The bind of courage: Family systems theory for church leaders
In the tradition of Murray Bowen’s systems theory, Peter Steinke authored “Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter..
More Stories from this Author
35 really important things I learned from my friend Peter Steinke
Peter Steinke, the noted author, congregational systems consultant and professor, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, July 6, 2020. I learned of..
The difference between triangles and triangulation: Family systems theory for church leaders
David Lee Jones offers family systems theory for church leaders.
Managing secrets maturely: Family systems theory for church leaders
Every pastor faces the constant challenge of how to handle personal and congregational “secrets.” Because of the unique relational nature of..
On becoming ecclesial geologists: Family systems theory for faith leaders
My son is a Boy Scout, and we recently attended a scouting event that helps the boys earn their environmental merit badges...
A family systems approach to parking lot meetings
David Lee Jones explores how “parking lot meetings” reveal deeper issues of maturity, communication, and conflict in church leadership, using Bowen’s family systems theory.
Over- or under-function? — a constant challenge
In a previous Outlook article, I noted several key points about Murray Bowen’s family systems theory: It’s based on cellular biology, not..
Anxious emotional fields — Family systems theory for church leaders
Psychiatrist Murray Bowen coined the term “emotional field” to describe powerful systemic forces – something akin to electromagnetic fields. We all know..
Reframing: Family systems theory for the church
One of family systems theory’s most helpful concepts and practices is “reframing.” I love this concept because it is so elegantly simple..
“Open” & “closed” systems
When I directed the doctor of ministry program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, we employed Bowen family systems theory in several ways...
“Differentiated” pastoral care: Historical and practical reflections on family systems theory
When I graduated from seminary in the spring of 1982, I had never heard of family systems theory. I began a degree..
Managing ecclesial polarization — A systems approach
I recently attended an outstanding panel discussion with noted biblical scholars, N. T. Wright and Lewis Donelson at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary...