Dangerous Calling

Confronting the Unique Challenges of
Pastoral Ministry

Paul David Tripp

Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry

Copyright © 2012, 2025 by Paul David Tripp

Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway® is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

Cover design and illustration: David Fassett

First printing 2012

Reprinted in paperback 2015

Reprinted with new cover and study questions 2025

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-9922-4
ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-9924-8
PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-9923-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Tripp, Paul David, 1950-

 Dangerous calling : confronting the unique challenges of
  pastoral ministry / Paul David Tripp.

  p. cm.

 Includes bibliographical references and index.

 ISBN 978-1-4335-3582-6 (hc)

 1. Pastoral theology. I. Title.

BV4011.3. T75   2012

253—dc23  2012015795

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

2025-03-07 02:32:12 PM

“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.”

Doug Logan Jr., President, Grimké Seminary and College; Council Member, The Gospel Coalition; author, The Soul-Winning Church and The Least, the Last, and the Lost

“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 ...