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The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society Audiobook
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(4.50) - 20 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A hope-filled and profoundly simple book that speaks directly to those who want to be of service in their church or community, but have found the traditional ways often threatening and ineffective.
In this book, Henri Nouwen combines creative case studies of ministry with stories from diverse cultures and religious traditions in preparing a new model for ministry. Weaving keen cultural analysis with his psychological and religious insights, Nouwen has come up with a balanced and creative theology of service that begins with the realization of fundamental woundedness in human nature. Emphasizing that which is in humanity common to both minister and believer, this woundedness can serve as a source of strength and healing when counseling others.
Nouwen proceeds to develop his approach to ministry with an analysis of sufferings—a suffering world, a suffering generation, a suffering person, and a suffering minister. It is his contention that ministers are called to recognize the sufferings of their time in their own hearts and make that recognition the starting point of their service. For Nouwen, ministers must be willing to go beyond their professional role and leave themselves open as fellow human beings with the same wounds and suffering—in the image of Christ. In other words, we heal from our own wounds.
Filled with examples from everyday experience, The Wounded Healer is a thoughtful and insightful guide that will be welcomed by anyone engaged in the service of others.
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"Nouwen's encouragement to embrace wounds as the source that can bridge loneliness, encourage hospitality, and bring us closer to God are life changing. This concept is not just for ministers, it is a must read for all who live in this fallen world. "
— Pamela (4 out of 5 stars)
The Wounded Healer Listener Reviews
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" Completely and utterly changed how I spoke with everyone and taught me what it means to be human. Absolutely necessary for anyone looking to be what Christ is to us without any ulterior motives. "
— Riley, 5/6/2011 -
" Awesome book ... practical, earthy, heart-forming writings in standard Nouwen style. "
— Deb, 11/9/2010 -
" very good. another keeper for my library. really enjoyed his reasoning and thoughtful discussion on suffering and woundedness. "
— Colleen, 10/26/2010 -
" This was a re-read. I read it many years ago, but now there are more life experiences piled up and it has taken on new meaning "
— Kappy, 10/7/2010 -
" Nouwen's writing is luminous and elegant. He makes what sounds simple into profound wisdom. Reading his books is life-changing; the reader learns how to turn pain into compassion. "
— Cindy, 6/29/2010 -
" Christ healed us through his wounds. <br/> <br/>Those who minister must open themselves up to recognizing that they too heal through their wounds. "
— Seth, 6/5/2010 -
" Focuses a lot on the journey of ministers, it may have been more relevant if I were a pastor by vocation--not necessarily a "pastor of a cell." There is lots of great stuff in here, and it is quite hope-filled and inspiring, but I felt Nouwen's written better works. "
— Jonathan, 1/25/2010 -
" If on a spiritual Journey and if one dares to serve others this journal can be a comforting companion "
— John, 12/17/2009 -
" A must read for an person in Christian leadership. As usual, Nouwen packs a punch, filling this brief book (less than 100 pages) with profound and thought-provoking thoughts. Read it slow. I know I will return to re-read this often. "
— David, 10/30/2009
About Henri J. M. Nouwen
Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) was ordained a Catholic priest in 1957. He obtained his doctorandus in psychology from Nijmegen University in the Netherlands and taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He experienced the monastic life with Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee, lived among the poor in Latin America with the Maryknoll missioners, and was interested and active in numerous causes related to social justice. After a lifetime of seeking, he finally found his home in Canada as pastor of L’Arche Daybreak where people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers live together in community. He wrote more than forty books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.
About Fred Sanders
Fred Sanders, an actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has received critics’ praise for his audio narrations that range from nonfiction, memoir, and fiction to mystery and suspense. He been seen on Broadway in The Buddy Holly Story, in national tours for Driving Miss Daisy and Big River, and on such television shows as Seinfeld, The West Wing, Will and Grace, Numb3rs,Titus, and Malcolm in the Middle. His films include Sea of Love, The Shadow, and the Oscar-nominated short Culture. He is a native New Yorker and Yale graduate.