On Suffering and Sonship
The Overcomers with Matt Chandler
Wrestling with Suffering as a Pastor
Josh explains how encountering biblical examples of suffering reshaped his preaching and theology after early pastoral experiences.
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Josh Turner—pastor, leader, and now author of Into the Storm. Josh’s story is one of unexpected suffering and surprising strength. We talk about his daughter Riley, born with a rare condition, undiagnosed for 12 years, and now living life with courage and clarity most adults don’t have. Josh shares what it was like walking through that pain while pastoring, wrestling with God’s sovereignty, and being forced to reexamine what he actually believed about suffering.
That experience, by the grace of God, moved Josh from being just a servant of God to living like a son. We also dive into the ministry he now leads, 10Ten Project, which helps pastors get healthy before they burn out or blow up. This episode isn’t just for church leaders—it’s for anyone walking through pain, anyone looking for hope, and anyone needing to be reminded: God is doing more than you think He is.
In This Episode
- Suffering as a young pastor and preparing the church for it
- Josh’s early ministry influences and meeting Matt
- The story of Riley’s birth and undiagnosed condition
- Wrestling theologically with suffering and God’s sovereignty
- Transition from servant to son – a pastor’s identity crisis
- Why 10Ten exists: helping pastors finish well
- How many pastors are emotionally unaware
- Real stories from intensives and ministry breakdowns
- A theology of suffering is essential for everyone
- Encouragement to those in suffering or leadership burnout
Guest Resources
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Overcoming the Darkness by Nate Pickowicz
This book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.
On Our Way Home by Colleen Chao
Through Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.
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