Henri Nouwen Spirituality

Renowned author Henri Nouwen offers a welcome message for our chaotic times: "Come home to God, and you will no longer feel like a stranger to yourself or the world." Nouwen, a beloved pastor and teacher who authored more than 40 books, had an unusual ability to help readers see the simplicity and beauty of the spiritual life. The deep wisdom and sensitivity that shine forth in his writing encourage people to move closer to the heart of God and dwell in the knowledge of God's love. In this brief book, Nouwen explores several facets of Christian discipleship: • Conversion • Freedom • Solidarity • Suffering • Joy • Prayer • Service. A Spirituality of Homecoming makes an excellent study for Lent but can also be used anytime by individuals or groups wanting a deeper understanding of discipleship.

What's the secret to living a spiritual life? So much is happening in our world that we often get distracted and listen to voices other than the voice of God. "If we want to be disciples of Jesus, we have to live a disciplined life," Nouwen asserts. In the spiritual life, discipline requires conscious effort to keep every area in life from being filled up. It means creating space in our life for God to act and speak. Nouwen identifies 3 essential disciplines for maintaining a life of discipleship: solitude, community, and ministry. In solitude we learn to listen to God through prayer. We realize that we are beloved sons and daughters of God. In community we learn to celebrate, as well as to practice vulnerability and forgiveness. After we have experienced solitude and community, we feel God's call to minister to a hurting world. God empowers us to do amazing things. This encouraging, insightful book will inspire you to practice solitude, community, and ministry. The result, Nouwen promises, is a fruitful, Spirit-filled life.

Have you ever raised funds for your church, another organization, or a mission trip? Maybe you felt uncomfortable about asking people to donate money. It's time to change the way you view this important task. "Fundraising is, first and foremost, a ministry," renowned author and teacher Henri Nouwen writes in the introduction. "It's a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission." Nouwen approaches fundraising from a position of strength rather than weakness, seeing it as spiritual work. "Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging," he points out. Unlike most business/leadership books, A Spirituality of Fundraising is brief and can easily be read in one sitting. Sections of this booklet include: Fundraising as Ministry, Helping the Kingdom Come About, Our Security Base, People Who Are Rich, Asking, A New Communion, Prayer and Gratitude, and Your Kingdom Come. Nouwen's insights will shift your thinking about fundraising. You'll never feel as though you are begging for money but will instead view your work as true ministry. A must-read for leaders in churches, nonprofits, ministries, and businesses!