In Dialed In, popular podcaster Jim Ramos provides a practical blueprint for Christian manhood that men today desperately need, exploring twenty qualities of manhood based on Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. Males are born. Men are made. Dialed In motivates and equips men to become spiritual leaders in their homes, churches, and communities as they stand strong in a dangerous world. Popular podcast host Jim Ramos speaks to the hunger deep within the masculine soul in this practical exploration of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus. Men who wonder how to lead well in today’s confusing culture will Twenty key qualities of a man of God, such as servanthood, vigilance, and faithfulness What it means to function at “full capacity” in every aspect of life Insights into why Paul’s letters aren’t just for pastors but for all of us What true masculinity looks like in God’s eyes How men can live a life surrendered to Jesus Christ God made man to live at his highest level—both spiritually and physically—to carry the full weight of his masculine soul. Including self-assessments and questions for small groups, Dialed In goes beyond vague principles to teach men how to become God’s man and hear the words their souls “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
In Dialed In, Jim Ramos helpfully paints a picture of the ideal Christian man by examining the character requirements for church leadership found in the pastoral epistles of Timothy and Titus.
Each chapter of the book dives into a study of one of the traits Paul requires leaders to display in either 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1. Ramos strives to stay as close as possible to the meaning Paul has in mind, choosing a single English word for each trait found in the Greek. He articulates his points in a direct, engaging, and often humorous way that always manages to preserve the challenge and importance contained in the subject matter. I benefited from the whole book, but personally appreciated his thoughts on "the peacemaker," "the protector," and "the disciplined man."
In a setting where a lot of the talk concerning "Christian masculinity" seems to be only strong reactions against the clearly unbiblical prevailing cultural views about gender, I respect the way Ramos is careful to remain simply biblical; his explanations are manly and practical without ever taking the bait to swerve into chest-swelling machismo, and he seems to take care to match his ideas to the text and not vice versa.
All that having been laid out, I can take up two small quibbles as a footnote to an otherwise very positive review: 1.) Ramos details his calling to ministry using terms that make it feel a bit mystical. Since I know from experience that talking about calling in terms like this can lead to confusion, sign-seeking, and decision paralysis for less discerning Christians, it is helpful to keep in mind that this is not God's exclusive or normative way of guiding Christians into our vocations. 2.) More than once, Ramos talks about men "becoming the best version of themselves." In the context, it is usually really clear this is referring to conforming to God's will for them revealed in Scripture, but especially at the beginning of the book, this phrase carries a bit of ambiguity and could have been clarified a bit better.
Overall, though, these are pretty minor issues, and they were not what shone through from the book. I found the book to be very helpful. I am thankful for the work Jim Ramos put into writing it, and I will be recommending it to other guys I know!
You were made to function at full capacity. Carry the weight of your life into eternity, leaving nothing in the tank! Beware of which vices are working within to corrupt you. Stay sharp and alert! You’re fit to live if you don’t fear death. Get out of the bleachers and into the arena! Find the injustice that the Lord is specifically calling you to address.
When pondering whether you should or shouldn’t do something, first ask yourself: will this help or hinder my Christian witness? Make time for hospitality: the creation of a free space where a stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. “Mi casa es tu casa.” Loving people is a natural fruit of a regenerative life! Remember, we can’t out give God!
Do the right thing, get the right men in your life, get rid of the bad, no more Mr. Nice Guy. Beware of losing the ability to make decisions against yourself!
Dialed In is a solid and straight-shooting read on biblical manhood. I found several chapters especially helpful, particularly the ones on kindness compared to niceness and on discipline. Ramos shares strong convictions that may connect more in certain cultural settings than others. I was challenged and I’m glad I read it. It was worthwhile for me, but understandably not for everyone. There are friends I would recommend it to, and others who might not engage with it as easily. Writing about biblical manhood always brings out strong opinions, and this book is no exception. That said, I think there was room for a more well-rounded conversation on some of the complex issues. Still, it’s a book that made me think, and I appreciated that.
This was a remarkably good book about what it means to live fully into your role as a Christian man. Jim draws 20 characteristics from the qualifications Paul lists in Timothy and Titus and explains each in a straightforward and actionable way. If you’re looking for a solid book to encourage and guide you into what the Lord expects of you, this is an excellent choice!
Favorite Quote: “More information is at our fingertips than ever before, yet truth eludes us. We’ve become ethically apathetic, morally confused and biblically ignorant.”
Very well written book. You be challenged through out each chapter to become a better man. It shows you your strengths and weaknesses. While reading alone is a great for personal growth it can also be used for group bible studies. Jim did an excellent job guiding readers to become the best version of their self as they can be.
I think this book is a solid read that is unique enough to stand out from the plethora of other self help/improvement books. It isn’t a life changing or awe inspiring book but not every book needs to be. It’s a fine book that I wouldn’t stop someone from reading but it’s not one I would insist someone reads.
I really enjoyed reading this book, probably my favorite from Jim Ramos so far. Loved the stories and the Greek words he used in every chapter. Definitely a book to help with the growth of being a man.
Interesting book by Jim Ramos. He promotes healthy Christian masculinity in a way I can get behind, but also in ways that have me on alert. Some of the examples and messaging felt overly macho and at times unnecessary. that said, I did agree with a good amount of points he had in this book.
In our lives few boys grow up with a father or a good role model. That is when Jim Ramos comes in with the Bok Dialed in. Great information to make better men, not just males.