The Pastor, the People, and the Pursuit of Joy, Q & A

Desiring God 2010 Conference for Pastors

The Pastor, the People, and the Pursuit of Joy

These are the questions that were asked of our speakers during the final session of the conference. Listen to the audio to hear their answers.

To Sam Storms and John Piper: Is there one key C. S. Lewis insight that reigns over the others for you?

Follow-up: Is there a connection between fullness of joy and the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit?

To Sam: Christian Hedonism seems rooted primarily in the logic of Augustine, Edwards, C. S. Lewis, etc. Can we lead our people to Christian Hedonism mainly from Scripture?

To Eric Mason: Should I be concerned that I'm not suffering or haven't suffered much in my life and ministry, especially if suffering is a unique evidence of God's love for me?

Follow-up: If suffering is God's tool for sanctification, should we seek to be delivered from trial?

To Bob Blincoe: How do you train missionaries to persevere and suffer well?

To John: Would you say more about how blessed self-forgetfulness relates to examining yourself?

To the whole panel: So what is joy again? And how do we know when we're experiencing joy that is spiritual and not just earthly?

Follow-up: How do I enjoy God's earthly gifts without making them idols?

To Bob: You suggested in your message that if a person spoke to you concerning their fears about missions that you wouldn't sympathize with them. Can you elaborate on what you meant?

To Eric: Should I rejoice in tribulation and suffering even if it is caused by my own sin and weakness?

To John: Could Lewis have experienced more joy if he had been more orthodox in his beliefs?

To the whole panel: What are some practical ways you help your people fight for joy in the mundane realities of life?