The Wounded Healer
Ministry in Contemporary Society
A hope-filled and profoundly simple book that speaks directly to those who want to be of service in their church or community, but have found the traditional ways often threatening and ineffective.
In this book, Henri Nouwen combines creative case studies of ministry with stories from diverse cultures and religious traditions in preparing a new model for ministry. Weaving keen cultural analysis with his psychological and religious insights, Nouwen has come up with a balanced and creative theology of service that begins with the realization of fundamental woundedness in human nature. Emphasizing that which is in humanity common to both minister and believer, this woundedness can serve as a source of strength and healing when counseling others.
Filled with examples from everyday experience, The Wounded Healer is a thoughtful and insightful guide that will be welcomed by anyone engaged in the service of others.
More About this Book
A Nouwen classic. This book addresses the question: what does it mean to be a minister in contemporary society? With characteristic precision drawn from his training in psychology, Nouwen provides an incisive diagnosis of the condition of modern North American society: hopelessness, loneliness and rootlessness. He then suggests that rather than follow trends and increase professionalism, the minister is called to enter fully into the suffering and make his or her own wounds available as a source of healing.
Themes: Ministry, Pastoral Care, Suffering, Jesus, Compassion, Loneliness, Leadership, Pastoral Theology
Doubleday, 1972
Praise for "The Wounded Healer"
"I’ve read few books that have truly shaped and transformed my way of thinking and subsequently my way of living. This book stands among them." -Grace
"Nouwen is one of those classic Christian authors that I feel like every Christian should read in their lifetime. He has such a wonderful way of explaining theological ideas in a way that is both readable and practical." -Heidi
"This is most definitely not a book to peruse through, but something to meditate on. Highly recommend this book for pastors, counselors and anyone who wants to help others." -Christine