Peter Greer - The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good

2013 by Peter Greer

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2013

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4412-6158-8

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations identified ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007

Scripture quotations identified GW are from G OD S W ORD . 1995 Gods Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

Scripture quotations identified The Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations identified NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org

Scripture quotations identified NIV 1984 are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations identified NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations identified NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover design by Faceout Studio

Author is represented by Wolgemuth & Associates.

Doing good can take its toll on our lives if we arent careful. The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good is an honest look at the dangers we all need to avoid as we seek to make a difference.

Craig Groeschel, senior pastor, LifeChurch.tv

Peter Greer is a friend and a brother, a sparring partner on capitalism and things that matter. As well as anyone I know, Peter lives out the old saying of Jesus: Be shrewd as a serpent and innocent as a dove. This is his newest book... full of shrewdness and full of innocence. It is a brilliant reminder that what we do is not nearly as important as who we areand how much we give is not nearly as important as how much love is in the giving.

Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and lover of Jesus, thesimpleway.org

This book is a needed message for all leaders interested in social justice, ministry, or simply loving their neighbors as themselves. It is timely and welcomed. So get ready for a challenge. Peter is a thought leader who is changing the world. Read this book!

Brad Lomenick, president and lead visionary, Catalyst

If you are looking for another fluffy how to be a better you book then keep looking, but if youre ready to take an honest look at your leadership then read this work with a continual prayer on your lips: Lord, show me how this might be true in my life. Too often Christian leaders gloss over these issues at their own peril. Read it, take heed, and become liberated from the hero who must die in order to liveyou.

Dr. Scott C. Todd, senior vice president, Compassion International

In this extremely timely and important book, Peter Greer applies the apostle Pauls teaching to the twenty-first century leader. Readable, humorous, and keenly insightful.

Brian Fikkert, author of When Helping Hurts

Anchored in personal, gut-honest experience, The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good is a clarion call to all of us. Peter and Anna discuss how to change the world without sacrificing what is most important. I deeply resonate with the principles found in this book. I am taking an inventory of my own journey as a result.

Stephan Bauman, president and CEO, World Relief

Peter has nailed it. He has uncovered unique signs and situations we overlook as leaders that cause serious harm to ourselves and to othersparticularly those we love most. Want to be a great leader? This is a must read.

David Spickard, president and CEO, Jobs for Life

My thought as I was reading was Its time for us to get off our soapboxes and get off the platforms, roll up our sleeves, and go to work for Jesus and Him alone. Peter helps us in practical ways to serve Jesus with a pure heart, pure love and,... no applause necessary. I believe this book will get you in your gut and youll be forever changed.

Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Annes, Inc.

This book will speak truth into hearts that are open. From gorillas in Rwanda to prophets in Panera Bread, the authentic stories and relevant topics will help those in ministry avoid the dangers that so often accompany doing good .

Scooter Haase, executive director, Water Street Mission

Peter is a veteran leader who shares his experience in a powerful way. This book is for those advocates who live and serve with their neighbors. Peter is well aware of the dangers of service and shares them in a helpful way. This book will help you rediscover the foundations of service.

Leroy Barber, president, Mission Year

Insightful, engaging, and eminently readable, The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good will pique the hearts, minds, and consciences of anyone who wants to exchange the perils of doing good for the gratitude and security of remembering why we serve.

Kim S. Phipps, PhD, president, Messiah College, past chair, Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Board of Directors

If you hope to better the world, you had better read this book. With striking vulnerability, Peter Greer interweaves his own experiences with biblical truth to expose the dark side of doing good. As a professional do-gooder in a city of do-gooders, Im buying this book in bulk.

The Rev. Thomas R. Hinson III, rector, Church of the Advent, Washington D.C.

Ive taken enough photographs to realize theres a greater story behind the image. Peter is willing to take us beyond the portrait of a nonprofit leader to give us a glimpse of the hidden dark side that comes with doing good. This book is honest and a needed challenge for anyone who wants to help change the world.

Jeremy Cowart, entertainment/humanitarian photographer, founder, Help-Portrait

YES! Finally. A book, or story rather, about REAL leadership for those who are leaders in ministry. This book is solid gold because of the humility of the author and his desire for all of us to be whole so we can truly serve others.

Jeremie Kubicek, founder, GiANT Impact

The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good is a forensic exploration of souls in the center of the serving experience. Peter Greer gives us language on how to be mindful of our internal dynamics while we are externally experiencing our faith. Every Christ-follower should make this book their surgeon before serving.

Charley Scandlyn, campus pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church