The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry

by Ajith Fernando

2008 Christianity Today Book Award Winner

Joy and pain are both aspects of the call of God for the Christian. The Bible even presents pain as a trigger for joy. The Call to Joy and Pain explores how this is so, showing the connection between rejoicing and suffering, how suffering draws us nearer to God, and how suffering makes us more effective in service.

Ministerial veteran Ajith Fernando combines biblical exposition, keen pastoral insight, and cross-cultural wisdom in his writing. He opens readers' eyes to a truth they may already we in the West have much to learn about suffering.

By examining Paul's words on the subject of suffering for Christ from Colossians 1:24-29, Fernando thoughtfully explains how suffering can be a blessing to the individual Christian and to the church as a whole. His book will help Christians joyfully embrace the life of service and total devotion to Jesus, despite the pain it entails.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Theology, Spirituality, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. Ajith is a visiting lecturer and Council President of Colombo Theological Seminary and also serves as Visiting Scholar at Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. He has written 15 books and his books have been published in 19 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership.

Reviews

[Peter Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty mediations on the place of suffering in the life of the Christian minister - a theme rarely addressed in the West, in my experience. Best read slowly. In a season of personal pressure, some of the meditations spoke to me powerfully.

[Tim Mccracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books written on encountering suffering in ministry, and how to continue to pursue God in spite of difficulties service to him.

[Hady Nabil · Rating 4 out of 5]

كتاب لاهوتي متزن عن الألم والفرح من منظور كتابي مسيحي. يركز الكتاب على الألم في حياة خدام الله نتيجة للخدمة ويقدم منظورا متميزا عن ضرورة وجود الألم والفرح معاً.

الكتاب عبارة عن ٣٠ تأمل يومي وبه بعض الأفكار المفيدة روحياً.

[Karen Mizener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, thought provoking reading. Finished this wonderful book. Would encourage everyone to read it.

[Jeff Turnbough · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of chapter 8 Fernando refers to "blind spots" in the Church in different parts of the world. I think that is a fascinating topic--one I know to be absolutely true. We NEED each other and each other's different perspectives around the globe. Sociocultural, historical, political, and personal experiences of the Christian life lived out in different corners of the world give insights from which the whole Church can benefit.

Specifically, he writes "I think one of the most serious theological blind spots in western church is a defective understanding of suffering. There seems to be a lot of reflection on how to avoid suffering and what to do when we hurt."

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fernando has written a vital collection of meditations on the suffering and joy of following Jesus and specifically into ministry. I found myself both bracing for a long ministry of difficulty but also soothed by the grace of Christ. Well worth the read and praying through. Such a good model of trust presented for those of us in ministry wherever we are.

[Jeff Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been through 15 major operations on my spine, this book has truly helped me to understand embracing suffering in my ministry as a missionary here in Guatemala. One of the ebst books I have read in years. I truly recommend this book.

[Andy Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing read; a wakeup call to what to expect when you love people as Christ loves people.

[Alastair Gooderham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of 30 reflections on suffering and how we are called to embrace it as believers. Never trite but pithy and thought provoking.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Christian minister, this book will hit you deeply. If you cannot relate to this book, you should re-examine how closely you're walking with Christ.

[Chris Risley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as encouraging as the first time I read it. Ajith writes as a person who truly ministers in a busy life because of his love for God

[Rob Byron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genuinely edifying book on a neglected topic

[Brandon H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Call to Joy & Pain by Ajith Fernando is by a written by director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka. Mr. Farnando provides substantial Biblical and historical support for the fact that as Christians, and especially as ministers of Christ, we will face suffering and persecution in this world. This is a message most needed in the Western world these days, and especially among those of the renewal movements. The book is written in a devotional format and the chapters are short which makes for easy reading.

While I agree with the heart of the book and its message, there was one point that really troubled me. In his emphasis on the importance of suffering and seeing it as a means to mature in Christ and grow closer to Him, Mr. Fernando, at one point, suggested that it was a good thing for an engaged woman to marry a man who had engaged in some very terrible behavior. Unfortunately, he didn't specify what behavior that was except that it caused her a great deal of pain. Because of the unclear reference, one could conclude that Mr. Fernando is saying that one should just ignore all painful interactions while engaged and possible serious character flaws and blindly pursue a relationship with someone because suffering is a good thing. He may not be saying as such but it did leave the reader with that conclusion. I'd give the book 3.5 stars out of 5.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about why we need to rejoice despite suffering in this world. This helps in changing our perspective about how to embrace suffering and press on. Ajith explains why suffering is ineviable in our Christian life. Instead of trying to avoid it, which won't work since there is bound to be suffering in our life, he teaches us how suffering can draw us closer to God. Whether it is a difficult time, being tired, etc., we can choose to depend on God. I am also very touch by his personal stories of finding joy during his sufferings and the temptations he face as a pastor.

Favorite Quote: "The big deal is always our relationship of love with God through Christ. If suffering helps us get closer to Jesus and be more effective in his service, then we will welcome it with joy, as Paul did." (Page 178)

[Julbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that this is a tough book. The place of suffering in the Christian life is itself a difficult concept to grapple with. Combine this with the lack of emphasis on suffering in the local church I belong to, this book gave me new insights that are not easy to swallow.

I commend the author for taking a Biblical and experiential approach in explaining this topic. I like how holistic the whole book is in relation to suffering; the book showed how joy and suffering lie in our life as Christians, how these extend to the relationships that we have, and how these ultimately affect the Body of Christ—that is, the Church—as a whole.

I admit I did not understand everything that the author said. I think I need to read this again someday.

[Ron Reffett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that is broken down into a 30 day reading, each chapter is short and can be read easily in one sitting. Aijth Fernando is the national director for Youth for Christ in Sri-Lanka has been since 1976. This is a great read especially if you find yourself experiencing trials and suffering in your life. This isn't a dour and depressing look at the Christian life but a call to joy in our suffering, we shouldn't go looking for suffering but when we do find ourselves going through it, the Lord is right there in the midst of it with us.
Great read, pick up a copy and get ready for some honesty, wisdom and biblical practicality.

[Cesar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon reading the title of this book, I knew that I need it right then. I am now in the process of working on my ministry, the Lord's greatest commission and this book made me realized why I get hurt and why I am at my happiest when I started on working on the Lord's harvest. Its because I love. Jesus made me realized that I do love Him, even then.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing ground-breaking, but solid. The bulk of the book is Fernando's thirty meditations on suffering. Each starts with Scripture, a brief exegesis, application, and a quote or anecdote from a church saint. Fernando is from Sri Lanka and works for Youth for Christ there. He has experienced suffering and deprivation over thirty years of ministry. His experience saves the book from cliche.

[Kellie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

great and convicting read!!

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ajith Fernando. He’s inspiring.

Anyway, I needed this book.

[Alina Lupsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Cei mai fericiți oameni din lume nu sunt cei care nu au parte de suferință - sunt cei cărora nu le este teamă de suferință.”

[Tim Stafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of short meditations, closely related to Jesus Driven Ministry. I prefer the latter.