Power and Weakness: Part 3 of a reflection on Henri Nouwen’s “In the Name of Jesus”

This is the third and final post in a series on Henri Nouwen's book In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership (read part 1 and part 2). I'm writing on this significant book in order to continue reflecting on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, which serves as the basis for Nouwen's …

Community and Identity: Part 2 of a reflection on Henri Nouwen’s “In the Name of Jesus”

Yesterday I began a series of three posts on Henri Nouwen's book In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. I continue that series here by delving into the second part of that book: "From Popularity to Ministry." Doing Ministry TogetherI have read this book several times, but I continue to be deeply impacted …

Irrelevance and the Love of God: Part 1 of a reflection on Henri Nouwen’s “In the Name of Jesus”

One of the most incisive handlings I have ever encountered on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11 is Henri Nouwen's book In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. While the book is specifically targeted at those in ministry, I believe it has broader application to all believers. In this …

Transformation into Christlikeness is Possible: Dallas Willard

While preparing for a retreat with Eastbrook Church's student ministry, I came across this excerpt from Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard that hit home to me. Given some of my recent reflections on the nature of pastoral leadership in North America (see "Five Themes of Resilient Ministry" and "Five Steps for Overcoming the Dark …