SKU: 46645756681

Whole House Water Filtration Catalytic Carbon 2 CU FT Fleck 5600

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Whole House Water Filtration Catalytic Carbon 2 CU FT Fleck 5600WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER (Municipal & Well Water) 1. Whole House Filter or Point of Entry: A whole house filter is installed at a point on the homes water supply plumbing that will result in treatment of all water that travels to any faucet or fixture in the home. A whole house filter system treats all water traveling to any faucet or fixture in the home. It removes the chemical before it can be ingested, breathed in, or absorbed by the skin during

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER   (Municipal & Well Water)

1. Whole-House Filter or Point of Entry:

A whole-house filter is installed at a point on the home’s water supply plumbing that will result in treatment of all water that travels to any faucet or fixture in the home.

A whole-house filter system treats all water traveling to any faucet or fixture in the home. It removes the chemical before it can be ingested, breathed in, or absorbed by the skin during washing or bathing.

Catalytic Carbon high activity granular activated carbon manufactured by steam activation of select coconut shell charcoal. The Catalytic activity of this activated carbon makes it highly effective for the removal of chloramines from potable water. Its large micropore volume makes it particularly well suited for the removal low molecular weight organic compounds and their chlorinate by-products such as chloroform and other trihalomethanes (THMs). An important feature of this material is its superior mechanical hardness and extensive dedusting during its manufacture ensures an exceptionally clean activated carbon product.

Application:

  • Chloramines
  • Hydrogen Sulfide
  • Taste and Odor
  • VOC Removal
  • Iron Removal
  • Residential and Commercial Water Filters
  • Aquarium water treatment

Catalyst

One of the key characteristics of activated carbon is not only the high surface area available relative to their mass, but also the ability to act as a substrate for other materials. Internal surface area in the range of 850-2000m2/g allows the concentrated loading of highly specialized reagents (for example platinum and rhodium for hydrogenation processes) to the carbon surface that can be used in synthesis and catalysis applications across a range of industries. Activated carbons are carefully engineered to have the correct physical properties to optimize their use in this duty, manufactured from coconut shell, coal or wood bases.

Many water utilities across the U.S. are transitioning to chloramine for disinfection as an alternative to chlorine. This change is in response to stricter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which are created when chlorine reacts with organics in water. Chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, is more stable and does not create DPBs.

Removing chloramine at the point of use, however, is more difficult than removing chlorine. Standard granular activated carbon (GAC) and carbon gac products have limited capacity for chloramine reduction. Products known as “catalytic” or “surface-modified” activated carbon can provide a solution.

In general, the catalytic properties of carbon are measured by the rate at which carbon decomposes hydrogen peroxide. The resulting peroxide number, measured in minutes, estimates the carbon’s utility in any catalytic application, including chloramine reduction. Based on the comparative results obtained for different mesh size commercial carbons, the efficiency of chloramine reduction is discussed in the terms of peroxide decomposition capacity and further extended to the total life (volume) claims for corresponding GAC carbon.

Chemistry of Iron Oxidation:

A mineral found in soil, iron normally exists in an insoluble oxide form, namely ferric oxide. If acidic ~ or carbon dioxide ~ containing water passes through the soil, the insoluble ferric oxide is reduced to the very soluble ferrous form. When water is pumped from the ground, oxygen from air enters the water and is available for reaction with the ferrous iron. In the presence of oxygen the ferrous form is eventually oxidized to the insoluble ferric form, resulting in familiar red deposits that stain sinks and clothes.

In iron removal processes, the insoluble ferric hydroxide comes out of solution and is separated from the water by either filtration or settling. Catalytic carbon accelerates the reaction rate of ferrous to ferric iron dramatically, completely removing the in the relatively short time the water is in contact with the carbon

Under normal conditions, the reaction rate of ferrous to ferric iron is fairly slow, even when excess oxygen is present. This slow reaction rate necessitates the use of large retention tank and sedimentation tanks to allow time for precipitation to occur. A separate filtration step is then required to remove the remaining particulate.

In treating iron-laden water, the catalytic properties of the form of granular activated carbon perform quite differently from standard activated carbon. The catalytic properties greatly accelerates the reaction time of iron to an insoluble form. By oxidizing iron from a soluble to less soluble state, catalytic carbon serves to simplify the removal.

The resultant increase in reaction rate that occurs by using catalytic carbon allows smaller pieces of equipment to be used. As with all oxidation techniques, oxygen is required ~ but a simple eductor or air injection pump is all that is required. As the reaction occurs, the precipitate is collected on the surface of the carbon, and a secondary filter is not required. Periodic backwashing is performed to remove this iron floc and return the carbon to a usable state.

Another benefit of the catalytic carbon is  its proven performance in removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from water. Many iron-containing waters also contain H2S and same bed of catalytic carbon can be used to remove both.

Similarly, the unique reactive nature of the internal surface of activated carbon means that there is an inherent ability for the promotion of reactions between gases and liquids that would either proceed too slowly or generate uneconomic yields of final product. This is achieved without the need for the addition of a chemical reagent to the activated carbon and often true catalysis proceeds, without degradation of the surface or adsorbent.

APPLICATIONS:

Whole House Water Filtration

This unit includes the following:

1252 FRP Mineral Tank (Color Varies), 2 Cu Ft Catalytic Carbon, Fleck 5600 Timer Control Valve, 1" Bypass Valve, Upper Basket.

 Note:

**Hydrogen sulfide concentrations exceeding 7 to 10 ppm can be removed by injecting an oxidizing chemical such as household bleach followed up by filtration. The oxidizing chemical should enter the water upstream from the storage or mixing tank to provide at least 30-45 minutes of contact time between the chemical and water. The length of length of the holding time is a function of the chemical dosage, tank configuration and water temperature. Sulfur particles can then be removed using a sediment filter and the excess chlorine can be removed by activated carbon filtration. 

If test results indicate that bacterial contamination is occurring, shock chlorination or disinfection is the most widely suggested method for initial treatment. Shock chlorination (disinfection) is the one-time introduction of a strong solution into the entire water distribution system (well, pump, distribution pipeline, etc.)

When to Shock Disinfect the Well:

Shock chlorination (disinfection) is recommended when lab results indicate a presence of bacteria upon completion of a new well or after pump replacement or repair, when the distribution system is opened for repairs or maintenance, following contamination by flood water, to control iron and sulfur bacteria.

Shock chlorination (disinfection) is recommended in these circumstances to ensure that bacterial contamination is controlled.

Note:

This system should be used where low to moderate ferrous (dissolved) iron or hydrogen sulfide contamination is known. This filter is most effective where iron and hydrogen sulfide levels are less then 5 ppm. Best removal rates are achieved where pH is between 6.5 and 8.5 and where water contains some dissolved oxygen.

Selecting a water treatment system begins with water test results from a certified drinking water testing lab. Such test results should be compared to the water treatment product specifications to ensure that the treatment system being considered is designed to treat:

  1. The substances you want to treat
  2. In the concentrations at which they exist in your water.

There is no one-size-fits-all water treatment technology that addresses all water quality problems. In some cases, one treatment technology may meet all your specific needs. In other cases, you may need a “treatment train”—a series of treatment technologies in a sequence that treat one or more water quality problems. Again, when considering water treatment, use your lab test results as a guide and make sure the technology you are considering is designed to treat the problematic substances in your water.

  

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4.9 ★★★★★
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Mark Erickson
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 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
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K Edward
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 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
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Brad
New York, US
★★★★★ 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
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Lavid
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 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
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Rick Watts
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 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

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