Paul Tripp’s new book, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, is now available here.

There’s an extract from the book here, which includes the list below  of 29 heart issues that shape a pastor’s ministry as much as if not more than knowledge, experience and gifting.

Read the list carefully, it should not only be helpful to pastors but also to people who are committed to praying for their pastor.

• What does he really love?
• What does he despise?
• What are his hopes, dreams, and fears?
• What are the deep desires that fuel and shape the way he does ministry?
• What are the anxieties that have the potential to derail or paralyze him?
• How accurate is his view of himself?
• Is he open to the confrontation, critique, and encouragement of others?
• Is he committed to his own sanctification?
• Is he open about his own temptations, weaknesses, and failures?
• Is he ready to listen to and defer to the wisdom of others?
• Does he see pastoral ministry as a community project?
• Does he have a tender, nurturing heart?
• Is he warm and hospitable, a shepherd and champion to those who are suffering?
• What character qualities would his wife and children use to describe him?
• Does he sit under his own preaching?
• Is his heart broken and his conscience regularly grieved as he looks at himself in the mirror of the Word?
• How robust, consistent, joyful, and vibrant is his devotional life?
• Does his ministry to others flow out of the vibrancy of his devotional communion with the Lord?
• Does he hold himself to high standards, or is he willing to give way to mediocrity?
• Is he sensitive to the experiences and needs of those who ministry alongside of him?
• Is he one who incarnates the love and grace of the Redeemer?
• Does he overlook minor offenses?
• Is he ready and willing to forgive?
• Is he critical and judgmental?
• Is the public pastor a different person from the private husband and dad?
• Does he take care of his physical self?
• Does he numb himself with too much social media or television?
• If he said, “If only I had [                      ],” what would fill in the blank?
• How successful has he been in pastoring the congregation that is his family?