Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry (with Study Questions)

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.

• Essential Insights for Church Leadership: Looks at the struggle of the pastor, but actively exhorts the culture that trains and supports him
• A Great Resource for Small Groups: Now with study questions, this guide appeals to anyone who is serious about being part of a healthy church
• Practical: Highlights a series of temptations that are unique to or intensified by pastoral ministry and gives biblical advice for dealing with each

240 pages

“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.”
Mark Vroegop, President, The Gospel Coalition; author, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

“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.”
David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, Desiring God; author, Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines