Creative Ministry
Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1971. First edition. Octavo, original black cloth, uncut, original dust jacket. An about fine book in a bright, crisp dust jacket. A near-fine copy. Item #1140
"LIBERATION CAN BECOME A POSSIBILITY"
First edition of this early work on pastoral theology by Henri J.M. Nouwen. Described on the flap of the dust jacket as a "Priest-Psychologist," Nouwen's books "invited countless persons to enter more deeply into the spiritual life—intimacy with Jesus and solidarity with a wounded world" (Robert Ellsberg). Born of a summer at the University of Notre Dame, these insights develop the deeper meaning and true value of Christian Service. "For many individuals professional training means power. But the minister, who takes off his clothes to wash the feet of his friends, is powerless, and his training and formation are meant to enable him to face his own weakness without fear and make it available to others. It is exactly this creative weakness that gives the ministry its momentum."
The book consists of an Introduction: Beyond Professionalism. Chapter I: Beyond the Transference of Knowledge (Teaching), Chapter II. Beyond the Retelling of the Story (Preaching), Chapter III. Beyond the Skillful Response (Individual Pastoral Care), Chapter IV. Beyond the Manipulation of Structures (Organizing), Chapter V. Beyond the Protective Ritual (Celebrating). Conclusion: A Spirituality of Ministry. An Epilogue formulates some of the "many unanswered questions" for further reflection. With Nouwen's extended Dedication to Seward Hiltner and his family, after Hiltner (an early mentor) suffered the loss of his son, James. Dust jacket designed by Mike McIver. Ellsberg. All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time.
Price: $75.00