At this week’s Theological Research Seminar, Erin Wildsmith will be presenting, “Henri Nouwen and the Inner Life of the Preacher?”
Read the abstract and her bio below.
All are welcome to attend in Camelford Hall (room 226) at McMaster Divinity College at 1:00pm or via livestream at the link below:
Join the Livestream
Password: z00m (Note that the password has zeros rather than “o”)
Abstract
Over the course of his life Dutch priest, lecturer, and writer Henri J.M. Nouwen inspired countless students and readers crossing national and denominational boundaries. While Nouwen and his work have long been valued by a broad readership for his penetrating insights into the spiritual life, Christian leaders seemed to hold a special place in his heart. Indeed, many of his most beloved books are addressed specifically to this audience. While he speaks only sparingly about preaching, Nouwen’s pastoral theology crystalizes important insights for the inner life of preachers as the starting point from which he or she evokes the vocation of the congregation. This paper will explore three central themes in Nouwen’s work: oscillation between the polarities of the spiritual life, the preacher as wounded healer, and the twin ministries of silence and prayer, and apply them to the preacher’s own inner landscape. A closer engagement with Nouwen’s treatment of these themes can encourage weary preachers in search of a renewed sense of vocation and energy for ministry.
Bio
Erin is the Senior Pastor at Highview Community Church in Kithener, ON. She graduated from MDC in 2013 with a Master of Divinity and is currently completing the Doctor of Practical Theology program
About TRS
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM on alternating Mondays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
This year the organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.