It has been an interesting discussion. I thank all of you who have shared, participated or simply read along with us without comment. I have been blessed by the comments and pray that this group has been a blessing to you too.
I’d like to pose a final discussion topic: a question, statement or commitment as we finish […]
As we begin the discussion of the last chapter, I’d like to quote the last paragraph of the opening: The Temptation. “The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat….Many Christian empire builders have been people unable to give and receive love.” Our secular world and society honors and exhaults the “movers and […]
In the chapter “From Popularity to Ministry” Nouwen identifies the task of ministry as feeding the sheep and the discipline of confession and forgiveness. Popularity, which is so important in secular circles (and sadly, in many churches as an endorsement of “success”) is all about feeding oneself, not sacrifically caring for those around you. Confession and forgiveness symbolizes […]
One of the things about Nouwen that has spoken most dramatically to me was his move from the prestigious world of academia to a community of handicapped people. It speaks to me of the model of Jesus who left heaven to become like us. This chapter - “From popularity to ministry” - speaks to the issue […]
At the end of the 1st chapter”From Relevance to Prayer”, Nouwen writes: “For Christian leadership to be truly fruitful in the future, a movement from the moral to the mystical is required” (and, should you have forgotten the Nouwen definition on “mystic”, from page 42 “a mystic is a person whose identity is deeply rooted […]
This week’s question is “what from this chapter spoke most directly to you and why?”
The DAY has arrived! Here we are embarking upon a community of believers reading through IN THE NAME OF JESUS. I’m excited in anticipation of the inputs, sharing and growth this will stimulate in me (selfishly) and I hope our communities.
In the weeks to come, I’d like to outline the discussion questions. There are 3 chapters, […]
As we prepare for our discussion of In the Name of Jesus beginning October 15, let’s spend some time introducing ourselves. As a way of doing that, share with the group a favorite Nouwen book or quote.
I’m Jack Given, moderator for discussion of In the Name of Jesus. Married, grandfather of 4, from Valparaiso, Indiana. My wife and I […]
It is a privilege and joy to moderate this blog for the Henri Nouwen Society on In the Name of Jesus - Reflections on Christian Leadership. The blog discussion begins on October 15. In the next 4 weeks as preparation, I’d like to outline some steps to prepare us for the discussion. Sept 17 – […]