Paul David Tripp, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2020), 225 pp.
Paul David Tripp has a special way of delivering a series of “gut-punches” to his readers. These deliberate blows are never meant to harm. Rather, the blows he delivers are meant to build up, encourage, and equip. Such is the case in his new book, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church.
Dr. Tripp’s goal is to “propose a positive character model for local church or ministry leadership.” So he invites readers into the boxing ring for twelve rounds. Each round is focused on a particular subject that is ultimately informed by the gospel. The author writes, “The gospel, which is our hope in life and death, also sets the agenda for how we live, relate, and lead the ‘already’ of our conversation and the ‘not yet’ of our final home going.”
“Remember that the gospel of God’s grace teaches us that lasting change of heart and hands always takes place in the context of relationship, first with God and then with the people of God,” writes Tripp. This heart and passion beats throughout the book as the author relentlessly brings struggling readers back to their first love and a better understanding of the gospel.
The author writes as a churchman, a pastor, a theologian, and a biblical counselor. But he also writes as a fellow-pilgrim. He never throws “punches” from the cheap seats. Dr. Tripp is quick to admit his own weaknesses, hidden motivations, and sin. He along with all people desperately needs the gospel.
I challenge readers to enter the ring. Be prepared for a stringent workout. Be prepared for a few timely punches. When the final bell rings, you will be glad you took the challenge. And you will be better prepared and equipped to enter the real-life world of ministry.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Veritas et Lux 