Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen


I am re-reading this book. Here's a challenging paragraph:
"Anger in particular seems close to a professional vice in the contemporary ministry. Pastors are angry at their leaders for not leading and at their followers for not following. They are angry at those who do not come to church for not coming and angry at those who do come for coming without enthusiasm. They are angry at their families, who make them feel guilty, and angry at themselves for not being who they want to be. This is not and open, blatant, roaring anger, but and anger hidden behind the smooth word, the smiling face, and the polite handshake. it is a frozen anger, an anger which settles into a biting resentment and slowly paralyzes a generous heart. If there is anything that makes the ministry look grim and dull, it is this dark, insidious anger in the servants of Christ."
All I can say is, "Wow".
Can anyone else relate to Nouwen's description of contemporary ministry?

1 comment:

  1. WOW!!!

    You think thoughts that are beyond me - though I know that was a borrowed one. I will share it. Thanks

    ReplyDelete