by Henri Nouwen
This is short sampling of an excerpt of one chapter of Henri Nouwen’s acclaimed book Community, available from bookstores.
So often in ministry, I have wanted to do it by myself. If it didn't work, I went to others and said, "Please!" searching for a community to help me. If that didn't work, maybe I'd start praying.
But the order that Jesus teaches us is the reverse. It begins by being with God in solitude; then it creates a fellowship, a community of people with whom the mission is being lived; and finally this community goes out together to heal and to proclaim good news.
I believe you can look at solitude, community, and ministry as three disciplines by which we create space for God. If we create space in which God can act and speak, something surprising will happen. You and I are called to these disciplines if we want to be disciples.
At the October 2024 International Gathering of NCN, copies of the hardcover book will be available for review and possible purchase.
Community, Hardcover - September 22, 2021
by Henri J. M. Nouwen (Author), Stephen Lazarus (Editor)