In this panel discussion from TGC’s 2018 West Coast Conference, Collin Hansen, Ray Ortlund, Kevin DeYoung, and Juan Sánchez discuss the prevalence of suffering in the lives of faithful Christians, citing examples from history and encouraging listeners to embrace their own suffering as a means of deeper spiritual growth.
They advise younger pastors and ministry leaders to trust in the Lord as their defender, wait for him to straighten out tough situations, and give honest answers in formal settings while keeping quiet in informal humiliation. The panel also focuses their discussion on the importance of gentleness and self-control in ministry, particularly in response to criticism and opposition.
Ultimately, to endure suffering in ministry and live faithfully to Jesus is to live in the fellowship of his sufferings. Ortlund says, “This has taken me to a deeper place with Jesus than I’ve ever dreamed of going.”
The Gospel Coalition