Book Review: Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church
Paul David Tripp has written several books with the emphasis of helping Christians grow closer in their walk of faith and pursuit of discipleship with Christ. Some of these books address key topics such as marriage, worship, parenting, and other books dedicated to ministry. Although each of those books offer convicting and thought-provoking insight, Tripp’s book Lead brings another layer to practical insight for those who are in leadership positions in the church. This paper will serve as a review for Tripp’s book, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church.
Tripp begins his book in the introduction by immersing the reader in the leadership crisis that has plagued the church. He brings this to light in expressing his earnest love for the church, but by also not shying away from presenting his concern for the church, especially for ministers in the field. Tripp states, “My concern has deepened as I have gotten call after call, calls that have come as a result of my book Dangerous Calling” (15). Tripp then continues in his introduction in displaying his thoughts on why there is a leadership crisis. In Tripp’s assessment, it seems there has been an emphasis in the wrong areas concerning leadership. This leads Tripp to supply his aim and intent of writing Lead. Tripp states, “I want to turn your thinking toward the foundational character and lifestyle of a healthy church leadership community. My hope is that the result will be insight, confession, and community transformation” (18). Additionally, Tripp does excellent work in offering his insight in 12 principles that outline the entire book. These 12 principles are encapsulated in these 12 chapters that bring powerful attention and highlight issues that Tripp has personally experienced and witnessed.
Furthermore, each chapter offers a powerful display and personal conviction to further convey Tripp’s point and purpose of writing. Tripp displays in a variety of reminders, that church leadership positions are not excluded from issues or temptation. For instance, Tripp’s strongest and sobering reminder is found in Principle 6: War as Tripp brings a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare church leaders are always involved in. Tripp states, “Leadership in the church of Jesus Christ is not just a battle for theological faithfulness, gospel purity, and methodological integrity; it is also always a war for the heart of every leader” (116). To me, this serves as one of the strongest chapters in Lead as Tripp shows the importance of the heart for the leader within the church and how it affects the entire community of believers. Tripp will also include several personal experiences and illustrations that tie into his argument and point that he is making. Personally, in other books, I have found these personal anecdotes to be rather burdensome, but this isn’t the case with Tripp’s examples. Tripp keeps his anecdotes and illustrations brief so to not overburden the reader and not lost sight of his point.
Furthermore, Tripp structures his content by including “biblical case studies” to further his point and arguments within the chapters. These help illustrate biblical basis concerning his arguments. It also develops stronger credibility and balance throughout the book so as not to only include personal anecdotes or illustrations. These inclusions invoke the reader to further study alongside Tripp in Scripture to see his point and claim. It helps magnify and personalize the argument he is making. It also makes it much more memorable for the reader as well.
However, although Lead contains strong chapters and arguments, it is not excluded from weaknesses. Tripp’s weakest chapter in this book is Principle 8: Candor. Tripp does present earnest intention within the topic of candor in the leadership community of churches so that approachability, humility, and honesty is fostered. However, the weakness of the chapter is presented in the overlap of other principles and already addressed subject matter that is found within other chapters of the book. This does not mean the chapter or information in this book isn’t worth reading, in fact it is. However, to some readers, like me, it seemed like some of the momentum that is built in the previous chapters is minimized due to overlap and repetition.
Moreover, Tripp does effectively succeed in his purpose and intention of writing in providing additional insight and principles he sees needful for leadership in the church. As mentioned, these chapters are strong and needful reminders that will bring much conviction to the reader who is earnest and honest in their leadership positions. Although, Tripp “limits” his audience to those who are in leadership positions within the church, I would extend this book even to those who are in authoritative roles with any spiritual capacity. This would be an applicable book even for husbands and fathers to read as many of the principles that Tripp presents can be applied to the mission of child-rearing and faithful marriages. It is also applicable and practical with his discussion of Achievement, Limits, Servants, and Character as these are all present in various aspects of life and must be evaluated.
In conclusion, Lead by Paul David Tripp is worth the read for anyone who is in a leadership position within the church or even a Christian who is seeking to grow in their capacities as a spiritual leader. Tripp exhibits such heart and tenderness in his writing that it provides such gut-wrenching honesty that leaders need and must here for theirs and the kingdom’s sake. Lead will be an instant classic within the field of spiritual formation and church leadership and is a must for any minister, elder, deacon, or any Christian to read. As Tripp states in his conclusion, “May God form in your heart the spirit expressed by these words, and may he bless you with every grace you need as you lead in his name” (222).