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Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp (2012) Paperback
After traveling the world for many years and speaking at hundreds of churches of all kinds, Paul David Tripp is concerned about the state of pastoral culture. He is not only concerned about the spiritual life of the pastor, but with the very people who train him, call him, relate to him, and restore him if necessary. Dangerous Calling reveals the truth that the culture surrounding our pastors is spiritually unhealthy--an environment that actively undermines the wellbeing and efficacy of our church leaders and thus the entire church body. Here is a book that both diagnoses and offers cures for issues that impact every member and church leader, and gives solid strategies for fighting the war that rages not only in the momentous moments of ministry, but also in the mundane day-by-day life of every pastor.
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First published October 31, 2012
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About the author
Paul David Tripp
143 books1,397 followersPaul was born in Toledo, Ohio to Bob and Fae Tripp on November 12, 1950. Paul spent all of his growing years in Toledo until his college years when his parents moved to Southern California.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
At Columbia Bible College from 1968-1972, (now Columbia International University) Paul majored in Bible and Christian Education. Although he had planned to be there for only two years and then to study journalism, Paul more and more felt like there was so much of the theology of Scripture that he did not understand, so he decided to go to seminary. Paul met Luella Jackson at College and they married in 1971. In 1971, Paul took his first pastoral position and has had a heart for the local church ever since. After college, Paul completed his Master of Divinity degree at the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (now known as Philadelphia Theological Seminary) in Philadelphia (1972-1975). It was during these days that Paul’s commitment to ministry solidified. After seminary, Paul was involved in planting a church in Scranton, Pennsylvania (1977-1987) where he also founded a Christian School. During the years in Scranton, Paul became involved in music, traveling with a band and writing worship songs. In Scranton, Paul became interested in biblical counseling and decided to enroll in the D.Min program in Biblical Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul then became a faculty member of the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) and a lecturer in biblical counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Paul has also served as Visiting Professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2009, Paul joined the faculty of Redeemer Seminary (daughter school of Westminster) in Dallas, Texas as Professor of Pastoral Life and Care.[1]
Beginning in June, 2006, Paul became the President of Paul Tripp Ministries, a non-profit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." In addition to his current role as President of Paul Tripp Ministries, on January 1, 2007, Paul also became part of the pastoral staff at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA where he preached every Sunday evening and lead the Ministry to Center City through March, 2011 when he resigned due to the expanding time commitments needed at Paul Tripp Ministries.
Paul, Luella, and their four children moved to Philadelphia in 1987 and have lived there ever since. Paul is a prolific author and has written twelve books on Christian living which are sold internationally. Luella manages a large commercial art gallery in the city and Paul is very dedicated to painting as an avocation.[2] Paul’s driving passion is to help people understand how the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ really does speak with practical hope into all the things they will face in this broken world. Paul is a pastor with a pastor’s heart, a gifted speaker, his journey taking him all over the world, an author of numerous books on practical Christian living, and a man who is hopelessly in love with Luella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 660 reviews
March 17, 2013
This was a very good book and an important one. The only basic criticism I had was that it was too short. Given how many flat rocks this book is found to turn over, uncovering all sorts of creepy crawlies in the pastoral ministry, Tripp really needed to have a chapter on sorting out when a minister has been disqualified by his sin. Tripp is clear that there is such a line, and that there are pastors who are not disqualified (despite being a piece of work), but I am sure that there are a number of disqualified men who will read this book, be totally convicted, and would need some guidance walking them through a resignation. And balancing such a resignation with the strong grace message this book contains would be another issue. Still, fantastic book. Every pastor ought to read it.
October 25, 2024
Really wonderful book for those in ministry, especially young pastors. Challenging, eye-opening, encouraging, and (as one would expect from Tripp) gospel rich. My only complaint is that it’s repetitive. That might be on purpose to drive points home, but I think it is slightly to the reader’s detriment.
May 7, 2017
I knew the ministry was tough. Figured that out the hard way. I still love it and want to do it the rest of my life. I thank God for it, but it’s tough. This book (Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp) was like the ultimate gut check for me. Funny thing was that unlike what I’ve been tempted to think so many other times, the culprit of my pain was me. The biggest source of my failures? You guessed it–me.
There is hope in this, however, because in a world of things I can’t change, with Christ’s help, I can change me.
Before I tell the themes that spoke to me in this book, I must stop and thank Mr. Tripp for his transparency. Some authors throw in a watered-down criticism of themselves that is really just to show you how wonderful they are in their realness. That is simply not the case here. He takes chapter one to tell where he was at one time in his ministry. Frankly, he was an unspiritual jerk. He held little back in the telling of the story.
Why is that so helpful? Because in some details I could see myself. He spoke of how his “inner lawyer” always came out to defend him. He acknowledged that he was more or less deceived. Am I the only one who finds his discernment runs at such a lower level when the subject is me?
He takes us to task for letting the ministry define our identity. Before I am Jimmy the pastor, or Jimmy the blog writer, I am Jimmy the man. That Christian with varying levels of spirituality, that man utterly needy of Christ, that is who I am. I need to shed the illusions of grandeur where the ministry has elevated me to think something beyond who I really am.
He said: “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” I assure you I am quite the chatterbox in this area. My mind never stops! In all that talking he says “you preach to yourself an anti-gospel of your own righteousness, power, and wisdom, or you preach to yourself the true gospel of deep spiritual need and sufficient grace.” He says we quit thinking of ourselves as a needy child of God and see ourselves as the PASTOR! As if there were some special category! Later in the book he says of we in the ministry: “We are still a mess.” He talks about the fact that we are still in the middle of our sanctification. We know this is true of Mr. Tripp and Mr. Jimmy Reagan. I’m in the middle of my sanctification and still have such a way to go. What about you my pastor friends and acquaintances?
He tackles other issues. My equating my Bible knowledge with spiritual maturity. Ouch! Or how about confusing numbers with success and then riding that roller coaster? He talks about how we think we have arrived and listen to no one. He talks about the ministry overtaking my personal devotions and worship of God, and about how I will lose my awe of my Almighty God. I can walk among the treasures of the Word of God and prepare sermons and never see the sparkle of the gold.
He explains that when I go this way I am in danger of things that I would never want to do. I start separating my private and public self. I can preach against something and turn around and do it–of course anyone could do it, but my problem might be how blind I can be to how serious it is. I can too become completely ensnared by the fear of man. I preach, I speak, I lead just to gain the praise of those who haven’t figured out how wonderful I am yet. Sadly, I no longer act for the approval of One.
All of this will lead to living for self-glory. In that all of us deal with pride, this is a real and present danger. This becomes the gasoline the Enemy throws on the fire of my life to burn up what I could do for the One Whom I love, the One Who gave His all for me.
There’s more. Don’t think I gave you a good enough rundown that you don’t need this book. I need this book. I suspect all of us in the ministry desperately need this book. I’ll recommend it too for pastor’s wives to understand their husbands, and, in that your husband’s call has become yours, you ladies too could fall victim to your own hearts as well. Church members, learn here how to pray for your pastor, learn how to love him, but bring him back down to earth. You might want to give him this book as a gift saying you just heard other pastors saying it helped and blessed them. (That’s true, you heard it from this pastor).
I thank the Lord for this book, for what it means to me, and pray I allow the Holy Spirit to use it on me in the days ahead.
There is hope in this, however, because in a world of things I can’t change, with Christ’s help, I can change me.
Before I tell the themes that spoke to me in this book, I must stop and thank Mr. Tripp for his transparency. Some authors throw in a watered-down criticism of themselves that is really just to show you how wonderful they are in their realness. That is simply not the case here. He takes chapter one to tell where he was at one time in his ministry. Frankly, he was an unspiritual jerk. He held little back in the telling of the story.
Why is that so helpful? Because in some details I could see myself. He spoke of how his “inner lawyer” always came out to defend him. He acknowledged that he was more or less deceived. Am I the only one who finds his discernment runs at such a lower level when the subject is me?
He takes us to task for letting the ministry define our identity. Before I am Jimmy the pastor, or Jimmy the blog writer, I am Jimmy the man. That Christian with varying levels of spirituality, that man utterly needy of Christ, that is who I am. I need to shed the illusions of grandeur where the ministry has elevated me to think something beyond who I really am.
He said: “No one is more influential in your life than you are, because no one talks to you more than you do.” I assure you I am quite the chatterbox in this area. My mind never stops! In all that talking he says “you preach to yourself an anti-gospel of your own righteousness, power, and wisdom, or you preach to yourself the true gospel of deep spiritual need and sufficient grace.” He says we quit thinking of ourselves as a needy child of God and see ourselves as the PASTOR! As if there were some special category! Later in the book he says of we in the ministry: “We are still a mess.” He talks about the fact that we are still in the middle of our sanctification. We know this is true of Mr. Tripp and Mr. Jimmy Reagan. I’m in the middle of my sanctification and still have such a way to go. What about you my pastor friends and acquaintances?
He tackles other issues. My equating my Bible knowledge with spiritual maturity. Ouch! Or how about confusing numbers with success and then riding that roller coaster? He talks about how we think we have arrived and listen to no one. He talks about the ministry overtaking my personal devotions and worship of God, and about how I will lose my awe of my Almighty God. I can walk among the treasures of the Word of God and prepare sermons and never see the sparkle of the gold.
He explains that when I go this way I am in danger of things that I would never want to do. I start separating my private and public self. I can preach against something and turn around and do it–of course anyone could do it, but my problem might be how blind I can be to how serious it is. I can too become completely ensnared by the fear of man. I preach, I speak, I lead just to gain the praise of those who haven’t figured out how wonderful I am yet. Sadly, I no longer act for the approval of One.
All of this will lead to living for self-glory. In that all of us deal with pride, this is a real and present danger. This becomes the gasoline the Enemy throws on the fire of my life to burn up what I could do for the One Whom I love, the One Who gave His all for me.
There’s more. Don’t think I gave you a good enough rundown that you don’t need this book. I need this book. I suspect all of us in the ministry desperately need this book. I’ll recommend it too for pastor’s wives to understand their husbands, and, in that your husband’s call has become yours, you ladies too could fall victim to your own hearts as well. Church members, learn here how to pray for your pastor, learn how to love him, but bring him back down to earth. You might want to give him this book as a gift saying you just heard other pastors saying it helped and blessed them. (That’s true, you heard it from this pastor).
I thank the Lord for this book, for what it means to me, and pray I allow the Holy Spirit to use it on me in the days ahead.
January 23, 2021
Some writers make a living off cheap shots. It’s pretty easy to create a patina of profundity by manipulating guilt in your readers. It’s been done all too often in Christian circles, especially in books dealing with the modern church or modern ministry. That is not what Paul Tripp does in his terribly convicting book, Dangerous Calling, as he takes the reader on a tour of the lethal dangers associated with the ministry.
None of the hazards he explores come from the outside—they all come from within the minister himself. Pride, anger, hypocrisy, the danger of celebrity, the danger of personal isolation, thinking one has “arrived,” thinking that theological knowledge equals spiritual maturity, are just some of the minefields and pitfalls Tripp covers. It’s a wake-up call, whether you’ve been in ministry for forty years, or have just entered the ministry.
Tripp’s warnings are all the more powerful as he makes it clear that he himself has failed multiple times in multiple ways. He bares his soul—and his sins—to the reader. I think the book gains in two ways from Tripp’s painful self-disclosures. First it encourages those of us who struggle with transparency to become transparent ourselves, knowing that we are safe and forgiven in the grace of Christ. Second, when I see what Tripp struggles with, I know he knows what he is talking about. It’s not pastoral practice according to the ivory tower; it’s blood-and-guts practical.
But the book is not a negative downer. Each chapter contains reminders of the love and grace of Christ for broken sinners like us, and practical steps and suggestions for accountability, transparency, and a renewal of our love for Christ and passion for ministry.
Read this book. It might save both your marriage and your ministry. Five stars. Highly recommended.
None of the hazards he explores come from the outside—they all come from within the minister himself. Pride, anger, hypocrisy, the danger of celebrity, the danger of personal isolation, thinking one has “arrived,” thinking that theological knowledge equals spiritual maturity, are just some of the minefields and pitfalls Tripp covers. It’s a wake-up call, whether you’ve been in ministry for forty years, or have just entered the ministry.
Tripp’s warnings are all the more powerful as he makes it clear that he himself has failed multiple times in multiple ways. He bares his soul—and his sins—to the reader. I think the book gains in two ways from Tripp’s painful self-disclosures. First it encourages those of us who struggle with transparency to become transparent ourselves, knowing that we are safe and forgiven in the grace of Christ. Second, when I see what Tripp struggles with, I know he knows what he is talking about. It’s not pastoral practice according to the ivory tower; it’s blood-and-guts practical.
But the book is not a negative downer. Each chapter contains reminders of the love and grace of Christ for broken sinners like us, and practical steps and suggestions for accountability, transparency, and a renewal of our love for Christ and passion for ministry.
Read this book. It might save both your marriage and your ministry. Five stars. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2024
This was the final read for my pastoral ministry seminary class!
Paul Tripp is a ninja of the heart! This is a great book for anyone going into ministry. The collection of stories of men in ministry is humbling and sanctifying.
With the recent events of Steven Lawson disqualifying himself from ministry this book was a tender read and hit peculiarly sharp.
However, this book was difficult to get through. Tripp is immensely repetitive and that makes him difficult to read.
Paul Tripp is a ninja of the heart! This is a great book for anyone going into ministry. The collection of stories of men in ministry is humbling and sanctifying.
With the recent events of Steven Lawson disqualifying himself from ministry this book was a tender read and hit peculiarly sharp.
However, this book was difficult to get through. Tripp is immensely repetitive and that makes him difficult to read.
October 29, 2012
Key point of the book (from my perspective): A pastor's "ministry will never be shaped by his knowledge (of Scripture) and (ministry) skill alone but also, inevitably, by the condition of his heart" (p. 52).
Also, particularly important for our current, seminary-ized pastoral culture:
Overall this book puts forth question after question for ministry leaders to work through for sake of their hearts.
Also, particularly important for our current, seminary-ized pastoral culture:
Biblical literacy is not to be confused with Christian maturity. Homiletical accuracy is not the same as godliness. Theological dexterity is very different from practical holiness. Successful leadership is not the same as a heart for Christ. Growth in influence must not be confused with growth in grace. (p. 105)
Overall this book puts forth question after question for ministry leaders to work through for sake of their hearts.
December 20, 2017
What an important book for the health of the church and those who fulfill the role as pastor. Much of 'ministry burnout' across America happens, I think, because pastors take on too many cultural expectations. They are lauded and celebrated because we love to idolize our leaders. And because we celebrate them we put them in a different category. Apparently their needs are different, or at least less. And then pastors themselves begin to believe the hype. This is where the danger lies. But, here's the thing Tripp made abundantly clear - pastors are not to sit above the body, or to sit beside the body. They are to take their place within the body, and receive its ministry just like the next guy. They are not just instruments of grace, they are also to be recipients of grace.
This is a shift that congregations need to make, and it's a shift that pastors themselves need to make, for the sake of their own longevity. The title "pastor" should never eclipse the man. Just because he's a leader does not exempt him from the benefits of confession and care. And the office of leadership should never exalt or isolate him above or away from the community. This kind of attitude cuts the minister off from the very ministry they, and their families, so desperately need. Every pastor needs to be pastored. So, in a sense, every church needs to pastor their pastor. What a novel thought! It really shouldn't be. This should be a mutual understanding. I think this book works to flatten top-heavy leadership models, and give the pastor a safe place to be ordinary.
This is a shift that congregations need to make, and it's a shift that pastors themselves need to make, for the sake of their own longevity. The title "pastor" should never eclipse the man. Just because he's a leader does not exempt him from the benefits of confession and care. And the office of leadership should never exalt or isolate him above or away from the community. This kind of attitude cuts the minister off from the very ministry they, and their families, so desperately need. Every pastor needs to be pastored. So, in a sense, every church needs to pastor their pastor. What a novel thought! It really shouldn't be. This should be a mutual understanding. I think this book works to flatten top-heavy leadership models, and give the pastor a safe place to be ordinary.
February 21, 2024
15/10 Best Ministry Book I’ve read maybe ever…
What a convicting and hard read full of grace and hard truths! I truly believe that every single person in ministry needs to read this book 1-2 times a year. I will be thinking about this book for a WHILE.
What a convicting and hard read full of grace and hard truths! I truly believe that every single person in ministry needs to read this book 1-2 times a year. I will be thinking about this book for a WHILE.
November 18, 2020
This book ages well. It's my third time to wander through this book and like a bottle of fine wine, it gets better with age. I'll probably try and read through it every year. If you are a pastor, seminary student, ministry leader, or faithful church member, then this book is worth your time. Either you or somebody you know and love is likely wrestling with the issues Paul Tripp writes about in this underrated book.
Ministry is a dangerous vocation. It's dangerous because you can unknowingly develop fall into the trap of thinking you have arrived. In ministry, it's often easy to substitute experience or knowledge for depending on God and His grace. One of the best vignettes is when Paul Tripp (the prince of mustaches), recalls a story about an unnamed friend. This friend was a master gardener, who meticulously maintained a rose garden. His friend is an expert. But in his expertise, there is no enjoyment. "Expert, but unchanged. Expert, but without awe. Expert, but not driven to worship. Expert, but lacking in joy. Expert, but not very thankful. It was a sad state of affairs for a man who professed to love rose."
That quote got me thinking about the danger of complacency that comes with believing you graduate from grace and no longer require what only God can give. It's a hazardous place to be. At times, I confess that I've drifted towards the alluring lie and fallen into that trap. The key is to continually confess sin and move towards the Lord in repentance. I love how Tripp reminds the reader, especially myself, to "...be regularly exposed, humbled, assured, and given rest by the grace of his Redeemer. His heart needs to be tenderized day after day by his communion with Christ so that he becomes a tender, loving, patient, forgiving, encouraging, and giving servant leader." Character transformation is essential. I'm continually reminded by the Apostle Paul's words in Galatians about the fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those changes can only come through be deeply rooted in God's Word and continually depending on the Holy Spirit. I need deep roots if I want to continue bearing that fruit that only God can provide.
This book also reminds me that while ministry can be a more solitary occupation, it is essential to have community. Not just people to enjoy living life with, but people who will lovingly speak truth into your life. There are so many patterns of pastors, theologians, seminary students, and ministry workers descending into truly dark places. Most of these patterns could have been avoided if there was a solid community and if individuals were honestly questioned about how they were doing. From my own life, I have benefitted from hard truth and tough love. I truly believe Tripp when he writes that "Every believer is designed to have a teaching function in the life of every believer."
My last big takeaway is the reminder from 1 Peter 5:6-11. Paul Tripp made this passage come alive in ways that I rarely think about. I think in the back of my mind, I often assume that being a faithful follower of Christ protects me from being spiritually attacked. This is not true. Reality is quite different and the enemy will do anything he can to steal, kill, and destroy my joy and my relationship with Christ. It's so important to be watchful and to remember that my life is lived in a dangerous, spiritual conflict zone. But this is all the more reason to cling to God's promises.
"It is impossible to be in ministry and not be affected. So you and I must resist the lie of the enemy that we have been selected to face what others haven't. We must resist the temptation of thinking that God has forgotten us, neglected us, or turned his back on us. We must refuse to feel that we are victims of abandonment by the One we are called to represent. And we must remember that our suffering is not in the way of God's plan, but part of it. In our suffering, God is not only with us but also is employing it to change us and those to whom we minister."
Ministry is a dangerous vocation. It's dangerous because you can unknowingly develop fall into the trap of thinking you have arrived. In ministry, it's often easy to substitute experience or knowledge for depending on God and His grace. One of the best vignettes is when Paul Tripp (the prince of mustaches), recalls a story about an unnamed friend. This friend was a master gardener, who meticulously maintained a rose garden. His friend is an expert. But in his expertise, there is no enjoyment. "Expert, but unchanged. Expert, but without awe. Expert, but not driven to worship. Expert, but lacking in joy. Expert, but not very thankful. It was a sad state of affairs for a man who professed to love rose."
That quote got me thinking about the danger of complacency that comes with believing you graduate from grace and no longer require what only God can give. It's a hazardous place to be. At times, I confess that I've drifted towards the alluring lie and fallen into that trap. The key is to continually confess sin and move towards the Lord in repentance. I love how Tripp reminds the reader, especially myself, to "...be regularly exposed, humbled, assured, and given rest by the grace of his Redeemer. His heart needs to be tenderized day after day by his communion with Christ so that he becomes a tender, loving, patient, forgiving, encouraging, and giving servant leader." Character transformation is essential. I'm continually reminded by the Apostle Paul's words in Galatians about the fruits of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those changes can only come through be deeply rooted in God's Word and continually depending on the Holy Spirit. I need deep roots if I want to continue bearing that fruit that only God can provide.
This book also reminds me that while ministry can be a more solitary occupation, it is essential to have community. Not just people to enjoy living life with, but people who will lovingly speak truth into your life. There are so many patterns of pastors, theologians, seminary students, and ministry workers descending into truly dark places. Most of these patterns could have been avoided if there was a solid community and if individuals were honestly questioned about how they were doing. From my own life, I have benefitted from hard truth and tough love. I truly believe Tripp when he writes that "Every believer is designed to have a teaching function in the life of every believer."
My last big takeaway is the reminder from 1 Peter 5:6-11. Paul Tripp made this passage come alive in ways that I rarely think about. I think in the back of my mind, I often assume that being a faithful follower of Christ protects me from being spiritually attacked. This is not true. Reality is quite different and the enemy will do anything he can to steal, kill, and destroy my joy and my relationship with Christ. It's so important to be watchful and to remember that my life is lived in a dangerous, spiritual conflict zone. But this is all the more reason to cling to God's promises.
"It is impossible to be in ministry and not be affected. So you and I must resist the lie of the enemy that we have been selected to face what others haven't. We must resist the temptation of thinking that God has forgotten us, neglected us, or turned his back on us. We must refuse to feel that we are victims of abandonment by the One we are called to represent. And we must remember that our suffering is not in the way of God's plan, but part of it. In our suffering, God is not only with us but also is employing it to change us and those to whom we minister."
December 13, 2012
I liked this book for pastors (I'm sort of a pastor). I really did. It's an excellent book. But it gets three stars because, searching my heart of hearts, I can't honestly say—as Goodreads requires for four stars—that I "really liked" it. I also can't call it "amazing" (five stars). I felt like Tripp kept saying the same thing over and over. That thing was a good thing. A very good thing. But I got a little tired of it... I also (all criticisms are coming in the first paragraph—sorry) couldn't help but wonder how this book will sound when "gospel-centeredness" marks books for their early 2010's origin as suredly as "The New Age" marks books for their 80s (was it? I can't remember) origin. I'm gospel-centered, but it has become the new auto-pilot for Christian writing. Let's all just agree to stop.
All criticisms done. Back to this (otherwise) excellent book.
I mostly listened to this book, and I mostly did it in circumstances which did not allow for easy note-taking (i.e., driving). So let me offer a different kind of book "review" from my usual. These are the thoughts that stuck with me after reading the book:
• There is a crisis in American pastoral culture.
• Every pastor is in the process of sanctification just like his people and needs the ministry of the body just like his people.
• Don't prep to preach on Saturday. Let the text marinate for several weeks instead.
• A pastor who says yes to too much is guilty of simple pride: you think you are necessary; you think you can do it all.
• A pastor is meant to be a glory advertiser calling others to the glories of Christ, not to his own glories.
• Pastors are ambassadors for the king, not kings themselves setting up their own kingdoms.
• A lot of pastors are blind to the failure of their own spiritual growth. (Their wives probably aren't.)
• We all have to be desperate for grace, even and especially as pastors.
• Don't pick up the Bible in order to prepare good meals for others without picking it up to nourish your own soul.
• Don't be driven by a desire for theological expertise and biblical knowledge more than a desire for the God of the Word.
• Don't pastor as one who has "arrived," but as one who still personally needs grace.
• Listen to your wife, you idiot. (Tripp didn't use the word "idiot" that I can recall; that was my gloss.)
Tripp made the best case I know of for two things I've commonly heard older pastors deliver advice on:
1. A pastor's sermon preparation and his personal devotions must be kept separate.
2. A pastor and his people must not be kept separate.
The first of these is stated a bit more baldly than Tripp ever stated it. His argument is really more that preaching ought to flow out of personal feeding on the words of God. So I perhaps should have added the word "conceptually" at the end.
But the second statement is, I think, accurate. A pastor needs the ministry of the body and should seek and develop friendships among that body (perhaps especially among the leaders?). I've definitely heard pastors say the opposite on this. And perhaps there are other ways to have close friendships with Christian men who can provoke you to love and good works. But I lean toward Tripp on this and plan to do what he recommends.
A small note: I appreciate it that Tripp did not tell any stories (I can recall) of adulterous moral failure. We all know that happens among pastors, too. But it was nice to read stories in which the pastor realizes his error, repents, and by God's grace changes. That, in fact, is Tripp's own story.
I was stirred, challenged, and convicted by this book. May God give me grace to obey the scriptural truths expounded in it.
Thanks to Crossway Publishing, NetGalley, and Christian Audio for two complementary copies of this book for reviewing purposes. I wasn't, quite obviously, required to say anything nice.
All criticisms done. Back to this (otherwise) excellent book.
I mostly listened to this book, and I mostly did it in circumstances which did not allow for easy note-taking (i.e., driving). So let me offer a different kind of book "review" from my usual. These are the thoughts that stuck with me after reading the book:
• There is a crisis in American pastoral culture.
• Every pastor is in the process of sanctification just like his people and needs the ministry of the body just like his people.
• Don't prep to preach on Saturday. Let the text marinate for several weeks instead.
• A pastor who says yes to too much is guilty of simple pride: you think you are necessary; you think you can do it all.
• A pastor is meant to be a glory advertiser calling others to the glories of Christ, not to his own glories.
• Pastors are ambassadors for the king, not kings themselves setting up their own kingdoms.
• A lot of pastors are blind to the failure of their own spiritual growth. (Their wives probably aren't.)
• We all have to be desperate for grace, even and especially as pastors.
• Don't pick up the Bible in order to prepare good meals for others without picking it up to nourish your own soul.
• Don't be driven by a desire for theological expertise and biblical knowledge more than a desire for the God of the Word.
• Don't pastor as one who has "arrived," but as one who still personally needs grace.
• Listen to your wife, you idiot. (Tripp didn't use the word "idiot" that I can recall; that was my gloss.)
Tripp made the best case I know of for two things I've commonly heard older pastors deliver advice on:
1. A pastor's sermon preparation and his personal devotions must be kept separate.
2. A pastor and his people must not be kept separate.
The first of these is stated a bit more baldly than Tripp ever stated it. His argument is really more that preaching ought to flow out of personal feeding on the words of God. So I perhaps should have added the word "conceptually" at the end.
But the second statement is, I think, accurate. A pastor needs the ministry of the body and should seek and develop friendships among that body (perhaps especially among the leaders?). I've definitely heard pastors say the opposite on this. And perhaps there are other ways to have close friendships with Christian men who can provoke you to love and good works. But I lean toward Tripp on this and plan to do what he recommends.
A small note: I appreciate it that Tripp did not tell any stories (I can recall) of adulterous moral failure. We all know that happens among pastors, too. But it was nice to read stories in which the pastor realizes his error, repents, and by God's grace changes. That, in fact, is Tripp's own story.
I was stirred, challenged, and convicted by this book. May God give me grace to obey the scriptural truths expounded in it.
Thanks to Crossway Publishing, NetGalley, and Christian Audio for two complementary copies of this book for reviewing purposes. I wasn't, quite obviously, required to say anything nice.
March 15, 2015
Um dos livros mais confrontadores que li nos últimos tempos. Em suma, a vocação pastoral é perigosa por causa daquilo que trazemos em nosso próprio coração. Como o próprio Dr. Paul Tripp argumenta em várias partes do livro: Nosso maior erro está em esquecermos de pregar o evangelho a nós mesmos, esquecendo, assim, que já temos, em Cristo, aquilo que tanto desejamos obter horizontalmente.
Particularmente interessantes são os capítulos 3 e 4, que tratam do dever dos seminários de pastorearem os seminaristas, preocupando-se não apenas com o conteúdo teológico ministrado aos alunos, mas, acima de tudo, com o coração dos seminaristas, e do dever que os conselhos das igrejas possuem de procurar conhecer não apenas as habilidades e os conhecimentos daqueles que se candidatam ao pastorado das suas igrejas, mas, antes de qualquer coisa, o estado do seu coração.
Certamente, trata-se de um livro ao qual voltarei muitas e muitas vezes! Como diz Tony reinke, em Lit!, há livros que merecem ser relidos. Este é um deles!
Particularmente interessantes são os capítulos 3 e 4, que tratam do dever dos seminários de pastorearem os seminaristas, preocupando-se não apenas com o conteúdo teológico ministrado aos alunos, mas, acima de tudo, com o coração dos seminaristas, e do dever que os conselhos das igrejas possuem de procurar conhecer não apenas as habilidades e os conhecimentos daqueles que se candidatam ao pastorado das suas igrejas, mas, antes de qualquer coisa, o estado do seu coração.
Certamente, trata-se de um livro ao qual voltarei muitas e muitas vezes! Como diz Tony reinke, em Lit!, há livros que merecem ser relidos. Este é um deles!
December 1, 2023
Tripp does well to say that this is a diagnostic book rather than instructive, exegetical, or explanatory. This book helpfully challenges pastors to be introspective and examine areas of sin in their lives. He also draws out how sin negatively impacts gospel ministry. Thus, Tripp rightly calls pastors to repent and preach the gospel to themselves. Throughout this book, Tripp provides many helpful questions that would help a pastor diagnose any heart problems. Overall it is a helpful book that I think many pastors should read.
However, while this was a helpful book, I found Tripp to be very repetitive throughout the book. I felt like I read the same chapter over and over. I also thought Tripp could have been more balanced and gracious in his challenges to pastors. Regardless, I benefited from the book.
However, while this was a helpful book, I found Tripp to be very repetitive throughout the book. I felt like I read the same chapter over and over. I also thought Tripp could have been more balanced and gracious in his challenges to pastors. Regardless, I benefited from the book.
February 15, 2025
I'll just tell you to read this one by dropping this here:
"Pastor, you don’t have to be afraid of what is in your heart, and you don’t have to fear being known, because there is nothing in you that could ever be exposed that hasn’t already been covered by the precious blood of your Savior king, Jesus."
4th time read. 5/5.
"Pastor, you don’t have to be afraid of what is in your heart, and you don’t have to fear being known, because there is nothing in you that could ever be exposed that hasn’t already been covered by the precious blood of your Savior king, Jesus."
4th time read. 5/5.
February 18, 2025
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall - 1 Corinthians 10:12
December 14, 2022
A must read book for anyone pursuing ministry of any kind.
Any criticisms are related to preference and not the content.
Any criticisms are related to preference and not the content.
January 19, 2013
This book is convicting. Period.
The only reason I didn't remain in a state of guilt is because Tripp continuously points one back to the gospel, the person and work of Jesus.
Many consider William Still's book, The Work of the Pastor, to be the must-read book for pastors today.
While Still's book is wonderful, it doesn't quite fit today's context and temptations of pastors.
This is why I consider Tripp's book to be the "Work of the Pastor" for our day. It should be required reading in seminary, presbytery examination, if a search committee is calling a pastor, etc.
I hope to read this book at least once a year.
Get it, chew and digest slowly.
The only reason I didn't remain in a state of guilt is because Tripp continuously points one back to the gospel, the person and work of Jesus.
Many consider William Still's book, The Work of the Pastor, to be the must-read book for pastors today.
While Still's book is wonderful, it doesn't quite fit today's context and temptations of pastors.
This is why I consider Tripp's book to be the "Work of the Pastor" for our day. It should be required reading in seminary, presbytery examination, if a search committee is calling a pastor, etc.
I hope to read this book at least once a year.
Get it, chew and digest slowly.
October 9, 2013
This book is a dangerous blessing. Paul David Tripp does a excellent job of calling pastors an other ministry leaders to consider not only their calling, but their relationship to the One who called them. He is very open and honest about his own ministry trials, provides ample illustration of other ministry struggles, and manages to bring the Scripture to bear on all of them. It would take a cold-hearted reader to not be called to some serious soul-searching while reading this book. May God use it for the good of many who minister and many who are ministered to.
May 16, 2015
Main thoughts I take from this are that the lives of pastors are way harder than I ever imagined. I never imagined all the pressures and weird temptations that they go through. Main key phrases include "preach the gospel to yourself, listen to people, do your job well, stay humble..." a lot of the things we normal people could stand hearing every now and then. Well-written book and seems to be a must-have for any pastor or ministry authority.
September 18, 2025
One of the more important ministry books I’ve read especially because it takes a hard look at the *dangers* that come with the pastoral vocation.
Easily in my top 5 recommended reads for (aspiring) pastors.
Easily in my top 5 recommended reads for (aspiring) pastors.
October 19, 2023
Pastor
Estas sirviendo en cualquier área del ministerio, lee este libro.
No olvidemos que somos ovejas, que somos pecadores y que Dios es fiel y él permanece siempre.
Estas sirviendo en cualquier área del ministerio, lee este libro.
No olvidemos que somos ovejas, que somos pecadores y que Dios es fiel y él permanece siempre.
July 15, 2024
Much of the point that Tripp is trying to communicate is summarized in these sentences: “[W]e are faced with the fact that our ministries are not shaped just by knowledge, experience, and skill but by the true condition of our hearts. Excellence in ministry flows from a heart that is in holy, reverential, life-rearranging, motivation-capturing awe of the Lord of glory” (p. 142).
When you rely too much on knowledge, experience, and skill, your spiritual life begins to unravel, resulting in a separation between your private and public life for fear of being exposed as the sinner you are. The solution is holding onto awe of God, having accountable community, and preaching the Gospel to yourself.
The topics that Tripp addresses are often extremely important, but the impact of the book was lessened for me because of the book’s messiness. I think he puts too much weight on the problem of academized faith to explain where pastors go wrong. Yes, theology void of worship is a HUGE problem, but it is not the main problem causing pastors to burn out. And not every seminary operates in such a way (even if there are students who approach seminary in this way). Theology and worship must always be joined, but I’ve often seen hollow ministries because of an avoidance of deep formation, familiarity with Scripture (and the God who shapes us there), and theological rigor. All of these, if done rightly, are necessary components of a pastor’s relationship with God and responsibility for ministry. But I understand Tripp is writing from his own experience.
Tripp’s style was often a barrier to enjoyment for me. The book is messily organized despite the structure in the table of contents and quite repetitive. Tripp has a certain tendency that got on my nerves a bit. He frequently has paragraphs where he is trying to drive home a point and begins each sentence in the paragraph with the same words. For example:
“How many pastors are living in a constant state of spiritual unrest? How many of us are haunted by personal insecurity? How many of us secretly wonder where God is and what in the world he is doing? How many of us are living self-protectively, saying, "I was taken once; it won't happen to me again"? How many of us are afraid to admit failure? How many of us share with no one the struggles of faith that haunt us?” (p. 126)
This isn’t too bad, but it continues for nearly an entire page. It also happens frequently in every chapter and sometimes repeats much of the same content. I read this with some friends and we were mixed on our response to this stylistic choice. Some found the repetition helpful, but I found it extremely bothersome and would often read a few sentences and then skip to the end of the paragraph. This is personal taste, but man it drove me crazy.
However, Tripp gives a good reminder in this book that pastors are not above the congregation and are themselves in need of saving. I love his emphasis to remain in awe of God (though I’m not sure how capable we are of being in control of such an emotional experience) and to have ourselves be changed by our own preaching.
When you rely too much on knowledge, experience, and skill, your spiritual life begins to unravel, resulting in a separation between your private and public life for fear of being exposed as the sinner you are. The solution is holding onto awe of God, having accountable community, and preaching the Gospel to yourself.
The topics that Tripp addresses are often extremely important, but the impact of the book was lessened for me because of the book’s messiness. I think he puts too much weight on the problem of academized faith to explain where pastors go wrong. Yes, theology void of worship is a HUGE problem, but it is not the main problem causing pastors to burn out. And not every seminary operates in such a way (even if there are students who approach seminary in this way). Theology and worship must always be joined, but I’ve often seen hollow ministries because of an avoidance of deep formation, familiarity with Scripture (and the God who shapes us there), and theological rigor. All of these, if done rightly, are necessary components of a pastor’s relationship with God and responsibility for ministry. But I understand Tripp is writing from his own experience.
Tripp’s style was often a barrier to enjoyment for me. The book is messily organized despite the structure in the table of contents and quite repetitive. Tripp has a certain tendency that got on my nerves a bit. He frequently has paragraphs where he is trying to drive home a point and begins each sentence in the paragraph with the same words. For example:
“How many pastors are living in a constant state of spiritual unrest? How many of us are haunted by personal insecurity? How many of us secretly wonder where God is and what in the world he is doing? How many of us are living self-protectively, saying, "I was taken once; it won't happen to me again"? How many of us are afraid to admit failure? How many of us share with no one the struggles of faith that haunt us?” (p. 126)
This isn’t too bad, but it continues for nearly an entire page. It also happens frequently in every chapter and sometimes repeats much of the same content. I read this with some friends and we were mixed on our response to this stylistic choice. Some found the repetition helpful, but I found it extremely bothersome and would often read a few sentences and then skip to the end of the paragraph. This is personal taste, but man it drove me crazy.
However, Tripp gives a good reminder in this book that pastors are not above the congregation and are themselves in need of saving. I love his emphasis to remain in awe of God (though I’m not sure how capable we are of being in control of such an emotional experience) and to have ourselves be changed by our own preaching.
June 14, 2022
“You need to preach a gospel that finds its hope not in your understanding and ability but in a God who is Grand and glorious in every way and who has invaded your life and ministry by your grace.”
Very very good book about the dangers of vocational ministry, and how ministers of the Gospel need to rest in the Gospel daily if they want to fall more in love with the Lord throughout their vocation. SUPER convicting and insightful book.
Very very good book about the dangers of vocational ministry, and how ministers of the Gospel need to rest in the Gospel daily if they want to fall more in love with the Lord throughout their vocation. SUPER convicting and insightful book.
September 23, 2022
This book is between a 4 and a 5 but because of its repetitive nature it’ll get a 4. Some things Paul Tripp repeats is necessary and very helpful, but literarily, he repeats same points across multiple chapters. He also repetitively, for big paragraphs, starts every sentence with the same word or phrase. A couple of times would be effective, but constantly doing that just felt like bad writing and got repetitive. Anyways, that’s sort of all the negative. I have been loving hearing from Paul Tripp. He has some things to say that change the way I live life and treat others. It’s purely expositing Scripture, but he puts it in such effective ways that really impact and convict me. Anyone considering ministry (and really even if you aren’t), this book is great to read before starting or even in the middle of ministry. I’d highly encourage it!
June 17, 2023
This book is so good, if there was such a rating, I would give it a 6.
Brother Tripp’s candor and honesty was so helpful to me as I examined my own ministry as an assistant pastor. Every pastor needs to admit that they need the same grace that they want their congregations to receive from Jesus in their Christian lives.
Many of our churches, especially IFB churches, have their pastors so high on a pedestal, that they rarely are open and honest about their faults and admit they need help in growing as much as their congregation does. They see their churches as their little kingdoms instead of leading their Savior be the king.
Every preacher of the gospel needs to read it and take a look at a spiritual mirror and see where they are as a minister of God.
Brother Tripp’s candor and honesty was so helpful to me as I examined my own ministry as an assistant pastor. Every pastor needs to admit that they need the same grace that they want their congregations to receive from Jesus in their Christian lives.
Many of our churches, especially IFB churches, have their pastors so high on a pedestal, that they rarely are open and honest about their faults and admit they need help in growing as much as their congregation does. They see their churches as their little kingdoms instead of leading their Savior be the king.
Every preacher of the gospel needs to read it and take a look at a spiritual mirror and see where they are as a minister of God.
June 6, 2022
I thought it was an exceptional book. This will definitely be one I will read over and over throughout my life. It exposes sin, reminds of the truth of the beauties of the gospel, and calls us to be transformed by the gospel.
August 11, 2025
My soul desperately needed this book. Though it was written for pastors, I personally felt the conviction to flee from my pride always threatening to come out in ministry pursuits. The church needs humble and whole-heartedly-dependent-on-Jesus leaders. We ALL need the gospel. We ALL need accountability. We ALL need the church.
February 14, 2023
Wow, what a convicting book. If you’re in ministry or have a spouse in ministry, you NEED to read this book. It is centered more for pastors but it still touches on all parts of ministry for those who aren’t pastors. I admire Paul David Tripp’s transparency as he really tackles the ugliness of sin and how if we let it, control our ministries. This book was amazing and it gave me new perspectives of ministry, how to care for our pastors, and much more! It was a great encouragement to me.
December 25, 2018
One of my top 10 life changing books. This book forced me to think differently. I began meeting with a mentor because of this book. His style is chatty/speaking in your ear. Read, meditate, and be changed.
March 8, 2013
Paul Tripp has quickly become one of my favorite authors. There are things about him that I do not like. He is too wordy at times and too sentimental. But the strengths of his books far out way the deficiencies. Dangerous Calling is a wonderful book addressing the heart of the pastor. He talks about our sins, our fears, our failure to worship privately, our failure to be honest about our shortcomings, our failure to grow and mature, our assumption that knowledge equals maturity, our failure to live humble, holy lives at home, our pride, our mediocrity, and many other areas of fault. He does all of this in a surgical manner asking questions and probing to find blemishes that we refuse to deal with or think about. But he does not leave us in our sins. He shows us what heart condition is producing a certain action and then brings us to God to cure that heart condition.
One example should suffice. In one chapter he addresses mediocrity. We are mediocre because we fail to stand in awe of God as we ought to. “The problem is that we have lost our awe, and in losing our awe we are all too comfortable with representing God’s excellence in a way that is anything but excellent.” So he shows us our sin and brings us to our relationship with God as the cause of that sin.
He properly balanced a pastor’s need to be mature with the pastor’s continuing sanctification. He also addresses the seminary and church culture that practically expects a pastor to be sinless.
This book would be good for elders, pastors, and those who train pastors.
One example should suffice. In one chapter he addresses mediocrity. We are mediocre because we fail to stand in awe of God as we ought to. “The problem is that we have lost our awe, and in losing our awe we are all too comfortable with representing God’s excellence in a way that is anything but excellent.” So he shows us our sin and brings us to our relationship with God as the cause of that sin.
He properly balanced a pastor’s need to be mature with the pastor’s continuing sanctification. He also addresses the seminary and church culture that practically expects a pastor to be sinless.
This book would be good for elders, pastors, and those who train pastors.
October 15, 2016
I think this book is required to any who's doing any sort of ministry or service, not only pastors. The authors leads the reader through some heart checkpoint that sometimes are hard to face, but then he shines the light on the darkest parts of the minister's souls. This book is able to help one repent and be safe from turning away from God as devil attacks the ministers severely with lies that sometimes are difficult to catch.
Well this book catches them all.
Well this book catches them all.
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