It started with John Piper cozying up with and endorsing Mark “The Cussing Pastor” Driscoll. But as the dust is beginning to settle on that controversy, here comes another one.
I opened my mail today and saw a flyer for the 2009 Reality Check Conference put on by Anchored in Truth with speakers Paul Washer and his pastor Jeff Noblit scheduled for June 29th – July 2nd. Imagine my surprise, though, when I beheld one additional speaker scheduled for the conference: It was none other than Paul Tripp (not to be confused with Tedd Trip who wrote Shepherding a Child’s Heart).
Who is Paul Tripp? Well, for those who are not familiar with him, allow me to direct you to the video on this post from Steve Camp in which he uses rather “colorful” language relating an “amusing” story in which he and his children began using profanity in various “humorous” ways (viewer discretion is strongly advised). Ken Silva also addressed Tripp’s use of profanity in this post as well as Ingrid Schleuter in this post.
This compromising drift in evangelicalism to the lowbrow, and the endorsement thereof, begs the question: “Why?”
Now, I know at this point all the defenders of smut, gutter, and profanity will begin their usual relentless attacks on me for daring to even address this situation, but it must be addressed.
Why does Jeff Noblit and Paul Washer feel the necessity to align themselves with and publicly endorse the latest “Cussing Pastor” by having him speak at their conference? Are there no other pastors, preachers or teachers available in all the land that could fill their need?
Much like how Mark Driscoll’s adorning of himself in t-shirts that mock Jesus betrays all the (wholesome) words that come out of his mouth, will not Washer’s endorsement of Paul Tripp betray all the sermons that Washer’s preached on holiness?
There appears to be a disturbing trend afoot. The associations of those who are considered the leaders—if you will—of evangelicalism are endorsing some very questionable characters as of late. Once respectable men, instead of standing up for truth and refusing to compromise, are endorsing very questionable characters in American Christianity. What is going on?
I take my hat off to such men like Phil Johnson who not only resists this trend of talking like the world, but publicly denounces it (see this post).
It is becoming more and more uncommon today to find preachers whose orthodoxy and orthopraxy are aligned solely to the Scriptures. It is a sad state of the times.
Christ Alone Wyoming 
To be honest, I don’t know anything about Paul Tripp other than what you have just stated.
But we need to slow down and to think things through, or as scripture says, slow to speak, swift to hear, James 1v19.
Maybe you can contact Jeff Nobblit and Paul Washer by email, and give them information about Paul Tripp, and then leave it at that.
Whether they address the issue or question him or not is then up to them. The matter is out of your hands, the ball in their court.
Scripture tells us to be wise in who we associate with. They know that.
We all do, or should?
God bless
LikeLike
I agree with Doreen brother, please contact Washer and Noblit to get their side of the story, perhaps they have no idea who this guy is.
I thank God for you and all at DefCon
God bless
– dale
LikeLike
Here is something to consider… Paul Tripp has no record anywhere else (that I am aware of) of using what would be called “vulgar” language than in a promotional spot for a conference put on by Desiring God that focused on just that – the power of words. In that video linked above Paul is making the point about the use of words. He, unlike Driscoll, was not speaking flippantly with those words during a sermon but for a promotional video aimed at a targeted audience – pastors.
Pastor Noblit, Paul Washer and Paul Tripp have my utmost respect as men of God who love to Lord with a passion that is extremely rare in this world. Noblit and Washer are two men who I am sure have prayed over and carefully discerned having Paul Tripp at this event.
I agree with the Doreen and Dale that contacting Pastor Noblit or Washer first would be the correct process – get their views on why they selected Paul Tripp. On the other side of the coin, let us be reminded greatly of the fact that Paul Tripp does not have a history of a “potty mouth” nor do I personally know of any instance where he uses language behind the pulpit or in any arena outside of that one conference which was setup to address just that – the power of words. (I humbly submit that I could be very wrong and if someone has info otherwise please share it.)
We are treading on thin ice here. Let us be very careful to quickly point fingers, especially at brothers in Christ, when we a) may not have all of the information (which is frankly most of the time) and b) have not checked with the sources in question or alerted the sources in question.
Soli Deo Gloria!
LikeLike
Pilgrim,
We want to be careful we don’t put ourself in a position to be alligned with our adversary.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
Be careful about who you accuse.
LikeLike
I am not aware of all that is being referred to regarding Paul Tripp, but I will review the link you included in your post. One thing you may not be aware of in regards to this issue:
Paul Washer does not have anything to do with the scheduling of the Reality Check conference. Everything relating to that conference is controlled by Anchored In Truth ministries and Jeff Noblit. Paul is simply a speaker at the conference. I am sure you were not aware of this, and that you wouldn’t want to misspeak.
Thanks for your blog. Blessings.
LikeLike
Dear Doreen, Dale, Jay, Randy, and M. Pinkel:
I am fully aware that I am on ‘thin ice’ here. I am also fully aware that the ice gets thinner as one gets closer to a popular teacher.
But in order to be consistent I cannot overlook this issue and give it a pass while we criticize John Piper for his endorsement of Driscoll.
For lack of a better term, I’ve been a “fan” of Piper, Washer, and Noblit for quite some time. However, my allegiance is to God and my standard is His Word, not whoever is popular at the time.
In regards to contacting Washer and Noblit, I already have and am awaiting their reply.
In regards to Tripp getting a pass for his potty mouth because it was in a promo video directed at pastors, I do not see this as a valid excuse.
Yes, I agree it’s different than when one utters such profanity from the pulpit, but our lives outside the pulpit and outside the church should be the same as our lives inside. And to suggest that Tripp’s use of profanity in the promo wasn’t flippant and Driscoll’s use of profanity is, I do not see that distinction being a valid excuse either.
Tripp’s language in the video is unacceptable and he laughs it up like it’s one big joke. And neither is the topic of “words” a legitimate excuse either. That would be like saying the use of graphic sexual depictions is ok because the topic was the Song of Solomon.
I appreciate all of your comments to tread with caution. I completely understand your concerns, I truly do. But allow me to also offer a word of caution as well. Be very cautious whom we adore so much that our personal preferences and likes get in the way of sound rational thought and discernment, and cause us to compromise just a little in this area.
I am not saying Washer and Noblit are going to Hell, nor am I saying that they’re not saved, nor am I making any other drastic insinuations that I’m sure someone will eventually try to pin on me (I’m not referring you guys. You were all very gracious).
Please know that I do not revel in this; t is with a heavy heart. Washer was very instrumental in my conversion from a false, lukewarm, Laodicean Christianity to true Biblical faith. God used one of Washer’s sermons also to change my wife. I am forever grateful for that vessel which God used. However, I am not so starstruck as to not sound an alarm when that same person begins to make a disturbing step in a direction that is not good.
I hope you all understand.
Stay the course and never compromise!
– The Pilgrim
LikeLike
Pilgrim Said:
“But allow me to also offer a word of caution as well. Be very cautious whom we adore so much that our personal preferences and likes get in the way of sound rational thought and discernment, and cause us to compromise just a little in this area.”
Pilgrim, I agree completely with you there! That is one thing I admire about your stance – you cautiously remind us that it is very easy to elevate the man and not God and His Word.
Have a blessed Holy Week brother!
LikeLike
For more on Mark Driscoll and Phil Johnson, see:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
LikeLike
Hi Pilgrim,
Great response in what you said–we should not/must not ever elevate any man, regardless of what he teaches or does not teach. I’m not sure I made my point very clear in my earlier post, so I’ll try again.
Paul Washer does not have anything to do with the other speakers at the conference. It is doubtful that he even knew who else was being invited to speak when he accepted this invitation. I am not trying to defend Paul other than to say that I believe your comments on this issue should be directed to Jeff and Anchored In Truth. He (Jeff) is the one who makes these decisions, not Paul. My concern is that your post is going all over the Internet, giving people the idea that Paul was involved in the decision-making regarding Paul Tripp speaking. He was not.
Hope this clarifies things a bit. I encourage you to rethink your accusation towards Paul, based on this info. (Feel free to email me if you’d like.) You do not have to post my comment if you prefer not to.
Blessings in Christ…
LikeLike
Pilgrim said : ” In regards to contacting Washer and Noblit, I already have and am awaiting their reply. ”
Thank you brother. I appreciate your response and I want to add that I totally agree with your assessment of Tripp.
God bless
– dale
LikeLike
Dear M. Pinkel:
Are you saying Washer had no idea who else would be involved in this conference? When he agreed to do it, the other speaker was never revealed until after the flyers went out, the website updated, and the reservations made? That technically, if Noblit had selected Joyce Meyer and Benny Hinn to participate in the conference, then their faces would have been smiling at me along side Washer’s from the flyer in my mailbox instead of Tripp?
Whether or not Washer coordinated the selection of speakers or not, I find it difficult to believe he had no idea who else would be speaking at this conference. That with as much influence that he has, that he would not have been consulted by Noblit and instead it was all done without his knowledge.
Even, for the sake of argument, Washer had no idea Tripp was going to be speaking at the event, the issue is now ‘what will he do?’ Because ignorance can no longer be a valid, rational excuse.
With that said, I still hold out hope. Hope that they (Noblit and Washer) will seriously reconsider their invite of Paul Tripp.
I greatly respect and admire both Washer and Noblit and it grieves me to see that this is happening. And even if they go through with their intended conference with Tripp, I will by no means proclaim “Anathema,” but I will not be able to endorse Washer or Noblit any further.
This does not mean that all the powerful preaching that the duo has exposited (much to my edification and growth as a Christian), has become null and void, but I simply would not in good conscience be able to endorse them any further.
I hope you understand.
Sincerely,
– The Pilgrim
LikeLike
I’m afraid that I do know of a few others that did contact Anchored in Truth about this matter. So far they haven’t gotten a response. 😦
Personally, the promo video at the True Church Conference was not what I would have expected from such a typically, quality teaching church. We do not do teen camps but if I did that one wouldn’t be what I would choose. It seemed contemporary and edgy, if that makes sense. But then I am a peculiar person. 🙂 1 Peter 2:9-12
Berean Wife
LikeLike
Dear Pilgrim,
My name is Shannon Ayers, and I work with HeartCry Missionary Society. Paul Washer asked me to send you the following in regards to this matter. God bless you.
——————————————————————
Dear Brother,
I hope this brief note finds you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have heard of your ministry and the blessing that many have received from it. It is a necessary task to defend the faith in truth and love as I believe you do.
Regarding my association with Reality Check and Paul Tripp–Reality Check is a ministry of Jeff Noblit. I have no association with the ministry except that I have preached in the conference in the past and will do so again this summer. I have no relationship with Paul Tripp, but I have never heard anything negative regarding his person or ministry.
I do have a relationship with Jeff Noblit and I know for a fact that he never uses any form of the colorful language that is becoming so popular today, and I know that he strongly opposes the trend. Although we all make mistakes, especially with the tongue, I believe you would be hard pressed to find one indiscrete remark in all of Pastor Noblit’s preaching.
Again, I greatly appreciate your ministry and your desire to bring this to our attention.
Your brother,
Paul Washer
LikeLike
“Be very cautious whom we adore so much that our personal preferences and likes get in the way of sound rational thought and discernment, and cause us to compromise just a little in this area.”
Amen to that.
Thank you Pilgrim.
I thank God for every contributor on DefCon for being vigilant and for “sounding the alarm”.
LikeLike
Dear Paul Washer via Shannon Ayers:
First, I wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to respond to this matter.
You said:
“I do have a relationship with Jeff Noblit and I know for a fact that he never uses any form of the colorful language that is becoming so popular today, and I know that he strongly opposes the trend. Although we all make mistakes, especially with the tongue, I believe you would be hard pressed to find one indiscrete remark in all of Pastor Noblit’s preaching.”
I would agree with you. However, the issue is not whether or not Pastor Noblit (or yourself for that matter) uses or has used profane language. The issue is why one (Paul Tripp) who has flippantly used profane language in a video (promoting another conference) would be given the opportunity to share the pulpit with you and Pastor Noblit.
While Pastor Phil Johnson is taking a stand against this latest trend of vulgarity among the shepherds, I am perplexed as to why Mr. Tripp would be offered the luxury of validation by appearing at a conference with Pastor Noblit and yourself. The idea is not only shocking, but disturbing.
We are living in a time when people will not adhere to sound doctrine but instead are turning to stories and fables, and some of the story tellers are finding it relevant to spew vulgarities. This is not a time to be wishy-washy in this matter and we must not live like God gave us no law.
It’s not enough for us to refrain from such profane behavior ourselves, but we must be above reproach by not mingling ourselves with those who do in such settings.
You also said:
“I have no relationship with Paul Tripp, but I have never heard anything negative regarding his person or ministry.”
I encourage you to please check out this video and decide for yourself whether or not aligning yourself with one who speaks this way is a good thing or a bad thing. But just make sure your children are not around when you view it.
Sincerely,
– The Pilgrim
LikeLike
Here is a comment I left on another post:
“What has happened to John Piper? Why has he invited the perenially potty-mouthed duo Paul Tripp and Mark Driscoll to appear at his Desiring God 2008 National Conference? Why does John Piper see fit to provide the spiritual equivalents of “Beavis & Butthead”with a platform from which to spew their filth?”
The above quote is from a previous DefCon post. If and when Jeff Noblitt and Paul Washer appear with Paul Tripp at the Reality Check Conference this summer, will there be a similar post?
“What has happened to Jeff Noblitt? Why has he invited the perenially potty-mouthed Paul Tripp to appear at his Reality Check 2009 Conference? Why does Jeff Noblitt see fit to provide the spiritual equivalent of “Beavis or Butthead”with a platform from which to spew his filth?”
After being a long-time reader of Reformation Nation and DefCon, and a long-time commenter, and, while not agreeing with everything posted, here is my opinion after seeing Pilgrim question the association of Tripp with Noblitt and Washer.
Pilgrim = CONSISTENT
LikeLike
MA,
Of course I recognize your quotes as my own words from a prior DefCon post, but it’s not clear to me if you’re suggesting that I’m being inconsistent by not writing a piece on the Noblit/Washer/Tripp story, or if you’re simply applauding DefCon’s consistency in general for not having “sacred cows”. DefCon has no “sacred cows”, and certainly neither Noblit nor Washer are sacrosanct for me personally.
Generally speaking if one DefCon contributor picks up a story or theme others may also write on the same subject, or else we may simply leave it to be expanded upon by the original author and/or within the resulting comment thread. I didn’t pick up on the Noblit/Washer/Tripp piece because the Pilgrim did, although I did send a message of concern to the Reality Check Conference and the DefCon team has exchanged several private e-mails about the matter.
At any rate I don’t plan on writing on this issue as The Pilgrim has already done a thorough and excellent treatment of the subject.
In Christ,
CD
LikeLike
I did not mean to imply that Pilgrim was consistent and that CD was inconsistent. I meant to state that (in my opinion) DefCon displayed consistency in applying the same standard to Noblitt and Washer as was applied to Piper and others. Such consistency is rare in my experience on internet “discernment” sites. I meant it as complimentary, not insulting. I should have been more careful in more wording. I assumed that “DefCon” approved of both posts. I just named Pilgrim because he happened to be listed as the “post”er of the latter.
LikeLike
MA,
You’ve been around here long enough that I suspected this was the case, but I do appreciate your clarification nonetheless.
In Christ,
CD
LikeLike
What I don’t understand is why Paul Washer does so many of these conferences? He has stated in some of his sermons, ridiculing these types of conferences and the people that attend them; that they just get people fired up and they fizzle out later. I am sure it is a great way to raise money for the debt on the church….of course I bet Paul draws a big crowd too!
Four people per room $150
Three people per room $175
Two people per room $215
One person per room $300
Let me say I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by Paul Washer’s teaching and enjoy listening to him and reading his articles. So please don’t burn me at the stake! 🙂 Its just a thought I have…
BTW Pilgrim we have the same picture….I thought I changed mine…you know out with the old, in with the new!! Will have to fix that, found a really neat picture a couple of weeks ago….But great minds do think a light they say!
LikeLike
Dear Brothers,
This is the first time I have ever responded in a blog to the criticisms directed against me, but I felt it was necessary given the present circumstances. First of all, I have now listened to the video by Paul Tripp. I do not agree with using such language and hope to address brother Tripp directly regarding the matter. I will not endorse such language or make an excuse for it. However, I will not refuse him the fellowship of a Christian or allow his words to keep me from preaching. If any such words are spoken publicly from the platform, I will publicly rebuke. However I do not believe that such language will be used by Brother Tripp in the AIT conference or tolerated by Jeff Noblitt. Secondly, I am not a member of the AIT organization and have had no part whatsoever in the formation of its ministry convictions. I am an invited speaker and neither I nor HeartCry gain from any of its endeavors. Every HeartCry Conference up to the present has been free of charge. Thirdly, I have spoken against the “false fire” of many youth conferences, and I stand by my statements. However, in the one “Reality Check Conference” where I have spoken, there was a zeal for biblical worship and sound expository preaching. It was one of the most God-honoring youth events I have ever witnessed. Fourthly, please pray for me as I endeavor to walk with Christ. I am a man who stands in constant need of grace. Finally, thank you for all that you are doing to promote the glory of God and the truth of His Word.
Your brother,
Paul
LikeLike
Brother Paul Washer,
Thank you for stopping by and commenting at DefCon. You can rest assured that you and your ministry remain in the prayers of many here.
None of us knows Paul Tripp’s heart, but believers are taught that it is out of the abundance of a man’s heart that his mouth speaks, and that no unwholesome (filthy) communication ought to proceed from our lips, and that our speech ought to be seasoned with grace, as with salt.
As any reasonable Spirit-filled believer can see and hear the contents of Paul Tripp’s video exhibition as linked above do not represent these scriptural exhortations; in fact they flaunt them and they dishonor the King who bought us with His blood. There is little doubt that many young people have watched this video and will feel emboldened thereby to emulate Tripp’s shameful example.
This is troubling.
I know that you don’t need to be instructed on such things from a simple theology blog brother, because you are a seasoned preacher of the Eternal Gospel of Grace. Therefore, you can surely understand and sympathize that it is from abundance of caution and with much fear and trembling before God’s Holy Word that these public matters of concern are brought forth for public consideration.
The purpose herein is not to criticize Paul Washer, nor Jeff Noblit, but to call the Body to discernment.
In Him,
CD
LikeLike
hey i go to jeff noblits and paul washers church and im sure they had no idea about this man.
LikeLike
Well everything must be o.k. then!
😛
LikeLike
I went to a church where a man came in and preached about using “by words” as he called them. Words that mean the same thing as a cuss word but just toned down. What was funny is he used the “by words” in his message.
Oh well. I guess he thought he had to use the words so we would know what he was talking about.
LikeLike
How sad and he’s supposed to be a witness before the flock! Doesn’t sound like he really wanted to be a witness.
LikeLike
PIPED PIPER JOHN INVITES RICK WARREN HERETIC TO DG 2010 !
FIRST THE CLOSE WORK WITH EMERGENT CHURCH MARK DRISCOLL FOLLOWED BY A 8 MONTH LEAVE FROM MINISTRY DUE TO ” UNNAMED PRIDE ..? ” NOW HIS DESIRING GOD CONFERENCE HAS NOTED HERETIC PROSPERITY GOSPEL MONEY HUNGRY MEGACHURCH AUTHOR RICK WARREN AS A SPEAKER. WHAT’S SAD IS SO MANY YOUTH OF TODAY PASTORS OF TOMORROW FOLLOW PIPER’S HEDONIST DOCTRINE OF PREACHING TEACHING & WRITINGS ! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH JOHN, COME BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE !!
MRWBBIII
LikeLike
I am late in stumbling across this thread, but I feel I must comment. I am distressed to see so many believers speak ill of Dr. Tripp. As one who has had the honor of hearing Dr. Tripp preach on several occassions, I must note that his language has always been mature, edifying, and godly. I can tell you, further, that he lives a Christlike life as an example to others, and serves with a humble, gracious heart. I ask you sincerely not to step beyond proper boundaries when address Dr. Tripp, as this video is but the tiniest snapshot of his character, and there is, indeed, much to love and admire, as he is of great use to the Master.
No one can say that Dr. Tripp has a habit of filthiness, nor that he speaks flippantly nor irreverently. He is a man of gracious, careful speech. Even in this clip– despite what one may think of it– it is clear that is manner is reserved. He does not speak with brash vulgarity as habit, like Mark Driscoll. He used, in this instance, a word that is deemed inappropriate in our society; whether he has sinned or not, I will not judge. Whether he is, as a pattern, a man with a foul tongue, I can tell you most assuredly that he is not.
Pray for him and his ministry.
And pray for me, too, brothers, as my own mouth has often stirred up trouble. By God’s grace we are all growing.
Brandon
LikeLike
??? No reply from Pilgrim? I am greatly surprised to see Brother Paul Washer respond to a blog on the net. I hope Pilgrim you can put out a definite statement or some kind of update to this post. Brother Paul has made clear his involvement in the whole “unsound words” affair: that he totally opposes it, and will admonish brother Tripp for the video.
In Him!
LikeLike
Something fishy going on. All links including the video posted above have been removed. Looks like someone is doing damage control. Truth shall be exposed as will all wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Thanks to the original watchman of this post. Stand guard for the devil roams around seeking whom he can devour. Put not your faith in men but in Jesus alone and in His written Word.
LikeLike