FIVE WAYS SUFFERING MAKES YOU A BETTER LEADER

Part Four in Bob Deffinbaugh's Series

HAVE YOU EVER OVERHEARD PEOPLE EVALUATING YOUR SERMON?

Renowned Christian leader and author J. Oswald Sanders did. Tucked away in the pastor’s study of a little church after preaching his first sermon, he heard one older woman ask another, “What did you think of the sermon?” The other woman thought for a second and said, “Not bad, but he’ll be better after he’s suffered.”

Not long afterwards, Sanders had that opportunity when he nursed three loved ones through terminal illness and death: his first wife, his second wife, and his niece who moved in to help him care for his second wife as she was dying. After those experiences, he concluded that his preaching and ministry were vastly different after having suffered.

One older woman asked another, “What did you think of the sermon?” The other woman thought for a second and said, “Not bad, but he’ll be better after he’s suffered.”

IN PART FOUR OF HIS DEVELOPING LEADERS SERIES, Bob Deffinbaugh discusses the profound impact suffering has on a Christian’s ability to lead. If you are in a season of suffering, be encouraged that God is using it to accomplish his good purposes. Here are five things to remember about suffering:

1. SUFFERING IS A NORMAL PART OF BEING A BELIEVER.?

This is true for Christians in general, it is especially true for leaders in the church. Jesus repeatedly told his followers to count the cost and take up their cross. The apostles suffered greatly for their faith—as the apostle Paul says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted . . .” (2 Tim. 3:12 NASB). Christians around the world have suffered for their faith through the ages, and it won’t be long before American Christians are joining their ranks.

2. SUFFERING MARKS YOU AS A GENUINE CHRISTIAN LEADER.?

When defending his status as an apostle in 2 Corinthians 11, Paul points straight to his sufferings as a way to distinguish himself from the false teachers, who simply wanted to rise up by putting others down. Peter and Jude likewise characterize false teachers as self-indulgent pleasure seekers who bail out when suffering comes. Endurance in suffering is one mark of a genuine Christian leader.

3. GOD USES SUFFERING TO MATURE YOU.?

Hebrews 12 reminds us that suffering is proof of sonship: “For those whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives” (Heb. 12:6). Suffering is part of God’s process for making people mature enough to qualify for leadership and to lead well.

4. SUFFERING DEEPENS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.?

The apostle Paul aspired to “know him and the power of his resurrection, and . . . share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10). As we enter into his sufferings, we find an intimacy with Christ that we would not have known otherwise. A fruitful Christian ministry comes from the outflow of an intimate relationship with Christ.

5. SUFFERING MAGNIFIES THE IMPACT OF YOUR MINISTRY.?

A preacher with an easy life does not have the same message as someone who has persevered through trials. When we experience God’s grace in our suffering, our endurance becomes a platform for ministry—we can share with others the greatness and grace of God that we have experienced firsthand. Our suffering allows us to minister to others who are suffering within the body of Christ.

You can watch Bob's video on suffering and leadership here => https://www.biblicaleldership.com/effectiveness/leading-gods-flock-0/developing-leaders/suffering-and-leadership/?

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