Creative ministry

by Henri J. M. Nouwen

In separate sections on each of the five areas which he considers the primary responsibilities of the priest and minister -- teaching, preaching, counseling, organizing and celebrating -- the author shows how these professional duties are inextricably tied to the minister's own spiritual life, and explains why they must be directed towards a creative dialogue between minister and parishoner if they are to be rewarding. For each of these functions, he maintains, become true ministry only when the priest moves beyond his professional role and leaves himself open, takes risks and, in the words of the Gospel, "lays down his life for his friends" in order to give new life.