Solitude, Community, Ministry
October 31, 2008
12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. -Luke 6:12-19
Reflecting on this passage, Henri Nouwen points out three distinct disciplines (rhythms) established by Jesus as the order for spiritual work. They are solitude, community and ministry. In solitude we can hear God speak. Out of solitude a community of people is formed to embody the mission. Finally, this community of followers goes out together healing the sick and troubled and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom.
Nouwen writes, “I believe you can look at solitude, community and ministry as three disciplines by which we create space for God. If we create space in which God can act and speak, something surprising will happen.”
How do the disciplines of solitude, community and ministry take shape in your life? Which one tends to get neglected most? What do you think of Nouwen’s ordering of solitude first, community second, and ministry third? What might you do today in an effort to create space for God?
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8 Comments to “Solitude, Community, Ministry”
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[...] The folks over at the Missional Order have a great thought about Solitude, Community & Ministry. [...]
Jamie, there is much to like about this post. I like the title, the picture and the direction mentioned by Nouwen. I think your solitude ~ community ~ ministry is reflected in the order of this order, that is sacred rhythm ~ formation ~ participation in the missio Dei. I do think there is an important direction in both cases.
Which is the most difficult, or most lacking? For me it is the solitude piece. It is so easy to allow the business of daily living to crowd out the most important.
I am reading this book at present and am enjoying it greatly - will comment in more detail later …
Good post Jamie. Welcome on board.
The path of least resistance for me is also solitude (with Brad) in spite of the leaning I have for it. Solitude may be read as inactivity. In the schemes of disciplines it is classified as a discipline of abstention or detachment. Society says don’t detach and Christian culture says detach from the world but attach to ministry. Detaching from ministry is not well looked upon! Society says abstain from nothing. Christian culture says only abstain from sin and that is sufficient abstaining.
It is rare that I hear the voice of God publicly. It is mostly in solitude that God speaks to me, but a solitude that is nourished by true community and fruitful ministry.
Jamie, which of Nouwen’s books is this found in? Love the quote.
Hey Pat,
Here is a link to the article I took the quote from. I found the entire article to be amazing. Enjoy!
[...] Solitude, Community, Ministry : Missional Order Luke 6:12-19 [...]
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