Pastor and Bestselling Author Paul David Tripp Helps Church Leaders Diagnose and Cure Unhealthy Pastoral Culture
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 when necessary. Dangerous Calling reveals the truth that the culture surrounding our pastors is spiritually unhealthy—an environment that actively undermines the well-being 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. This edition includes study questions that prompt engaging discussion and reflection on each chapter.
Introduction
Part 1: Examining Pastoral Culture
Chapter 1: Headed for Disaster
Chapter 2: Again and Again
Chapter 3: Big Theological Brains and Heart Disease
Chapter 4: More than Knowledge and Skill
Chapter 5: Joints and Ligaments
Chapter 6: The Missing Community
Chapter 7: War Zones
Part 2: The Danger of Losing Your Awe (Forgetting Who God Is)
Chapter 8: Familiarity
Chapter 9: Dirty Secrets
Chapter 10: Mediocrity
Chapter 11: Between the Already and the Not Yet
Part 3: The Danger of Arrival (Forgetting Who You Are)
Chapter 12: Self-Glory
Chapter 13: Always Preparing
Chapter 14: Separation
Chapter 15: So, What Now?
Study Questions
General Index
Scripture Index
| Contributors | Paul David Tripp |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781433599224 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | May 2025 |
| Dimensions | 140mm x 216mm x 14mm |
| Weight | 0.33 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 240 |
| Publisher | Crossway |
Paul David Tripp’s Dangerous Calling is a timely, transformative message for every pastor navigating the unique challenges of pastoral ministry. As a mentee of Tripp for nearly twenty years, I know him to be a true pastor of pastors. Dangerous Calling is as challenging as it is courageous, and it brings to light, with biblical clarity and grace, the real issues pastors face. Tripp digs deep, urging pastors to examine their hearts and to embrace their calling with renewed humility and strength. Pastors, leaders, and church members, this book will sharpen, stretch, strengthen, and point you to our Savior Jesus. It’s not just a book to read—it’s a call to examine, refresh, and deepen your ministry.
With the heart of a shepherd, the wisdom of a counselor, and the conviction of a prophet, Paul David Tripp helps pastors to embrace their true calling and avoid the perils of ministry. This book is full of biblical principles and real-world insights. It’s a field manual for pastoral perseverance.
Do not read this book—unless you’re ready to go to work on your heart. You will taste pleasing pain and be all the better for many bruises. You will run a gauntlet. No serious reader will emerge unscathed. Some may get knocked out cold—and spend the rest of their lives grateful for the timely humbling. These chapters will work you over, and you may freshly thank God for his indwelling Spirit, without whom you’d be a goner and wouldn’t have made it till now. Beware, Paul Tripp asks a lot of his reader: readiness to be bruised, willingness to be cut, eagerness to be sifted. Lance a boil, and you’ll feel the sting, and with it the joy of relief. Again and again, I felt the sting, and with it the joy of exposure and the hope of healing and preventative medicine. Just make sure not to proceed too quickly. Take your time. Read at the pace of lifelong heart-change.
