prayer + ministry + being led = leadership.
That’s Henri Nouwen’s math according to his book, In the Name of Jesus. Henri Nouwen presents a threefold paradigm for Christian leadership that contrasts with most other Western leadership models associated with power and control. Nouwen believes that “the world in which we live- a world of efficiency and control- has no models to offer to those who want to be shepherds in the way Jesus was a shepherd.” (62) Nouwen suggests that the effective Christian leader will move from cultural relevancy to a mode of prayer; move from the temptation of popularity to a posture of ministry; and move from leading others to being led by others. (91-92)
Leadership is possible, according to Nouwen, when a person reclaims their “unadorned self,” an identity without relevancy that is “completely vulnerable, open to receive and give love regardless of any accomplishments.” (28) Nouwen is convinced that… (read on…)
