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Fernando, Ajith. Jesus Driven Ministry. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2002.
Summary
The book, Jesus Driven Ministry, was written by Ajith Fernando. Fernando (Th.M., Fuller
Theological Seminary) is from Sri Lanka, but he received his biblical training while in the
United States. In Sri Lanka he is now a youth director for Christ after serving as the ministry’s
national director for thirty-five years. He has written seventeen books in his career. When
Fernando writes he focuses on biblical, cultural, and apologetic themes. He creates his writing
centered on the biblical texts. In His book, Jesus Driven Ministry, his structure is focused around
the Gospel of Mark. However, he does use several other biblical passages and examples from his
own life to elaborate on his topics. Fernando writes from a conviction that the way Jesus and His
disciples carried out their ministry is still a relevant model for Christians today in every culture.
This is the thesis for Jesus Driven Ministry. Furthermore, there are several themes Fernando
touches on in his writing and all seem to deal with the basics of ministry. He writes, “I pray this
book will help many men and women to commit themselves afresh to those vital basics of
ministry that make for long-term ministry that is both fruitful and joyful.”1 He wants his reader to
understand they are empowered by the Spirit and affirmed by God to better carry out their
ministry.
Critique
Ajith Fernando has done very well with this book. His style is unique, and he writes from
an informal stance as if he is having a conversation with the reader. Furthermore, he writes from
a strictly biblical perspective and remains focused on his thesis throughout. One strength of
Fernando’s writing would be the amount of scriptural support he uses to prove his points. In fact,
1 Ajith Fernando. Jesus Driven Ministry. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2002).
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he uses so much Scripture throughout that he apologizes in his introduction. He writes, “I have
chosen to quote a lot of Scripture verbatim. While I have labored to write smoothly, the inclusion
of Bible verses does affect the smooth flow of the sentences.”2 His use of Scripture helps him to
ultimately avoid error when arguing his points.
Furthermore, Fernando is constantly focused on Jesus on how He carried out His
ministry. This bit is encouraging to a Christian believer knowing Fernando is getting is model
from the only perfect person to ever walk this earth. Most all of Fernando’s ideas come from
Jesus and he uses His words, actions, and teachings to express where he is coming from with his
ideas.
Furthermore, Fernando is not afraid to address difficult issues especially when it comes to
the character and heart of the minister. He expresses the need for the minister to be in tune with
God’s Spirit and bound to Christ under all circumstances. This is the first necessity for him and if
a minster understands this, the practical tips and steps he gives will make a difference. Fernando
writes, “You will see that most of the ministry basics discussed here have to do with personal
lifestyle. I make no apologies for this. There is a great interest in ministry technique today, and
technique is important. In a world that places high value on excellence and quality, our ministries
must reflect a professional excellence that will favorably adorn the gospel and commend Christ
to this generation. But I believe the greatest crisis facing Christian leadership today concerns
lifestyle—always the burning issue. The well-known evangelist D. L. Moody is reported to have
said that he had more trouble with D. L. Moody than with any other person he met!”3 In
addressing these controversies, he remained balanced in his dealing with them because he was so
2 Ajith Fernando. Jesus Driven Ministry.
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Ibid.
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Scripturally sound. He consistently encouraged moderation and because of this he kept from
taking the position of extremes.
There seems to be only one weakness that could be found in his book. This weakness is
not seen as a weakness to this author, but it could be seen as one to some. This has to do with the
amount of Scripture support he uses. Some may say it is overkill. He quotes long passages of
Scripture, sometimes pages long, and this could become redundant to some. This may be
especially true if the reader is aware of the Scriptures he gives. Furthermore, the book seems to
be addressed specifically to those in ministry positions which may make some readers feel
excluded.
Application
This book has excellent application for any person working to better their ministry.
Whether they are just starting out in ministry, or they have been serving in their ministry for a
number of years, this book has excellent application for them. It is focused on Jesus which is the
most important. It helps the individual to understand their ministry in light of how Jesus and His
disciples chose to minster to those around them.
This book has personally helped me to become a more resilient leader. This is especially
true when Fernando writes about personal lifestyle. A minister must be able to take a step back
and examine their life. There must be a realization that believers are in fact affirmed by God,
because of Christ, to carry out the mission He has given them in their lives. Furthermore, the
minister must be willing to truly identify with the people he is ministering to. For example, I
volunteer as a chaplain for a minor league baseball team. I have to be able to identify that these
are hard working individuals who are seeking perfection. However, at the same time these guys
are struggling on the inside because this may be their last chance to make it to the big leagues.
