Book Talk: Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry ~Paul David Tripp

Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry ~Paul David Tripp

“Dangerous Calling reveals the truth that the culture surrounding our pastors in spiritually unhealthy—an environment that actively undermines the well-being and efficacy of our church leaders and this 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 all-important war that rages in our churches today.” (Inside cover flap)

A highly engaging read. I found this a personal blessing as well as an insight into the difficulties surrounding pastoral ministry. Insert “Christian” where Tripp writes “pastor” and much of what he says can be directly applied to the pew-sitting Christian.

As a bluestocking who likes to engage with ideas and information, it is good to be reminded that 

“There is a huge difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is an accurate understanding of truth. Wisdom is understanding and living in light of how that truth applies to the situations and relationships of your daily life. Knowledge is an exercise of your brain. Wisdom is the commitment of your heart that leads to transformation of your life” (26-27).  

And also that

“Bad things happen when maturity is more defined by knowing than it is by being. Danger is a float when you come to love the ideas more than the God whom they represent and the people they are meant to free” (42).

It is easy to forget that what we know is not as important as Who we know, and that our relationship with God should not be taking second place to our learning and reading about Him.