Suffering is a topic that is romantically appealing but realistically terrifying. We are inspired by the sufferings of those believers who have gone before us or who live today in very difficult situations. But when suffering comes to our own lives we tend to struggle with its implications.
But what if suffering and service were meant to go hand-in-hand? What if suffering is part of every believer’s calling – whether they live in a country hostile to the Gospel or one who’s history has been defined by the influence of Christianity?
That is the empassioned plea that Ajith Fernando made in his recent Lausanne Global Conversation article for Christianity today “To Serve is to Suffer.” Following the publication of that article, the Lausanne Blogger Network had the great privilege of interviewing Ajith on the phone for well over an hour.
Even though many time zones and thousands of miles separated us, it was a time of great personal connection as we interacted about what it means to suffer as we serve. Each of the bloggers on the call took a unique and creative approach to their posts after the interview. So below you will find each of the posts that were generated from the interview, a link to read their thoughts and a quote/paraphrase/idea that they took from what Ajith shared.
I hope you will take a minute to explore the role of suffering in our Christian lives through the wonderful responses of these bloggers to Ajith Fernando’s insights:
Andrew Jones (Tall Skinny Kiwi): Giving our children a happy place
Obedience to God means obedience to the people He has given us responsibility for and the prime group of people we have been given responsibility for is our family.
Cody Lorance: Towards a Theology of Frustration and Fatigue
“Ministry and frustration go hand and hand. And I was very much concerned that people were interpreting frustration as a sign that this is not where God wants them to be. And because of that I felt that many people were leaving the call that they had gotten and were missing God’s best for their lives . . . what I found was that people were leaving for the wrong reasons . . . . I really felt that those of us who are trying to serve God, whether it is in vocational ministry work or in the marketplace or wherever need some sort of theology of suffering . . . of frustration—to help us to stay in the difficulties that we encounter.”
Dion Forster: Suffering and ministry – an interview with Ajith Fernando
Ajith was not naive about the hardships and struggles of ministry. In fact in answer to a question he suggested various means to support persons who face physical, emotional or spiritual hardship. Among other things he suggested the need for a strong and supportive community of care, accountability to wise and trusted persons on matters of scheduling, financial commitments etc. He also encouraged the creation of space for open dialogue, the sharing of frustration and disappointment as well as the opportunity to craft realistic expectations within a particular ministry context.
James Carroll: Compassionate Grace in the Midst of Suffering
…Dr. Ajith Fernando (National Director for Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka) discussed the issue of the extension of grace by the church to its clergy and Christian workers in the midst of such suffering. Several points he offered are worthy of consideration. First, he contends that “because of our fast-paced life,” suffering brought about by a Christian worker’s physical, emotional, and spiritual struggle with these addictions are commonplace. He continues, “many such issues arise out of a lack of discipline in the worker, negating their good works.” Second, he points to the church’s imperative to address the issue of such suffering through the facilitation of healing, arguing that “the Church has to have structures that will permit it to heal them [the Christian worker].”
Jon Hirst: Redefining Success in Light of Suffering
One of the things that Ajith talked about was the idea that “fulfillment should include suffering.” Wow, what a challenging thought. We are trained as innovators to believe that a life of fulfillment will mean blessing, success and new opportunities to use our skills. But to think that we cannot experience true fulfillment unless we suffer goes against the very grain of our culture.
Lesley Keeney: Does the Western World Need a Theology of Suffering?
Having a much shorter list of what is necessary to survive makes the East more inclined to view suffering not as a sign of God’s disfavor, but as the price of effective ministry.
Mary DeMuth: Our Understanding of Fulfillment must Include Suffering
He also commented on the stress we have in this world. He said, “Some suffering is unnecessary.” Meaning, as followers of Christ, we shouldn’t overschedule and overwork ourselves, then suffer from the effects of that. Instead, we should embrace sabbath living. “If people don’t take a sabbath,” he said. “they’re in disobedience to God.”
Mel Lawrence: To Serve is to Suffer
Service is important, but the most important thing is Jesus. Everything we have and everything we get to do in service to Jesus is of his mercy. When we serve out of his mercy then “the dominant emotion” that results is joy–not anger or resentment. There are many angry Christian workers. Joy comes out of gratitude. And when we are grateful, then we have the right motive to serve and to suffer.