I've read this book several times, and I'm impacted each time I do. The way he walks us through the temptations of Christ and applies that to Christian leadership is insightful and challenging. I need it.

I read this book in a day in a half. An extremely easy read and oh boy. This book read me more than I read it. Henri J.M. Nouwen's reflections on Christian leadership as written in the context of the temptation of Christ in the desert (Matthew 4) and the calling of Peter to be a shepherd of the Church (John 21) is an easily digestible book that should be read not only by Christian leaders, but by all the laity as well.

Fr. Nouwen is masterful. He presents a version of Christian faith that is very different than the evangelical American brand I learned. It is rich and true to Jesus. His advice for leaders in this century is profound. The only slight thing that bothered me was the notion that Nouwen was sacrificing much by living among the profoundly disabled. The rewards of such a leading always outweighs the cost.

“I leave you with the image of the leader with outstretched hands, who chooses a life of downward mobility. It is the image of the praying leader, the vulnerable leader, and the trusting leader. May that image fill your hearts with hope, courage, and confidence as you anticipate the
new century”

One of the most powerful books I have read! As a period of consistency, and even a little bit of comfort comes to an end, I am realizing more of who I am and who I was created to be. This book helped me connect the dots, and somewhat make sense of how to navigate transitional moments and times. I often forget my call to be vulnerable and to continue to go into spaces that force me to be uncomfortable. As organized ministry may die down, having a heart for knowing Jesus more will not. Jesus is after all, continually after the renewal and growth of my heart. In times of not knowing, I am reminded that my identity is not in my own understanding or only what I can see. My identity is solely in the truth that I am redeemed and because of that, I am then sent as a powerful, celebrated daughter.

Loved it as a succinct and true treatise on Christian Leadership. A whole bunch of books have been written about "servant leadership," and many of them have been given to me over the years. Now I know where the other books were drawing inspiration. This one doesn't say too much or too little, and the incorporation of Nouwen's personal stories make it authentic and memorable.

“The leaders of the future will be those who dare to claim their irrelevance in the contemporary world as a divine vocation that allows them to enter into a deep solidarity with the anguish underlying all the glitter of success, and to bring the light of Jesus there.”

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reading my first book by Henri Nouwen, “Bread for the Journey,” a daily reflection book with short passages taken from his works. I have always found Nouwen’s writings profound and insightful, yet direct and to the point. “In the Name of Jesus” is no exception. This was an extremely quick read while giving me a lot to chew on in my life as a Christian disciple. Nouwen takes what the world says is important to leadership and flips it on its head, taking irrelevance over relevance and humility over self-promotion. I would highly recommend giving this book a read if you serve the Church in any capacity. There is something in this book for everyone to take away into their lives.

Read this one in an hour and half, gonna be absorbing it and revisiting it’s truths for SURE… Highly highly recommend for anyone in church leadership or who interacts closely with church leadership

A wonderful short book that is so inspiring, as Nouwen always is. The essence of the book is summed up in one sentence, “I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.” (p. 17)

Insofar as my opinion counts (and I’m not aware of many contexts in which it does) I would consider this book, along with Eugene Peterson‘s the contemplative pastor, necessary reading for anyone involved in pastoral or spiritual leadership. Nouwen has such a gift for Illuminating the mind and enlarging the heart. This is a great, brief, clear primer on leadership in the spiritual domain.

Pretty remarkable little book on how one of our greatest Christian leaders received inspiration and wisdom on how Jesus teaches us how to lead. Beginning to understand the seemingly simple sentiments that Nouwen brings up that have been heavily reflected on through a theological lens.

A beautiful well thought out book on the nature of Christian leadership and the love we all need to remember to give one another. Very very good.
Thanks Chad S!!