here as been said before, but the timeless truths draw one near the gospel of Christ as they seek to do the work of the Lord in shepherding the flock.

[Joshua Bremerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy-to-read, encouraging, and solid fuel for ongoing ministry. Strong chapters on delighting in the Lord, suffering, and the church.

[Cale Fauver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walked through this book at our elder meetings. So good!

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente! Reeves escreve com maestria. Os capítulos sobre oração (cap. 3), humildade (cap. 4) e amizade (cap. 5) são particularmente necessários hoje.

[Bethany Yost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new go-to! This was such a refreshing reminder of gospel-centered ministry!

[Emma S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book. Clear and full of profound truth; you can hear Reeves delivering these as lectures, directed to real people. Would maybe have liked to seen a chapter on rest (hence the 4 stars). But overall I found this really encouraging and would recommend it to anyone needing refreshed, whether they're starting out on a ministry journey or having been serving for years.

[Loraena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this little book. The chapters on humility and friendship were good and the one on suffering in particular had some really thought-provoking points I had not previously considered. 4.5 stars.

[Chris McBurney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little I heard was coming and was excited to read. And it didn’t let me down.

I’m a big fan of Mike Reeves and this has him at his best at points. Taking aim at those serving in ministries he encourages them in a foundation of abiding in Christ and then reflecting on what that means for anything from suffering to friendship. His sprinkling of quotes from great church reformers and theologians throughout only furthers your love of Christ and does make you wonder why you’ve not read them recently.

It’s wise, easy to read and very helpful. Condensing his best material across various forms, applying it clearly to those serving in ministry, you can’t help but be encouraged as you read this.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the vision that Reeves has for theological study and training folk for ministry. This little book is a collection of talks that expand that vision....and it is compelling! Written with his usual warmth, verbal genius, historical insights, and Christ gazing passion, this is a book that all theological students seeking to go into ministry should read. There is much to consider and ponder.
The only snag to the book is that, as a collection of talks, there is a little bit of repetition. It would have been nice to have been more crafted for print. However, as always with Mr R - superb!

[Lacy Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Michael Reeves fan. I love how he takes the simple truths of the Christian life and faith and re-beautifies them in the reader’s mind and heart.

I particularly appreciated the chapters on humility and suffering.

[Ethan Moehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The content is rich while accessible. Reeves is a great writer. The main negative was that because the book is a series of talks, it did not "build" on itself in any way. Each chapter could be read separately and be edifying.

[Maggie Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay for summer college connection!

[Alan Rennê · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que livrinho espetacular!

[Nicholas Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is not required reading in seminary it certainly should be amongst the ministry team at your local church. If you are a congregant, read it yourself, but urge your pastors/elders to read this.

[Jordan Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth a read for anyone but especially those in leadership positions within the church (pastors, elders, deacons, Bible study leaders, ministry directors, etc.).

[Cherie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little treasure trove of a book that I hope to go back to frequently throughout my life (it’s already marked up and dog-eared from my first reading). If you have a friend entering ministry of any sort, this is a cozy, concise, beautiful read that would make the perfect gift. Thanks Kris and Sami for gifting it to us!

[Greg Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book, in every respect.

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Reeves does not miss.

“God unsettles his saints to expose the evil within, so that it might be removed.”

“If he doesn’t condemn us, on what grounds we do condemn ourselves?”

[Aaron Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gospel Salve for a weary, worn out pastors heart. Reeves passion, wisdom, sensitivity and diagnostic approach to “keeping the heart” in pastoral ministry is an immense help for any Pastor asking the question “why and who am I doing this for”? Well done!

[Jake Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would recommend to anyone actively participating in ministry. It’s an easy read, and aligning in many respects. The ⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating is a matter of preference, I know I have millions reading this review so please, do not let it deter you!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely and encouraging little volume. Some editorial issues which could have been ironed out to make it feel less like a collection of talks but generally really worth reading. Vintage reeves.

[Owen Cottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Gospel ministry 101. Chapter on ‘Friendship’ was particularly good.

[Taylor Roose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing. My soul is stirred to gaze at Christ.