Community

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Stephen Lazarus (Editor), Robert Ellsberg (Foreword)

Drawing on the celebrated spiritual writer's uncollected essays and transcripts of talks previously unavailable, Communityoffers readers the book Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) never his priceless insights on what Christian community means, and how to achieve it.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2021

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Mary Helen Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but I don’t necessarily recommend it. This book is a compilation of a lot of talks given so many points are repeated. A good read if you’re just wanting some chatter and food for thought on how to live in community with those around you better and serve the Lord through that.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would just hand this book to anyone who has ever thought finding community and friendship in the out-of-school, working world is the most challenging thing that no one prepared you for or taught you how to do on your own

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many clergy of my generation, Henri Nouwen has been a constant companion. His book The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society, which came out right when I was finishing college was my first introduction to Nouwen. I would later have the opportunity to hear him speak. In his books and messages, Nouwen reminded us that we're not perfect and that often we will minister in and through our wounds. It's a lesson that needs to be relearned regularly. What most of us didn't know was that Nouwen himself struggled with the same kinds of issues that the rest of us face. He too struggled with things like jealousy and even arrogance. Perhaps that's why he left the academic world to serve as a chaplain among severely mentally challenged individuals.

Nouwen passed away in 1996, nearly forty years ago, nevertheless, his books and writings continue to speak to new generations of clergy and spiritual seekers. When a new collection emerges, it's worth pausing to take note of the wisdom that Nouwen possessed and draw upon it.

The book under review here is simply titled "Community." Edited by Stephen Lazarus, the book draws together essays and speeches given over a lengthy period. Except for the first essay, the essays are presented in chronological order. As the title suggests, they speak of community. Robert Ellsberg, the publisher of Orbis Books, notes that this book has its origins forty years in the past when Nouwen submitted three essays for consideration to be published in "The Catholic Worker." Ellsberg, being young and naive, found Nouwen's essays to be rather abstract and asked if he had anything else to submit. He writes that Nouwen was somewhat taken aback by the request. In any case, one of those essays submitted so many years before is included in this collection. The book as we have it started life as a request to publish those three essays that focused on community for a new generation of readers. In the end, a larger collection emerged. Stephen Lazarus, the editor of the volume points out that Nowuwen often spoke and wrote about community, works that emerged out of his own search for community.

This book includes both published and unpublished essays, and as Lazarus points out, these essays "provide a picture of why Henri thought community was such a necessary and integral part of the spiritual life in all its many dimensions" (p. xiii). As I noted earlier, the chapters are laid out chronologically, except for the first essay/chapter, which focuses on solitude, community, and ministry, and was a presentation given in 1993. The remainder of the essays run from 1977 until close to his death in 1996. In all, there are ten essays. They speak of solitude, community, brokenness, communion with God and humanity, and finally conversion. that is a transformation of a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. The essays cover a variety of issues and concerns related to community, and we discover that as much as we need community, it can require solitude if we're to truly experience community.

Considering there has been much discussion about the challenges of ministry, which is leading some to leave the ministry, Nouwen points to the proper order leading from solitude to community to ministry. He writes "So often in ministry, I have wanted to do it by myself. If it didn't work, I went to others and said, 'Please!' searching for a community to help me. If that didn't work, maybe I'd start praying." He writes that the proper order starts with prayer and moves through community to ministry. But too often we start the other way around, to our deficit. He does believe that taken together these three disciplines create space for God. If that is true then God can act and and speak. (p. 3).

For those who struggle to experience true community, in these essays, Nouwen, who had his own struggles with community, provides us with helpful guidance. Thus, this should be a well-received book from a master of spirituality.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by a dear friend. As I was reading this book, I was also listening to the recent podcast of The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. I was struck by the contrast between Nouwen and L'Arche and the leadership style of Mars Hill. I became tearful as I read Nouwen's kind but gentle rebuke and challenge to see the world not as competition, but with compassion. To see the weakness in my brothers and sisters and know that by that same weakness in me, we can be brought together. I don't need to have the write answers or have it together or be strong to be there for others in a way that is meaningful.
This is a message I need over and over again. This is the message of the Gospel, that in our weakness He is strong and loving and present. We need to accept our weakness and not see it as bad, but just a part of being human. This answers the shame inside. To remember that I am deeply loved even in my weakness.
I was encouraged by the words of this book, I hope you are too.

[Camilla Taetzsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. This was my first time reading a Nouwen book all the way through. The language was easy to understand, though the concepts are challenging to adopt (practicing humility, solitude, a life of prayer, etc.) The editor did a great job of grouping and organizing these writings. Would recommend.

[Ann Marie Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is the second Henri Nowen book I read and like the previous one Compassion I want to immediately go back and re-read it. The pages are full of wisdom. By the way I have read Compassion three times and want to read again

[Megan Goswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful read post covid re the value in community living and caring for others, but not necessarily a theologically sound/deep read. Lots of focus on your own goodness and authenticity not on our fallen nature and need for reconciliation through Christ.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of articles and lectures by Henri Nouwen. Henri provides spiritual direction for Solitude and Community which are both necessary.

[Bailey T. Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every chapter was a hit but the ones that were—wow!!! Henri Nouwen was so wise and knew the true heart of community.

[W.J. Novack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a gift. This is a book l read and digested slowly. It is full of nuggets - he is still giving.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some essays were very meaningful. Others just so-so.

[Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Nouwen with his abstract nuances that speak to the mind and the soul and leaves you wanting to live and think differently.