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solar panel roof top tent RHINO ADVENTURE GEAR SolarHawk Roof Top Tent Solar Panel for iKamper Skycamp 3.0 & 4.0 (Powered by MERLIN)Back in stock! Compatible with the new 4. 0 iKamper Skycamp! Units are now 110watts! The one, the only The SolarHawk is a 110W Solar Panel designed and manufactured to precisely fit the central raised 'mohawk' that runs the length of the iKamper Skycamp 4X 3. 0 and 4. 0 Roof Top Tent. Whether it's powering a fridge freezer, keeping 12V starter batteries topped off or enabling use of power hungry vehicle accessories, the SolarHawk can convert your
Back in stock!
Compatible with the new 4.0 iKamper Skycamp! Units are now 110watts!
The one, the only... The SolarHawk is a 110W Solar Panel designed and manufactured to precisely fit the central raised 'mohawk' that runs the length of the iKamper Skycamp 4X 3.0 and 4.0 Roof Top Tent. Whether it's powering a fridge/freezer, keeping 12V starter batteries topped off or enabling use of power-hungry vehicle accessories, the SolarHawk can convert your iKamper roof top tent into a massive portable solar panel that goes where you go. Go further and stay off-grid longer by packing your own power!
The SolarHawk is permanently mounted flush to the outer shell of the iKamper Skycamp 4X via an unbelievably strong 3M adhesive backing. It's always deployed, soaking up the rays on top of your rig with zero effort on your part. Best of all, we've used the most rugged panels on the market, ready for the abuse associated with prolonged off-road use.
We did our homework when designing the SolarHawk. In addition to making an edgy and bold stylistic statement by giving the iKamper a mohawk, we've gone to the ends of the earth to find the most robustly constructed flexible panels available. (Spoiler Alert: The best portable solar panels for overlanding were found in our own backyard! At Merlin Solar in San Jose, CA. We've toured the factory and met the skilled scientists and technicians driving their awesome R&D program). Because we use these panels ourselves, we decided to pre-wire the SolarHawk with the preferred grey Anderson SB50 connectors to provide maximum compatibility with commonly used overland accessories and solar charge controllers.
SolarHawk Roof Top Tent Solar Panel for iKamper Skycamp Key Features
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Constructed with off-road-ready materials: fully sealed, low profile junction box is impenetrable to dirt and water; adhesive backing dampens transfer of vibrations to solar array; busbar-free PV cells with redundant connectivity to withstand physical and thermal extremes.
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Angular positioning complements iKamper usage: Morning and afternoon solar incidence angle for panels is improved when iKamper is opened (angle vehicle so Skycamp 4X shell is pointed toward sun when roof top tent is open). Panel positioning on closed tent is ideal for overhead, mid-day sun. This often corresponds to times when tent is closed for transit or parked.
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Better battery performance: It's no secret that battery longevity depends on the charge profile usage habits of the electrical system. Keep your 12V battery in peak condition by maintaining healthy charging habits and not overdrawing your aux battery.
- Built-in convenience: No need to remember to pack it, plug it in, or set it up; the SolarHawk is always up on the iKamper, working hard to convert photons into colder beverages or brighter nights.
- Portable & practical: 110W panel is sufficient to power most fridge/freezers indefinitely, allowing you to adventure further and longer without worrying about running down your battery.
- Designed by iKamper experts: Rhino Adventure Gear was the very first distributor to offer iKampers for sale other than their Kickstarter campaign. To date we have installed hundreds of Skycamps and have an intimate understanding of their construction and ample first-hand experience living out of the iKampers on our vehicles and trailers. Detail-oriented early adopters often come up with the best mods, and we conducted extensive product testing to ensure the SolarHawk is exactly what serious off-grid campers need to level up their off road game and unlock bigger adventures.
- Warranty is indicative of high-quality: Material & Workmanship- 5 years. Power output- 25 years with 90% of nominal rated output for years 1-10 and 80% of nominal rated output for years 11- 25.
SolarHawk 110W RTT Solar Panel- Technical Specifications
Architecture of Photovoltaic Cells arrayed into SolarHawk panels
- 110 Watt, 23.5% efficient, monocrystalline array yielding a significantly higher power density than a thin-film panel.
- Merlin's monocrystalline cells are highly efficient and not prone to moisture sensitivity
- Merlin's patented grid technology dwarfs conventional connectivity levels afforded by older solar tech with busbars and also provides a robust & durable foundation analogous to rebar in cement.
- Redundancy of connectivity improves panel durability and resistance to thermomechanical stress (aka overlanding adventures).
- Elimination of failure-prone aluminum busbars results in a more robust and longer-lasting solar panel compared to the more widely available portable solar panels distributed by big-box outdoor stores and Amazon.
SolarHawk Battery & Charge Controller Compatibility
- Compatible with 12V batteries including lithium batteries, lead acid batteries, and AGM batteries.
- An MPPT charge controller is required. This means that portable battery units with built-in non-MPPT charge controllers will not work with the SolarHawk (this includes the Dometic PLB40).
- The GoalZero Yeti Portable Power Stations may not be compatible with the SolarHawk. Please check the VOC input rating of your charge controller for compatibility
SolarHawk Wiring Specifications
- Array terminates in fully-sealed, low-profile (18mm high) junction box.
- 36" 12 AWG insulated wiring runs from the junction box to an Anderson connector.
- Grey SB50 Anderson connector is included for convenient routing of power to 12V accessories/batteries and charge controllers.
SolarHawk Adhesive Backing Materials
- Backing 3M VHB & 9775 adhesive backing
- Note: If you had a bad experience with Command Strips and are worried about this adhesive coming off, please avoid commercial airlines- the wingflaps of passenger jets that undergo multiple rounds of temperature fluctuations from -65F to 150F on a daily basis are held on with 3M VHB tape. According to 3M, removal of VHB requires solvents and an oscillating power tool to cut through the bond. It is insanely sticky and resistant to mechanical vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
- SolarHawk adhesion to both the shiny Skycamp shells and the Rocky Black / Line-X shells was verified during our pre-release testing.
How to Install a SolarHawk panel on your iKamper Skycamp 4X Roof Top Tent
- We suggest anchoring the SB50 connector near the rear hinge of your iKamper Skycamp 4X to avoid interference with Roof Top Tent opening and closing mechanisms. Connect to complementary gray SB50 Anderson connector of charge controller or battery set up as desired. Optimize wire connectivity before adhering panel to tent.
- Clean iKamper shell with soap and water, then with alcohol (ideally isopropanol) before application. Lay Solar Hawk module onto Skycamp 4X, get into position centering it front to back and side to side (there are a few inches of play front to back to fit). When in the proper position on the tent, peel the front VHB tape and stick the front of the panel down to the tent. You will then unpeel and stick the remaining adhesive from the front to the back. When the entire panel is down and stuck, apply pressure around the entire rim of the panel with your hands, 30 seconds or so at a time. Make sure there are no air gaps between the panel and tent.
PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure you fully understand how solar panels will integrate with your 12V system (starter battery, aux battery, charge controller, powered appliances etc). There are nearly infinite set up options possible, certainly more than we can describe here. There are excellent educational resources about 12V systems and solar panels available online. Additional items such as a REDARC DC-DC converter, lithium aux battery, solar charge converter, or wiring connectors may be needed depending on how your setup is configured and how you intend to use it. The SolarHawk solar panel is not designed to have a phone, light, or fridge plugged directly into the panel output cable; rather it works as part of a 12V battery system.
If you currently only have the battery that came with your vehicle and you are looking to install solar for camping, please reach out and we can discuss a more inclusive 12V system package tailored to your needs.
As with all Rhino Adventure Gear products, we offer installation at either of our two California shops- located in San Marcos, San Diego & Fremont, San Francisco.
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4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Best book on Christian Leadership
Format: Paperback
I love this book and have read it 7 or 8 times - and will likely continue reading it every couple years for the rest of my life. As a pastor who can struggle with insecurity and the temptation to be powerful, spectacular, and popular, I read this book regularly to be called back to Jesus and to choose the way of prayer, service, love, and humility. In an era of celebrity pastors, consumer Christianity, and scandal, this book is a breath of fresh air. If I had to make a list of my top five books of all time, there is no question this gem would be on that list. It's a short and easy read, but is so powerful.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023
★★★★★ 5
Excellent glimpse into Christ's model for leadership
Format: Paperback
This book is on a required reading list for ministerial licensing in my state. I found it a refreshing look into real Christian leadership (seemingly free from methods and techniques encouraged by the world). I say 'refreshing' because so many leadership books send out a 'drill sergeant' message that 'You need to toughen up for leadership. It isn't a cake-walk... You do a lot alone, etc. etc.' That may be true, but it can almost be discouraging/ disheartening for those interested in learning about leadership.
NOT SO with this book. The author is a humble man of God who only desires to walk closer with Him. He (author) approaches leadership from a Divine angle; that is, he doesn't see leadership as the exercise of power and authority for its own sake. He sees leadership as that quality one gets from simply walking with Christ in close fellowship, to the point of being what he calls 'a mystic'. He encourages us to take those quiet walks with God; get to know His heart, and only then... be qualified to lead others with a servant's heart. He encourages us to be transparent and not to seek to do this alone (contrary to the messages this world sends us). To do this he shares engaging stories from his own life - stories of tough lessons he had to learn about becoming a Christian leader. God taught him through these life experiences more accurately what it means to be a leader, and I found myself identifying with him.
I found this book on leadership to be a great encouragement to just walk closely with God - and that's what it's all about!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2006
★★★★★ 5
Follow Jesus, Not the World
Format: Paperback
Henri Nouwen calls on Christian leaders--including himself-- to resist, as Jesus resisted, the temptations to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful. Instead,
"...the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God's love."
Further:
"We keep forgetting that we are being sent out two-by-two. We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim the Gospel together, in community."
And:
"The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Much Christian leadership is exercised by people who do not know how to develop healthy, intimate relationships and have opted for power and control instead. Many Christian empire builders have been people unable to give and receive love."
I hope these excerpts give you a flavor of what's inside this extraordinary book, which I thought was truly profound even in its simplicity. Nouwen speaks from the heart because he speaks from experience. He walked away from a high profile clerical career to follow Jesus in the most authentic way he could. His is a story worth hearing and imitating.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2006
★★★★★ 5
Un libro que debes leer!
Format: Paperback
El tema del liderazgo cristiano es vital dentro de la Iglesia. La lectura del libro In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, hace un aporte significativo a mi entendimiento teológico acerca del liderazgo. Como líderes podemos edificar o destruir vidas; ayudar a otros a que avancen o frenarlos en su jornada de fe; servir de inspiración o dejar huellas de dolor en la vida de otras personas; mostrarles el camino a otros o perdernos en el camino.
El autor hace una pregunta que creo que es muy oportuna y puntual en nuestra vida: ¿Qué decisiones has estado tomando últimamente y cómo son un reflejo de cómo percibes el futuro? Ciertamente no había reflexionado en ello. Cada día tomamos decisiones desde el momento en que abrimos los ojos, si ya me levanto, qué voy a desayunar, qué ropa me voy a poner, etc. Pero no había analizado si mis decisiones diarias me están acercando a lo que Dios tiene para mí o si me tienen estancada en mi pasado.
Una de las cosas que ha llamado mi atención en la lectura de este libro es que el autor dice que llegó a un punto en su vida donde comenzó a sentir una terrible amenaza interna y se cuestionó si el hacerse ya mayor en edad lo había acercado más a Jesús. Quiero detenerme aquí, porque una líder que ha influenciado mi vida es mi madre. Ella ya tiene 83 años, y continuamente me repite: -Hija, tengo que estar muy cerca de Jesús, ya casi llega mi hora y quiero poder encontrarme con Él cara a cara. Puede uno entrar a su cuarto y la hallarás en su sillón con su Biblia abierta y orando o cantando alabanzas a Dios. Ella se preocupa por guardar su relación con Jesús. ¿Alguna vez, como líderes, estamos preocupados por si estamos muy cerca de Dios? ¿O es que quizás nuestro liderazgo nos hace presuponer que sí lo estamos? Estamos tan ocupados en la viña del Señor que se nos olvida ocuparnos del Señor de la viña.
El autor reconoce que en esa etapa de su vida ya no oraba con pasión, sino que lo hacía bastante mal, se había aislado de las personas y se dio cuenta de que su alma estaba en peligro. Vino a mi mente Mateo 16:26 (NTV) “¿Y qué beneficio obtienes si ganas el mundo entero pero pierdes tu propia alma? ¿Hay algo que valga más que tu alma?”
O como Pablo les dice a la Iglesia en Corinto: “no sea que habiendo predicado a otros, yo mismo sea descalificado.” 1 Corintios 9: 27 (b)
Creo que si reflexiono teológicamente me debería preguntar: ¿Tengo la seguridad de lo que vale mi alma? ¿Podré yo quedar descalificada ante Dios en algún área de mi vida? ¿Está mi alma en peligro?
Henri J.M Nouwen desmenuza la tentación de Jesús y nos muestra tres tentaciones que como líderes y ministros enfrentamos frecuentemente.
La primera a la que se refiere es la Tentación de ser Relevante y su base es cuando el diablo le pide a Jesús que convierta las piedras en pan. Hoy hay muchos que quieren ser “relevantes a toda costa”, aunque eso signifique ir más allá de nuestros principios y cambiar por completo el Evangelio. Cada vez que escucho a un predicador diciendo que “pacte” con cierta cantidad de dinero para recibir un milagro, me indigno en gran manera porque algo que Jesús ofreció gratuitamente al pagar con Su sangre, ahora los “grandes predicadores de estos tiempos” lo han convertido en negocio. ¿Estaremos provocando que Jesús voltee nuestras vidas como hizo con las mesas de los cambistas del templo?
Se nos olvida que Jesús es quien tiene que ser relevante para el mundo y que tenemos que reflejar la luz de Cristo.
Hoy vivimos pendientes de cuántos seguidores tenemos en las redes sociales, cuántos likes tienen nuestras publicaciones. Por eso decía al principio, que podemos perdernos en el camino. Nouwen se inquietó de que su ineficaz oración y la tiranía de lo urgente lo estuviera empujando a reprimir al Espíritu Santo. David sabía lo que significaba andar sin el Espíritu Santo como compañero, por eso clamó en el Salmo 51: 11 “No me eches de delante de ti, Y no quites de mí tu santo Espíritu”
Coincido con el autor cuando expresa que los líderes del futuro serán aquellos que se atrevan a reclamar su irrelevancia en el mundo contemporáneo como una vocación divina que les permita entrar en una profunda solidaridad con la angustia que subyace a todo el brillo del éxito y traer la luz de Jesús allí.
El autor nos hace reflexionar en la pregunta que Jesús le hace a Pedro. ¿Me amas más que estos? No le preguntó acerca cuánta gente lo conocía, a cuántos había impactado. La pregunta era relacional: ¿me amas a mí? Por lo tanto la pregunta para nosotros sería, ¿estoy enamorada de Jesús?
Nouwen declara que el líder del futuro es uno que conoce el corazón de Dios. Cuando no estamos ligados al corazón de Dios porque nos falta esa intimidad con Él, somos más propensos a que el anhelo por la fama, por ser exitosos, se apodere de nosotros y nos desenfoque de nuestro llamado. Conocer el corazón de Jesús y amarlo son lo mismo. Cuando vivimos en el mundo con ese conocimiento del corazón de Jesús, no podemos hacer más que traer sanidad, reconciliación, nueva vida y esperanza donde quiera que vayamos.
Seguido a la pregunta tan desafiante, viene una tarea importantísima: apacienta mis ovejas. Mi corazón se estremeció, pues a pesar de conocer este relato y haberlo predicado varias veces, esta vez el enfoque del autor me hizo reflexionar en que muchas veces se nos olvida que hemos sido llamados a apacentar las ovejas, que tenemos una responsabilidad pero por tratar de ser relevantes no la estamos cumpliendo a cabalidad.
El autor aborda ahora el tema de la oración contemplativa como una disciplina importante para el cristiano.
La oración contemplativa profundiza en nosotros el conocimiento de que ya somos libres, que ya hemos encontrado un lugar para morar, que ya pertenecemos a Dios, a pesar de que todo y todos los que nos rodean siguen sugiriendo lo contrario.
Nouwen lanza una pregunta que es confrontante: ¿Son los líderes cristianos del futuro verdaderamente hombres y mujeres de Dios, personas con un ardiente deseo de morar en la presencia de Dios, escuchar la voz de Dios, mirar la belleza de Dios, tocar la Palabra encarnada de Dios y saborear plenamente la bondad infinita de Dios?
Aunque está mirando hacia los líderes del futuro, mi preocupación es también por nosotros, los líderes actuales. Si no vivimos una vida de oración no vamos a poder enseñarle a los líderes del futuro cómo avivar ese deseo ardiente de permanecer en la presencia de Dios.
Anoche en el servicio de oración de la iglesia, yo les hablé acerca de cuando Dios decide poner fin a Sodoma. Dios se pregunta: ¿Encubriré yo a Abraham lo que voy a hacer, habiendo de ser Abraham una nación grande y fuerte, y habiendo de ser benditas en él todas las naciones de la tierra?
Pienso entonces: ¿qué nivel de intimidad tenía Abraham con Dios que éste no quiere encubrirle sus planes?
La respuesta la da el mismo Dios: “Porque yo sé que mandará a sus hijos y a su casa después de sí, que guarden el camino de Jehová, haciendo justicia y juicio, para que haga venir Jehová sobre Abraham lo que ha hablado acerca de él.”
Dios sabía que Abraham iba a preparar a su descendencia como líderes del futuro.
La oración es llamada “la cenicienta” de la iglesia. Para muchos no es relevante; sin embargo, es lo que alimenta nuestra alma y define quiénes somos en Dios.
Para vivir de pie delante de los demás, debo vivir de rodillas delante de Dios.
La segunda tentación es la de ser espectacular. Hoy la mayoría de los cristianos quieren ser parte de los ministerios de la iglesia que son más visibles: alabanza, predicar detrás de un púlpito, ministerio de danza. Pocos prefieren estar en el grupo de intercesión, o en los servidores, o ser de los que limpian el templo. El mismo Nouwen dice que actuamos como si la visibilidad y la notoriedad fueran los criterios principales del valor de lo que estamos haciendo. La popularidad ha reemplazado lamentablemente la verdadera esencia del ministerio.
Somos especialistas en dar shows domingueros, no en adorar a Dios los domingos. Somos especialistas en luces que impresionan en los stages de las iglesias, pero no somos luz que alumbra en medio del pecado. Somos especialistas en buscar las mejores voces para que canten en nuestro servicio, pero no en que nuestra voz produzca cambios en otros.
La propuesta de Nouwen para tratar esta tentación es la confesión y el perdón. Los líderes y ministros deben ser personas siempre dispuestas a confesar su propia fragilidad y pedir perdón a aquellos a quienes ministran.
Debemos ser capaces de rendir cuentas. Creo que esto es algo en lo que Wesley enfatizó y que debemos retomar. Hace unos años, para la tesis de graduación, mi esposo Daniel propuso como tema para la misma la rendición de cuentas. Esto causó revuelo en la Facultad, debido a que ellos decían que ese era un tema pasado de moda, que porqué tenemos que decirles a otros nuestras debilidades y nuestras faltas. ¿Qué tanta basura hay en mi vida que tengo temor a que sea expuesta? ¿Será porque dejo de ser relevante y espectacular ante otros?
La tentación de ser poderoso es la tercera tentación que menciona Nouwen, y él considera que esta es la tentación más seductora. Ciertamente he visto a gente cambiar drásticamente cuando se les ha sido dada autoridad.
El autor considera que a pesar de nuestra experiencia que el poder no nos da la sensación de seguridad que deseo, sino que revela nuestras propias debilidades y limitaciones, seguimos haciéndonos creer que más poder eventualmente satisfará nuestras necesidades.
El texto que usa el autor en esta parte es uno de mis textos preferidos en la Biblia, Filipenses 2: 5-8, y me encanta la versión The Message: “Piensen en ustedes como Cristo Jesús pensó de sí mismo. Tenía el mismo estatus que Dios, pero no pensaba tanto en sí mismo que tenía que aferrarse a las ventajas de ese estado sin importar qué. De ningún modo. Cuando llegó el momento, dejó a un lado los privilegios de la deidad y asumió el estatus de esclavo, ¡se convirtió en humano! Habiéndose hecho humano, se mantuvo humano. Fue un proceso increíblemente humillante. No reclamó privilegios especiales. En cambio, vivió una vida desinteresada y obediente y luego murió una muerte desinteresada y obediente, y el peor tipo de muerte, una crucifixión.”
Cristo renunció a todo, pero nosotros lo queremos conservar todo.
El autor resalta el hecho de que gran parte del liderazgo cristiano es ejercido por personas que no saben cómo desarrollarse sanamente, sin habilidades relacionales y que han optado por el poder y el control en su lugar. Muchos constructores de imperios cristianos han sido personas incapaces de dar y recibir amor.
Por eso es tan importante la disciplina de reflexionar teológicamente. Porque creo que ninguno de nosotros está eximido de enfrentar y de caer en estas tentaciones, así que debemos estar constantemente reflexionando en nuestro liderazgo y en la influencia que estamos teniendo en las personas que nos rodean. El verdadero liderazgo espiritual, según Nouwen, es uno en el que “el poder se abandona constantemente en favor del amor”. ¿Qué tanto estoy dispuesto a ceder por amor a Dios y a mi prójimo?
Mis preguntas al terminar este maravillo libro son: ¿Cómo Dios ve mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo veo mi liderazgo? ¿Cómo otros ven mi liderazgo? ¿He permitido que alguna de estas tentaciones venza y gobierne mi vida?
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
★★★★★ 4
Great Book for Church Leaders
Format: Paperback
In this book, Nouwen describes what he believes the key characteristics of a Christian leader are. These characteristics are guided by two stories for the Gospels: the story of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) and the story of Peter's call to be a shepherd (John 21:15-19). These characteristics are being prayerful rather than relevant, ministerial rather than popular, and being led rather than being a leader.
Nouwen first explains that the temptation of today's ministers is to be relevant. Nouwen says that Jesus also had this same temptation. When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert, the first temptation was to turn stones into bread. With so many people in the world dieing of starvation, we all wish at times that we had the power to turn stones into bread. However, when Jesus was asked to perform the relevant behavior of changing stones into bread, he stuck to his mission to proclaim the Word and said, "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
Rather than trying to be relevant to the world, a Christian leader should use Jesus as the source of their words, advice and guidance. It is through the discipline of contemplative prayer that Christian leaders can do that. It is not enough for Christian leaders to be moral people, well trained, eager to help their fellow humans, and able to respond creatively to the burning issues of their time. Christian leaders must truly be men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God's presence, to listen to God's voice, to look at God's beauty, to touch God's incarnate Word, and to taste fully God's infinite goodness.
The second temptation Nouwen says Christian leaders must avoid is the temptation to be spectacular. This was also Jesus' second temptation in the desert. "Throw yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels catch you and carry you in their arms" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus would not do it. He refused to be a stunt man to prove that he had something worthwhile to say. In stead Jesus said "Don't put the Lord your God to the test."
Nouwen says that in today's church, individualism among ministers and priests is prevalent. Many do not have many skills to be proud of, but they still frequently feel that, if they have anything at all to show, it is something they must do solo. However, Nouwen says that ministry is not done solo, but in pairs. In Mark 6:7 Jesus sent the discipline out two by two to conquer evil. We cannot preach the Gospel on our own, we are called to share the Gospel together, in community.
Nouwen goes on to say that ministry is also mutual. Jesus said, "I am the god shepherd. I know by own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep" (John 10:14-15). Ministers have gotten the idea that good leadership means keeping a safe distance form those we lead. However, when the members of a community cannot truly know and love their shepherd, shepherding just becomes a subtle way to exercise power over others.
Nouwen says that the only way to for us to over come this temptation is confession and forgiveness. This does not mean that ministers should bring their own sins into the pulpit. It means that ministers are called to minister with their whole being, including their wounded selves.
The third temptation today's Christian leaders must overcome is the temptation of power. When the devil said to Jesus "All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus replied "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" (Matthew 4:9-10). Others say that having power - provided it is used in the service of God and your fellow human beings - is a good thing. Nouwen says that it was this rationalization that caused crusades, inquisitions, and the enslavement of Indians. He says it seems easier to be God than to love God, and easier to control people than to love people.
Nouwen says that a common misconception among Christian leaders is that the older and more mature you get then more capable you become as a leader. However, John 21:18 says, "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Nouwen says that the most important quality of Christian leadership is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility. Powerlessness and humility in the spiritual life refer to people who are so deeply in love with Jesus that they are ready to follow him wherever he guides them, always trusting that, with him, they will find life and fine it abundantly.
Nouwen says that the way to discern where we are being led by Jesus is through theological reflection. Theological reflection is thinking with the mind of Christ. The Christian leaders of the future have to be theologians, persons who know the heart of God and are trained - through prayer, study, and careful analysis - to manifest the divine event of God's saving work in the midst of the many seemingly random events of their time.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010