I found Nouwen’s suggestions for ministering to people in the current …show more content…
I believe Nouwen’s assertion that ministers are wounded and in need of healing before they can minister to others is insightful and spot on. (Nouwen, 88) Nouwen points to both personal loneliness and professional loneliness as common causes of ministers being wounded and needing healing before they can effectively minister to others. (Nouwen, 89-93) I love the way Nouwen summarizes the call of today’s ministers in the face of these types of wounds, stating: “They are called to be the wounded healer, the ones who must not only look after their own wounds, but at the same time be prepared to heal the wounds of others.” (Nouwen, 88) He also states: “it is their task to make visible the first vestiges of liberation for others.” (Nouwen, 88) I wholeheartedly agree with Nouwen’s sentiments in each of these quotes and think they accurately summarize the attitude I will take toward practicing ministry and providing pastoral