In the Name of Jesus (1989)

This is one of the best books on Christian leadership (or on just following Jesus) that I know. Powerful. Concise. Insightful. Convicting. Reflective. Definitely worth reading multiple times. ( )

I’ve read this book before, and since it is required reading for some schooling I’m taking in a couple of weeks (and it’s short), I decided to read it again.

Now, I think I’ll make it required, annual reading for myself. Not only does Nouwen's teaching respond with me, his experience and illustration is quite relevant for my work. ( )

This is one of the books i try to read every year. I just finished it again and it's still worth reading every year. The message is intended for Christian leaders, but the ideas are of value to all Christ followers. ( )

Henri J.M. Nouwen shares his insights from his life with people with a mental handicap, in hope that they will give you some kind of inkling of the direction to take when wondering about Christian leadership in the future. In sharing his reflections with you, he uses as his guide two stories from the Gospels: the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) and the story of Peter's call to be a shepherd (John 21:15-19).

With his customary simple and passionate prose, Nouwen writes here about Christian Leadership. Nouwen takes the leadership attributes encouraged by the World and uproots them, turning them around, and showing how the Servant-Leadership of Christ Jesus is different. He illustrates this by examples from his own failures and struggles as a leader – going from the hallowed halls of Harvard to a community for mentally and physical disabled people where all his leadership skills suddenly became pointless and useless. It is from that place of humility he speaks to the Christian Leader, encourage and admonishing.
Although this book is simple and short, it is powerful. I would strongly encourage any Christian to read it – but in particular Christians who find themselves in a position of leaders, church or secular. Although written over 20 years ago, the message is still true and still needing to be heard. If leaders wish to be strong in the Kingdom of God they cannot lead the way the World does. They must lead the way Christ did. Nouwen’s book encourages this and is vital for any Christian. ( )