3-EN ( 英文 ), 0400-Pastorial Care / Counselling ( 教牧輔導 ) 

According to Henri Nouwen, the bestselling spiritual writer, every Christian is a minister—trying to live his life in the light of the Gospel. Creative Ministry is a thoughtful examination of the various complex tasks that are part of that way of life.Separate chapters treat each of the five areas that Nouwen considers the primary responsibilities of the minister: teaching, preaching, counseling, organizing, and celebrating. He shows how these main functions are inextricably tied to the minister’s spiritual life and why they must be directed toward a creative dialogue with other Christians if they are to be rewarding. It is also essential, he maintains, that the minister leave himself open, take risks, and “lay down his life for his friends” in order to give new life.“There is today a great hunger for a new spirituality,” observes Nouwen, a hunger that requires new and creative forms of ministry. Citing numerous examples from his rich experience, the author offers practical advice for infusing daily pastoral work with meaning. The result is an insightful presentation and a resonant spiritual guide for every man and woman who wants to be of service. 

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"