Lest We Drift: Five Departure Dangers from the One True Gospel

by Jared C. Wilson

How do we keep from drifting away from what makes us who we are? How do we even know we're drifting?

In this provocative new book, Jared C. Wilson discusses the potentials and problems with evangelical departures from gospel-centrality. In a variety of ways, on both "the left" and "the right," Wilson outlines these threats from angles sometimes imperceptible at first glance.

As you read Lest We Drift, you will recognize the signs of drift in the faith and teaching, and learn to navigate the five particular dangers prevalent in the church

victimhood mentalityspiritual drynesssuperficial faithattractional pragmatismcultural legalismWith biblical wisdom and cultural insight, this book will help you identify these potential hazards in your own Christian life and church; becoming better alert to the need to "pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it" (Heb. 2:1).

Genres: Christian Living, Theology, Church, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2025

About the author

Jared C. Wilson is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Managing Editor of For The Church (ftc.co), and Director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including "Gospel Wakefulness," "The Prodigal Church," and, most recently, "The Imperfect Disciple." Wilson blogs regularly at gospeldrivenchurch.com, hosted by The Gospel Coalition and is a frequent speaker at conferences and churches around the world.

Reviews

[C.J. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely and beneficial for pastors as usual. Read it to see Jared’s assessment of the gospel-centered movement over the past 20 years and, per usual, his love for the gospel’s multi-faceted helpfulness to our lives; also see where we (evangelicalism, broadly speaking) have gone wrong and how we can stop drift from the gospel (at least in our own lives and ministries).

[Chase Selcer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one I’ll come back to often.

“The gospel explodes the competing polarities of legalism and antinomianism. The gospel puts law and grace into their proper proportions—not as two equal weights counterbalancing each other, but as two words from God with biblical dimension and asymmetrical glories.” (53)

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Keep it up Jared.

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lest We Drift by Jared C. Wilson. The theology and philosophy are spot-on—clear, Scripture-saturated warnings about subtle drifts away from the true gospel (superficiality, pragmatism, consumerism, etc.). It’s convicting, timely, and stirred my love for the centrality of Christ. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to stay anchored.

That said, I could have done without the pointed call-outs of specific pastors. The points would have landed just as strongly (and more charitably) without naming names or throwing stones.

Still a strong 4.5-star read—worth your time!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our pastors recommended this to me. I wish every pastor and elder would read it! It’s very good. Wilson breaks down several ways we drift from the gospel. He suggests this drift was the end of the “young, restless, and reformed” movement and a source of so much division and infighting in the church today.

This book makes me even more grateful for our pastors constantly returning to the gospel in every single sermon. It never gets old. An if the gospel HAS gotten old to you (or your pastor), read this book.

[Taylor Lazenby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

Reads like Zondervan just synthesized a bunch of articles Wilson wrote and put them into a book. Wilson doesn’t say anything new or particularly insightful, nor does he offer many paths forward except “remain anchored to gospel centrality.”

Good resource for those who are dipping their toes into evangelical cultural riptides. For everyone else, there are other resources with deeper analyses of the same currents Wilson identifies.

[Charles G. Hornick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take this book to heart!

Whether or not you agree with everything this writer says, listen to his heart as you read this “must-read” - more importantly listen to God’s heart as you read it! His insightful warnings need heeding, lest we keep drifting and smash on the rocks of ineffectiveness. A powerful encouragement to “know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified!” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read everything Wilson writes, but I'm a few books behind (again!). He feels like a kindred spirit in ministry, I'm almost a decade younger than him, and I truly appreciate his approach to and reflections on pastoral ministry. This was a book that included a lot of his previous emphases, but in a reflective and kind of melancholy way, seeing how the gospel-centered movement has splintered in the last decade. A good and bracing read for church leaders.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this 6 stars I would. Wilson has an engaging writing style, honesty, biblically sound, and timely.

[James Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.. well I really like Jared’s writing and speaking. This book was a bit autobiographical for Wilson. It shared how Driscoll left the YRR movement because he was not truly gospel centered. It shares some of the story of Wilson coming to terms and being revived through the message of the gospel. The book isn’t bad it’s just that it was more of an expose of the failure of Driscoll and the YRR. My overall take was the book enjoyed too much mentioning reformed theology and showing how Driscoll was a chameleon.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! This book made me wince at myself a few more times than I would like, which I suppose is a good thing to realise.

[Ryan Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great, one of Jared’s best. Which is what I say about all his books.

[Josh Love · Rating 1 out of 5]

Difficult read

This book was difficult to get through. The author doesn't actually delve thoroughly into the problem of drifting away, nor does he delve honestly into what has happened in modern evangelicalism, even though he may have said otherwise.
He mentions some of the issues in modern evangelicalism or some matters about drifting away, but it's like every time he starts to get into it he has an adverse reaction to it and runs and starts saying "gospel" over and over.
It isn't a good book just because the gospel is mentioned a lot. That's sort of cheating the system a bit. You can't write a book that doesn't do what the book says it was written for but mention the gospel and then say that the reader who doesn't like it doesn't like the gospel.
What's further, is his entire Christocentric hermeneutic is off and actually does a lot more to detract from the context of individual texts in Scripture rather than exposit them. He doesn't understand that he himself has abandoned Bible exposition for eisegetically infusing "gospel" into every text and thus fails to understand any text but just makes it all say the same thing. He definitely would say he isn't doing this simply by saying he isn't, but that doesn't alleviate the issue either.
He quotes a lot of solid guys but also undermines them by quoting a lot of not-so-solid guys. Meaning he lacks discernment majorly.
He tries to find a go-between middle-ground between wokeness and being biblically sound (if I could define it that way), but then accuses those who call that wokeness of overreacting. But that is wokeness, sorry to say. He needs to operate out of Scripture and not out of the world's ideas.
He is claiming he isn't doing these things but it appears this author isn't aware he is a part of the problem he is supposedly trying to fix in this book. Both in who and what he doesn't call out and what he denies.
Also, his constant attack on legalism as obeying God's commandments to draw near to Him was going to give me an aneurysm. Obeying God is not moralism or legalism. And obeying God does cause us to draw near to Him. Obedience isn't justifying or salvific, but to undermine obedience by saying it's not possible for the believer or by saying it doesn't make you closer to God is itself a false teaching that is antinomian. He attacks antinomianism but himself commits it by undermining the necessity and blessing of obedience.
Christians need to obey God and obeying God does come with blessing and grace and drawing near to Him. It's not legalism or moralism to say so.
The author doesn't understand that he is closer to the false teaching than he realizes, undermining everything he is saying.

[Josh Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Jared C. Wilson fashion we are reminded again of the importance of the gospel, only this time through a warning: be aware of drifting away from the gospel.

In the foreword Paul David Tripp advises the reader to “fire your inner lawyer,” suggesting that the content ahead would be both convicting and challenging. So I braced myself and read on. As I read the first three chapters I found myself cheering Jared on so to speak. He was naming names and pointing out problems of drift and I was loving it! Then I came to chapter four and discovered why Tripp made the challenge to fire your inner lawyer. The drift into dryness seemed to describe my own propensities. Then chapter five dealt with the drift into superficiality, once again underscoring Tripps advice and another dangerous drift I am susceptible to. Chapter six provided a breather before chapter seven came in with more conviction. Finally, chapter eight gave the final encouragement, raising the alarm not to drift. Overall, I felt as though areas of personal gospel drift were identified, while at the same time I was being pulled back into the shore of grace over and over again.

Wilson writes with directness and clarity, but he never leaves the reader in despair. The gospel is always brought to bear upon each possible drift. If you are worried you’ve drifted away from the gospel, or if you’re not sure what that means, give this a read. This was a great book and I highly recommend it.

[Paul Goble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian individual, local congregation, and denomination faces a tendency to drift from the central tenets of their faith. This often begins with small compromises which on the surface seem to support the mission of the church. And the drift begins not with doctrinal statements, but with behaviors, attitudes, and emphases.

The oldest faith traditions have come up with methods to counter drift: the reciting of creeds, the building of monuments, the examen, the adoration of the host. Being protestants, we of course feel compelled to invent our own solutions with no reference to or acknowldedgement of these time-tested approaches. Thus we end up with books like this one.

The author is a prominent advocate of the Gospel-Centered Ministry movement, which he readily admits was a short-lived fad among pastors. He makes a strong case that regardless of whether one subscribes to the movement, all Christians are well advised to make the gospel itself (and not its entailments) the center and anchor of their faith and ministry.

If you are in leadership at an evangelical church 一 a pastor, elder, or ministry leader 一 you should read this book. If you are a pastor of a church aiming to be "gospel centered," you are the core audience. It helps if you are familiar with some of the major trends in evangelical culture (attractional ministry, fundamentalism) and if you understand some basic theological terminology (such as gospel, justification, imputation).

In addition to the book itself, I am impressed by the discussion about the book in reviews, especially on Goodreads. I am thankful for the pastors who have the insight, time, and motivation to write in-depth essays pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the ideas presented.

[Colin Michaelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gospel is vital and must be central to our lives and the ministry of the church. It sounds so obvious, but is not always evident. At times there has been a "movement" of gospel-centrality. Jared Wilson cares little about movements, but does about our commitment to keep the gospel central.

And he identifies and counters the way we can so easily drift - through losing our enchantment, drifting to legalism or antinomianism. The book is compelling in its reason and his examples from the cultural influences we have seen resonate.

His warning is clear and we need this well-written and thoughtful reminder.

A great quote that gets to the heart of this book: "The antidote to both antinomian and legalistic drifts from the gospel is knowing that people change by grace, not by law, and knowing that our ultimate validation is found not in our performance, but in Christ’s. If I know grace actually changes me, I do not need to fear the law’s demands. If I know grace actually empowers me, I do not need to fear the law’s commands. If I know Christ’s performance is my ultimate validation, I don’t need to find justification (or despair) in my efforts to obey God."

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful and insightful look at the dangers seen in departing from the One True Gospel. Some of what Wilson has written is confusing but much of it is very clear and challenging for the reader. I appreciated his perspective and his caution/warning about the tendency we have to drift towards legalism--whether it be a legalism rooted in fundamentalism or a legalism that is rooted in antinomianism. Yes, both sides of the issue have a form of legalism at play. I also found it very interesting in Wilson's recounting of his own personal history in the bankrupt "seeker sensitive church growth movement," and his insight into the drift of the gospel centered movement of the past 25 years or so. He addresses the various dangers of drifting, the topics of victimhood, politics, superficiality, pragmatism, and the new legalism and challenges the reader to pay attention--close attention--being alert to any potential drift within our lives. A good read and one that I think can be very helpful for many.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book made me realize how much Wilson and others from this camp have influenced me, including Keller and Piper. Over the years, their emphasis on gospel centrality and Big God theology have profoundly impacted my thinking in ministry.

How often do we make our churches and ministries about something other than the gospel? How often have we allowed subcultures within evangelicalism to define who is a solid believer?

Lest We Drift is undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’m grateful for Jared Wilson’s consistent voice for the sufficiency of the gospel for all of our life and ministry.

[Mresch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a teenager/college student as the Gospel Centered Movement was peaking and it had a significant influence on me. This book serves both as a postmortem of the “movement” and a call to keep reforming so that we might never depart being truly, biblically, gospel-centered.

I do appreciate the honesty with which Wilson assesses the movement, the temptations toward drift, and the cultural influences at work. He even gives specific examples of all of it throughout the book.

This was a refreshing, encouraging, and convicting read. One that I will reference again and again in the future.

[Bill Ver Velde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jared Wilson calls the church to reject distractions from the Gospel of Jesus “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Covering topics such as: politics, antinomianism, and developing a victimhood complex, Wilson reminds the church that she exists for the glory of Jesus. I became a huge fan of Wilson’s when I read his “Gospel-Centered Church” for my doctorate of ministry program. There is a lot of overlap between the two books, but if you pick one to read, I suggest “Gospel-Centered Church.”

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lest we drift is a good book pointing out many of the issues or areas in which the Gospel can be pushed to the side in churches. Wilson offers 5 dangers the church can fall into in regard of losing its gospel-centeredness. It is a good read and helpful call to stay true to what should be at the core of all church- the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastors and leaders would benefit from this book as well as any member.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a helpful and challenging book. It's a much needed reminder of how easily we can drift from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I appreciated Wilson's willingness to be direct and to even name names without coming across as gossipy or mean-spirited. It was helpful to be presented with actual examples to remind the reader that this isn't just theoretical. Gospel drift has happened and is happening all around us.

[William Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top read of the year! "Lest We Drift" reinforces so much of what I believe that I think has grounded me and our church during my tenure as a senior pastor. And it is a reminder to stay the course and not get caught up in trendy ideas or movements. Even ones that don't seem to be trendy and appear theological can still be a new form of legalism. Loved this book and will be sharing it with people.

[Becky Hintz · Rating 3 out of 5]

In trying to wrap my mind around the decline of the YRR movement, I found this book only mildly helpful. Lots of personal beef against various actors and ideas. Lots of friendly fire doing unnecessary collateral damage to faithful laborers (thankfully not usually named, but grouped by type). I found Jon Harris' Substack article "The Ruins of New Calvinism" (Dec 30, 2025) more insightful than this entire book.

[Lane Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful assessment & counsel

Jared does an excellent job of evaluating and assessing the past two decades of church leadership and life, in which so many were a part of. His counsel is most helpful for moving forward faithfully. It wasn’t about the movement, and it never will be. It was, and will always be, about the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the cross for people.

[Dawn V Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Consider...

Take time to consider what is being reflected here and filter it through the Word of God with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Ask God what you are to walk away with.
Enjoy trekking through these pages!

[Peter Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

While pursuing a worthy cause of true gospel centered life and centering of identity on Christ, the author quickly falls into strawman culture wars. A good concept with some anchoring truths, muddled with some strong takes that pull away from his core premise.

[Cristian Moscoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Towards the end of the book, Wilson admits this is the hardest book he’s ever written. And I’m incredibly grateful for his effort. The book was well worth it!

[Aaron Burden · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a different book than I thought, but it did make me contemplate some of the modern day perspectives and perceptions. It was worth the read.

[Christy Spader]

Has some good sections, was different than I expected. It is definitely focused towards pastors, men, and talking explicitly about the gospel-centered movement.