With Tools in the Hands of the Redeemer, Paul David Tripp seeks to help imperfect believers fulfill their God-given role of becoming instruments of change in the lives of other imperfect believers. Tripp received a Master of Divinity degree from the current Philadelphia Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. He currently serves as president of Paul Tripp Ministries whose stated mission is: “Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.” He is also the executive director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a pastor, a teacher, a sought-after speaker, and a prolific author. His writings and lectures consistently display an intense personal conviction that Scripture is the foundation of Christian life and ministry. His other books include What You Expected: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage, Dangerous Calling: Facing the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, and Sex and Money: Pleasures That Leave You Empty and Grace That Satisfies. All of these develop the theme of Christ-centered biblical counseling through various emphases. He presents his arguments as an expert theologian and consultant appreciating the difficulties of exhortation and encouragement towards life change even in the context of the church. Summary Tripp opens his book by stating that the book is about: “How God uses people, who need change, as instruments of the same kind of change in others.” He states: “The purpose of this book… is to help to change the very culture of the church” (preface xi). The Tools in the Hands of the Redeemer is presented in two parts. In chapters 1-6 Tripp does everything… in the middle of the paper… expects to read this book and being able to apply it immediately, is a holder of knowledge better than me. The second half of the book, especially, works best as a manual. It is something that a counselor will keep on hand and refer to on many occasions, particularly at the beginning of a counseling ministry there are cases, in the second part on application, where the reader wants to delve deeper into some of his application examples. I would have liked to be able to follow the story of Sharon and Ed, for example, in more depth as a case study. Tools in the Hands of the Redeemer by Paul David Tripp is an inspiring and motivating book. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to the pastoral ministry, as well as to those called to counsel and to all Christians who wish to respond to God's plan for the Christian community..