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

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 today: 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.

Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781601788429

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Reuben Bredenhof serves as minister of the Mount Nasura Free Reformed Church in Western Australia.

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“Many books analyze the apostle Paul’s theology and missionary work. Reuben Bredenhof examines the ministry of Paul the pastor in his book Weak Pastor, Strong Christ. His careful study of 2 Corinthians unfolds an apostolic model for pastoral work. Here, ministers straining under the burden of unbiblical expectations will find relief; those unsure of how to model their ministry will find godly help. He summons all pastors—in joy or trial—to rely upon Christ’s all-sufficient grace, saying with Paul, ‘when I am weak, then I am strong.’ ” Charles M. Wingard, associate professor of pastoral theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, and author of Help for the New Pastor