In Paul David Tripp's new, and excellent, and devastating, and grace-giving book, Dangerous Calling, the author lists 9 signs of a pastor losing his way. They are based on one particular pastor he talked to (which is why they are listed as referring to one person), but they are listed in order to help all pastors. Tripp goes into great detail to explain each in chapter 2, and I urge you to not only get this book, but read it carefully and prayerfully as a pastor (or maybe to better understand your pastor). These were hard to read for me personally, and will make for painful yet fruitful conversation with my wife later today. I'll list the 9 signs concerning Tripp's assessment of one pastor, but please go read more about them in Dangerous Calling with the authors application to us all. Also check out the DVD's.
- He ignored the clear evidence of problems
- He was blind to the issue of his own heart
- His ministry lacked devotion
- He wasn't preaching the gospel to himself
- He wasn't listening to the people closest to him
- His ministry became burdensome
- He began to live in silence
- He began to question his calling
- He gave way to fantasies of another life