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Lies Pastors Believe: Seven Ways to Elevate Yourself, Subvert the Gospel, and Undermine the Church
Everyone is tempted to believe lies about themselves. For many pastors, the lies they're tempted to believe have to do with their that God has called them to lead a movement, that they must sacrifice their home life for their ministry life, or that their image as holy is more important than their actual pursuit of holiness. In Lies Pastors Believe , pastor and professor Dayton Hartman takes aim at these and other lies he has faced in his own ministry and seen other pastors struggle with. With a winsome and engaging style, Hartman shows current and future pastors why these lies are so tempting, the damage they can do, and how they can be resisted by believing and applying the truth of the gospel.
- GenresTheologyChristianity
120 pages, Paperback
Published October 9, 2017
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April 3, 2018
It seems several other groups have books about the lies they’ve believed, so it’s good to see pastors get their turn. The lies we believe, however, come from deep within and are ugly when examined as in this book. Every generation has a book of this nature for pastors and this volume is ideal for ours. It’s a short volume that can be read rather quickly in our busy age, yet there’s nothing shallow about it. It probes deeply and pastors who read it must either look within or close the book and walk away.
The subtitle reads: “7 ways to elevate yourself, subvert the gospel, and undermine the church”. The seven types are the visionary, the iron chef, the achiever, the called, the holy man, the anti-family man, and the castaway. I don’t know which is more shocking: the fact that we pastors could fall into seven such ridiculous things or that we so often have fallen into many of them! Pride shows up in several of these and the consequences of being swallowed up in them are devastating. If you don’t see that, Mr. Hartman will provide several examples.
The visionary is one of the worst because it springs directly from ego. It’s an assumption that we are destined for great things as we are coming into the ministry even though the Lord might have other plans. The iron chef is similar in that over time we begin to believe that no one preaches or teaches at the grand level we do and we kind of fall into being the iron chef over time. The achiever tries to earn and ministry ranks are filled with achievers. I was least in agreement with the chapter about “the called”, but still it was filled with some great insights.
The chapter on the holy man reminds us that real holiness is far more important than perceived holiness. The next chapter debunks the lie that we must sacrifice our home life for our ministry. He really takes us to task if were failing in this area. He gives balanced counsel to the castaway as well. There’s a short conclusion that gives three steps to take to get back on track. There’s a rather intense appendix on elder qualifications as well as a nice one on recommended reading.
If we pastors took the truths in this book to heart, our churches, our families, and our own lives would be so blessed. Warmly recommended!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The subtitle reads: “7 ways to elevate yourself, subvert the gospel, and undermine the church”. The seven types are the visionary, the iron chef, the achiever, the called, the holy man, the anti-family man, and the castaway. I don’t know which is more shocking: the fact that we pastors could fall into seven such ridiculous things or that we so often have fallen into many of them! Pride shows up in several of these and the consequences of being swallowed up in them are devastating. If you don’t see that, Mr. Hartman will provide several examples.
The visionary is one of the worst because it springs directly from ego. It’s an assumption that we are destined for great things as we are coming into the ministry even though the Lord might have other plans. The iron chef is similar in that over time we begin to believe that no one preaches or teaches at the grand level we do and we kind of fall into being the iron chef over time. The achiever tries to earn and ministry ranks are filled with achievers. I was least in agreement with the chapter about “the called”, but still it was filled with some great insights.
The chapter on the holy man reminds us that real holiness is far more important than perceived holiness. The next chapter debunks the lie that we must sacrifice our home life for our ministry. He really takes us to task if were failing in this area. He gives balanced counsel to the castaway as well. There’s a short conclusion that gives three steps to take to get back on track. There’s a rather intense appendix on elder qualifications as well as a nice one on recommended reading.
If we pastors took the truths in this book to heart, our churches, our families, and our own lives would be so blessed. Warmly recommended!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 11, 2018
This is a good little book. It's very practical and gives excellent illustrations. It is short and too the point. These are lies all pastors, like myself, are tempted to be swayed by. We are human and the dangers of pride that lead to a fall can prey on us. Dayton Hartman has good warnings for both new and old ministers. Each chapter ends with helpful self-evaluation questions.
December 3, 2025
Concise and convicting.
Taking this book slow was quite profitable for me. Nearly every chapter convicted my heart in some way. However, it may be that that is simply how the author writes. No punches were pulled, and not much cleanup was done. Thus, it was likely inevitable that one returns from this book feeling convicted in some way. Overall, super positive and worth reading.
Taking this book slow was quite profitable for me. Nearly every chapter convicted my heart in some way. However, it may be that that is simply how the author writes. No punches were pulled, and not much cleanup was done. Thus, it was likely inevitable that one returns from this book feeling convicted in some way. Overall, super positive and worth reading.
July 26, 2025
Really an excellent book on pastoral ministry. Very readable and insightful. I’m thankful I read this book!
September 27, 2017
Christian pastors, both current and future, believe lots of things. Some of these things are true and good. They believe in the Triune God of the Bible. They believe that the Father, Son, and Spirit bring salvation to mankind through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son, Jesus Christ. They believe that Jesus will return someday (in some way) to establish His kingdom. However, Christian pastors—again, both current and future—believe a lot of bad things. This is where Dr. Dayton Hartman focuses his new book, Lies Pastors Believe. Dr. Hartman’s book addresses 7 key lies that many current and future pastors believe.
Since Dr. Hartman is both a pastor and seminary professor, he is uniquely qualified to address these issues as he sees them in his own life and ministry experience as well as through training those who will have their own ministries. These lies, Dr. Hartman argues, take over one’s view of themselves and even go so far as to subvert the Gospel. Dr. Hartman’s book is divided into seven chapters—one for each lie. The lies can be categorized into three broad categories: pride of the pastor (The Visionary, The Iron Chef), personal need of the pastor (The Achiever, The Called), and parishioner’s requirements of a pastor (The Holy Man, The Anti-Family Man, The Castaway). Each chapter clearly articulates what the lie is in terms that anyone can understand.
Dr. Hartman’s primary argument throughout each of the seven lies is that the lie in some way attempts to place the individual believing the lie in the place of Christ. In each chapter, Dr. Hartman shows that the lie, regardless of which kind, attempts to place the pastor in the place of Christ. Pastors who aspire greatness for the sake of greatness are placing themselves in the place of Christ. Pastors who have a personal need for affirmation allow their congregations to place them in the place of Christ. As has been from the very beginning, the lie Satan tells—and we often believe—puts someone else in God’s rightful place.
While (as is clear based on the title) the book was written to pastors, it is not limited to pastors. The role of pastor is wide reaching, and so is the application of Dr. Hartman’s book. Pastors are not the only ones who face the issues Dr. Hartman raises in the book. There are numerous points of crossover for those who aspire to ministry in almost any area. Dr. Hartman’s theme of keeping Christ as the center of the ministry is as true for a Pastor as it is for a Professor or Apologist, or Sunday School teacher, or Nursery worker. Anyone in ministry can believe the lie that they are going to be the next “Spurgeon” or “Edwards” of their chosen ministry. We all want to leave a lasting mark on future generations and believe that God has put us in our place to do that very thing. However, when that becomes our sole motivation for ministry, we have bought into the lie. Dr. Hartman’s theme in the book applies to all areas of ministry: Christians need to stay focused on the “tie that binds,” and that tie is none other than the Gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ.
Like his previous book from Lexham, Church History for Modern Ministry, Lies Pastors Believe is laid out as a study book. Each chapter ends with questions for reflecting on what was previously read as well as action steps which one can take to help avoid believing the lie. This is important because, as Dr. Hartman rightly argues, to simply say “that’s a lie” is different than avoiding the lie itself. A former pastor of mine once said that you cannot simply remove sin habits but you must replace them with righteous habits or the sin will simply creep back in. This is the same idea that Dr. Hartman has in mind. If a pastor sees the lie and can see how to eradicate it from his thinking, then taking steps to believe truth about pastoral ministry becomes simpler. Lies Pastors Believe is a fantastic book for pastors and those aspiring to pastoral ministry. You should pick up a copy today.
Since Dr. Hartman is both a pastor and seminary professor, he is uniquely qualified to address these issues as he sees them in his own life and ministry experience as well as through training those who will have their own ministries. These lies, Dr. Hartman argues, take over one’s view of themselves and even go so far as to subvert the Gospel. Dr. Hartman’s book is divided into seven chapters—one for each lie. The lies can be categorized into three broad categories: pride of the pastor (The Visionary, The Iron Chef), personal need of the pastor (The Achiever, The Called), and parishioner’s requirements of a pastor (The Holy Man, The Anti-Family Man, The Castaway). Each chapter clearly articulates what the lie is in terms that anyone can understand.
Dr. Hartman’s primary argument throughout each of the seven lies is that the lie in some way attempts to place the individual believing the lie in the place of Christ. In each chapter, Dr. Hartman shows that the lie, regardless of which kind, attempts to place the pastor in the place of Christ. Pastors who aspire greatness for the sake of greatness are placing themselves in the place of Christ. Pastors who have a personal need for affirmation allow their congregations to place them in the place of Christ. As has been from the very beginning, the lie Satan tells—and we often believe—puts someone else in God’s rightful place.
While (as is clear based on the title) the book was written to pastors, it is not limited to pastors. The role of pastor is wide reaching, and so is the application of Dr. Hartman’s book. Pastors are not the only ones who face the issues Dr. Hartman raises in the book. There are numerous points of crossover for those who aspire to ministry in almost any area. Dr. Hartman’s theme of keeping Christ as the center of the ministry is as true for a Pastor as it is for a Professor or Apologist, or Sunday School teacher, or Nursery worker. Anyone in ministry can believe the lie that they are going to be the next “Spurgeon” or “Edwards” of their chosen ministry. We all want to leave a lasting mark on future generations and believe that God has put us in our place to do that very thing. However, when that becomes our sole motivation for ministry, we have bought into the lie. Dr. Hartman’s theme in the book applies to all areas of ministry: Christians need to stay focused on the “tie that binds,” and that tie is none other than the Gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ.
Like his previous book from Lexham, Church History for Modern Ministry, Lies Pastors Believe is laid out as a study book. Each chapter ends with questions for reflecting on what was previously read as well as action steps which one can take to help avoid believing the lie. This is important because, as Dr. Hartman rightly argues, to simply say “that’s a lie” is different than avoiding the lie itself. A former pastor of mine once said that you cannot simply remove sin habits but you must replace them with righteous habits or the sin will simply creep back in. This is the same idea that Dr. Hartman has in mind. If a pastor sees the lie and can see how to eradicate it from his thinking, then taking steps to believe truth about pastoral ministry becomes simpler. Lies Pastors Believe is a fantastic book for pastors and those aspiring to pastoral ministry. You should pick up a copy today.
October 30, 2017
I picked this up on the strength of a blog post summarizing its contents. The blog post gave the pith—at least get the pith. The (pleasantly short) book reinforced the pith and, I hope, will make it stick in my head and heart.
Dayton Hartman has a warm, personable, earnest style. He loves Christ and his word. He tells some stories from pastoral ministry that serve to underscore what he’s saying. He also uses the Bible carefully, though this is not a book of biblical exposition. It is fairly practical advice based on simple biblical truths.
The advice that stuck most with me was from one of the first lies pastors believe: “No one has ever fed them like me.” It was helpful and appropriately humbling to be reminded that other faithful ministers of the word have influenced the people in my congregation and will minister to them in the future. I am not essential. I have to say (and my astute wife agreed with this): Hartman probably overstates his case a bit, because I have surely heard many poor sermons in my time, sermons that did not feed the people well. If I discovered that my sermons are no better at feeding people than those sermons, I confess I’d feel disappointed... But I just got done preaching seven Sunday mornings in a row to give my pastor a sabbatical, and it would be easy to let compliments on my sermons go to my head. I haven’t done the decade-long, week-in-and-week-out preaching that real pastors do. Hartman reminded me to think soberly, as I ought to think.
One other little thing: Hartman appears to come from a Southern Baptist background? At least, those are the circles he’s in now—and in my favorite SBC circles, the ones populated by 9Marks folks. At multiple points I thought to myself, “My (non KJV-Only) fundamentalist background already taught me this.” Don’t put ministry above family; don’t neglect personal pastoral holiness; don’t aspire to lead a megachurch. I was taught these things, though the reminders were welcome.
Dayton Hartman has a warm, personable, earnest style. He loves Christ and his word. He tells some stories from pastoral ministry that serve to underscore what he’s saying. He also uses the Bible carefully, though this is not a book of biblical exposition. It is fairly practical advice based on simple biblical truths.
The advice that stuck most with me was from one of the first lies pastors believe: “No one has ever fed them like me.” It was helpful and appropriately humbling to be reminded that other faithful ministers of the word have influenced the people in my congregation and will minister to them in the future. I am not essential. I have to say (and my astute wife agreed with this): Hartman probably overstates his case a bit, because I have surely heard many poor sermons in my time, sermons that did not feed the people well. If I discovered that my sermons are no better at feeding people than those sermons, I confess I’d feel disappointed... But I just got done preaching seven Sunday mornings in a row to give my pastor a sabbatical, and it would be easy to let compliments on my sermons go to my head. I haven’t done the decade-long, week-in-and-week-out preaching that real pastors do. Hartman reminded me to think soberly, as I ought to think.
One other little thing: Hartman appears to come from a Southern Baptist background? At least, those are the circles he’s in now—and in my favorite SBC circles, the ones populated by 9Marks folks. At multiple points I thought to myself, “My (non KJV-Only) fundamentalist background already taught me this.” Don’t put ministry above family; don’t neglect personal pastoral holiness; don’t aspire to lead a megachurch. I was taught these things, though the reminders were welcome.
December 6, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this short, concise, easy to digest book from Dayton Hartman. It is chock full of nuggets of wisdom for those aspiring to ministry, those in the early stages of their ministry, and those who have been in ministry long-term. "Lies Pastors Believe" should be on the short list of books pastors and ministry leaders hope to read in the next year.
As a church planter the first two chapters ("Jesus has called me to lead a movement" and "No one has ever fed them like me") deeply resonated with the lies I've been tempted to believe in the first year of ministry. I found myself acutely aware of the need to insure that I am always surrounding myself with men who can help me see and refute these lies, along with the other five that are mentioned in the book.
Part of the strength of the book is in Hartman's willingness to identify where he has struggled with certain lies in the past. Too often books like this are written without a shred of self-disclosure or honesty from the author. This can lead other pastors and aspiring ministry leaders feeling isolated and afraid to talk about their struggles. However, it is Dayton's candid recounting of his past and current struggles that open the door for meaningful conversations to happen around the subject matter. Also, another key strength for the book is how each chapter ends. Discussion questions and action steps that aren't cheesy or simplistic help push the reader to engage with their heart long after the book is closed.
As we continue to develop leaders and look to find men to help lead in our church I plan on keeping "Lies Pastors Believe" at the top of the list of required reading. I will also be revisiting the book often to help uncover and expose the idolatrous lies I'm prone to believe over the truth of the gospel. Here's to many more books from Dayton and others that help pastors pursue health in their lives and ministries!
As a church planter the first two chapters ("Jesus has called me to lead a movement" and "No one has ever fed them like me") deeply resonated with the lies I've been tempted to believe in the first year of ministry. I found myself acutely aware of the need to insure that I am always surrounding myself with men who can help me see and refute these lies, along with the other five that are mentioned in the book.
Part of the strength of the book is in Hartman's willingness to identify where he has struggled with certain lies in the past. Too often books like this are written without a shred of self-disclosure or honesty from the author. This can lead other pastors and aspiring ministry leaders feeling isolated and afraid to talk about their struggles. However, it is Dayton's candid recounting of his past and current struggles that open the door for meaningful conversations to happen around the subject matter. Also, another key strength for the book is how each chapter ends. Discussion questions and action steps that aren't cheesy or simplistic help push the reader to engage with their heart long after the book is closed.
As we continue to develop leaders and look to find men to help lead in our church I plan on keeping "Lies Pastors Believe" at the top of the list of required reading. I will also be revisiting the book often to help uncover and expose the idolatrous lies I'm prone to believe over the truth of the gospel. Here's to many more books from Dayton and others that help pastors pursue health in their lives and ministries!
February 14, 2018
Short read packed with strong stuff. Dayton's not afraid to tell it like it is and call out some of the most common errors pastors fall into, reminding us that these aren't little things to gloss over but deadly traps that can destroy you and your church. The chapter on Calling in particular challenged many of my preconceptions about pastoring and it was strangely liberating.
(It's also worth noting that this book feels pretty targeted at Sr. Minister/Preacher types, but I still benefitted greatly from it as a Worship Minister.)
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Choosing the Bride of Christ over your own bride might sound very high-minded...but the church already has a groom and he is far better than you."
"If you use the church for your own advantage, you've begun abusing someone else's bride."
"Instead of focusing on the praise or criticism you receive, remember that you are but one in a long line of gospel communicators."
"We have far too many unqualified, untested men filling our pulpits and being vested with pastoral authority because they are gifted and believe they have been called to the ministry. We don't need more men who are gifted; we need more men who are qualified. We don't need more men who think they are called; we need more men who know they must patiently aspire while being tested and examined."
"You can quit and it will not change your standing before God."
(It's also worth noting that this book feels pretty targeted at Sr. Minister/Preacher types, but I still benefitted greatly from it as a Worship Minister.)
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Choosing the Bride of Christ over your own bride might sound very high-minded...but the church already has a groom and he is far better than you."
"If you use the church for your own advantage, you've begun abusing someone else's bride."
"Instead of focusing on the praise or criticism you receive, remember that you are but one in a long line of gospel communicators."
"We have far too many unqualified, untested men filling our pulpits and being vested with pastoral authority because they are gifted and believe they have been called to the ministry. We don't need more men who are gifted; we need more men who are qualified. We don't need more men who think they are called; we need more men who know they must patiently aspire while being tested and examined."
"You can quit and it will not change your standing before God."
December 17, 2019
This is quite a useful little book for Pastors. I did find it a good mirror for self-examination, and the author is quick to point out his own failings - which I did find refreshing.
I did however find at times that the solutions he propose come across as commands rather than "these are the solutions that I have found". Not that I really disagreed with his solutions - and maybe it is the Aussie in me that rebels a bit against just being told here's how to fix you problem, just accept it! :) This approach also seems to be suggesting that the Holy Spirit works the same way in all of us - and it seems to be overlooking that there may be even more solutions :)
He does include quite a good section of further reading - something I especially welcome in smaller books. Whilst I have read a reasonable selection of the books recommended, there is definitely a bias towards "Reformed" authors.
So still a worthwhile read and recommended to fellow Pastors - though probably a bit "male only" oriented for my female Pastor friends.
I did however find at times that the solutions he propose come across as commands rather than "these are the solutions that I have found". Not that I really disagreed with his solutions - and maybe it is the Aussie in me that rebels a bit against just being told here's how to fix you problem, just accept it! :) This approach also seems to be suggesting that the Holy Spirit works the same way in all of us - and it seems to be overlooking that there may be even more solutions :)
He does include quite a good section of further reading - something I especially welcome in smaller books. Whilst I have read a reasonable selection of the books recommended, there is definitely a bias towards "Reformed" authors.
So still a worthwhile read and recommended to fellow Pastors - though probably a bit "male only" oriented for my female Pastor friends.
October 30, 2021
While I do not always agree with some of the language and theological points of view of the author (some Calvinism leanings come through clearly, but are not pressed, and the author is equating the role of preacher/evangelist in the New Testament with that of pastor/elder/overseer which I don't believe scripture does), I think the overall message and the specific warnings within the book are very well done and helpful.
I thought the list of "lies" were very appropriate, well explained, accurate to many situations found in the role of someone preaching and ministering full-time to the Body of Christ, and I was convicted and reminded of some of the dangers in my own ministry.
I would recommend this book to anyone entering or new in full-time preaching. I plan on rereading this in some time to be reminded of the importance of not buying into these "lies" in my own life and ministry efforts.
I thought the list of "lies" were very appropriate, well explained, accurate to many situations found in the role of someone preaching and ministering full-time to the Body of Christ, and I was convicted and reminded of some of the dangers in my own ministry.
I would recommend this book to anyone entering or new in full-time preaching. I plan on rereading this in some time to be reminded of the importance of not buying into these "lies" in my own life and ministry efforts.
February 20, 2018
Dayton Hartman has written a very good book on the lies that pastors tell themselves. Each chapter hits hard at the lies pastors believe.
However, I think Mr. Hartman is a little to quick with the just “quit” advice that he concludes with in the majority of the chapters. Difficulties and weaknesses can be overcome with the same gospel that is interjected throughout the book. And I am not in full agreement with his chapter on calling. While I agree a man must aspire and desire the ministry (1 Tim. 3:1) there must be a divine calling.
This is a good book which I will recommend to other preachers and pastors.
However, I think Mr. Hartman is a little to quick with the just “quit” advice that he concludes with in the majority of the chapters. Difficulties and weaknesses can be overcome with the same gospel that is interjected throughout the book. And I am not in full agreement with his chapter on calling. While I agree a man must aspire and desire the ministry (1 Tim. 3:1) there must be a divine calling.
This is a good book which I will recommend to other preachers and pastors.
January 19, 2021
I first read this book when I was in my undergraduate degree. I was the aspiring student who much like Dayton discusses, believed that I was "called" and I would do "great" things for the Lord. Now, three years later, I have discovered that I know less and less with every year that I grow older. I have learned that doing "great" things for the Lord means faithfully serving your family and local church. Doing "great" things means abstaining from sin and living a life above reproach. Dayton offers both a word of humility and encouragement to the current and aspiring pastor.
February 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book, nice and short, it reads through quickly and I felt like he was able to share his theses well without belaboring. Overall the book was poignant and piercing of the secret heart in ministry that can lead down a road that is not healthy for the church or the pastor. Much Appreciated. I would recommend to any pastor to read.
October 27, 2017
This book is an exceptional book about the office of a Pastor. I’m so glad I came across this gem. I will revisit this book again and again. Every Pastor and future Pastor needs to read this book at least once a year. This is a quick read.
September 19, 2018
I can not recommend this book enough! Less than 100 pages (and an easy read) I think this is masterfully guides a needed reflection on ministry and lies that we and our culture believe about it. Biblically and gracefully grounded.
March 14, 2020
Hartman draws on his time as both pastor and professor to challenge the lies that slither their way into the heart on many who serve in Christian ministry. It is a great heart-check type book and a must read for anyone in or going into ministry.
January 22, 2018
From an evangelical perspective, yes, but good stuff here for pastors of any stripe.
July 19, 2018
Great book for two pastors/elders to read through together.
May 12, 2023
Very good and well-written and quite short. This is a convicting read and some of the questions and suggested activities might make for good, ongoing assessment.
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August 27, 2024Heart and mind check for pastors!
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