Kenneth Reeves Rowman & Littlefield, 280 pages Reviewed by Erin Keys There are a number of books on congregational life that claim to “think systems,” but not all of them actually do. Systems theory, or, more specifically, Family Systems Theory – the theory developed by Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist interested in developing a science of human behavior – is inherently complex and difficult to explain outside the behemoth of Bowen’s own textbook on the subject. Often one needs to study the theory for a number of years to truly begin to understand how to apply it to life and work. For this reason, many of the “systems” books available to ministers are not representative of a true systems approach to congregational leadership because they do not take the time to unpack the theory in its entirety. Thankfully, Reeves’ book does not fall into this category. Reeves clearly states that he is offering insight into congregational leadership that is only guided by systems theory, and … [Read more...]

Peter Steinke Rowman & Littlefield, 176 pages Peter Steinke is a clear-eyed, skilled consultant whose insights have stood the test of time. Other than Edwin Friedman, Steinke, a Lutheran pastor who studied with Friedman, is perhaps the most well-known of all practitioners of family systems theory. They both were students of Murray Bowen who generated a theory of human behavior grounded in biology. Bowen “asserts that the emotional system (biology) is elemental to the whole human enterprise.” In this work, Steinke gives a concise overview of the core aspects of the theory as well as the ways in which Friedman interprets it. Few will question his assertion that we are living in a time of enormous upheaval with soaring levels of anxiety. Uproar is the term and the consequence is massive disturbance. Leaders must learn the critical skills to navigate their roles within communities that are experiencing deep emotional disequilibrium. What may be more important, especially for … [Read more...]

William C. Mills Resource Publications, 170 pages Reviewed by Stephen McCutchan Father William Mills, or Bill as he prefers to be called, has provided us with an insider’s look at the spiritual journey of a priest. He is the rector of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This memoir traces his journey from childhood, when he first sensed God’s call, through to his experience of the blessings and curses of serving God as an Orthodox priest. With searing honesty, sardonic humor, painful doubts and ennobling faithfulness, Bill invites us to travel his spiritual journey with him. A unique feature of his story is that we not only hear about his journey, but also his interior thought pattern as events unfold. Many Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy will recognize the parallel events of their own life’s journey. Many churchgoers may be uncomfortably reminded of the potential for cruelty within the church while also recognizing the healing … [Read more...]

Jeremy Everett Brazos Press, 176 pages Reviewed by Nancy Neal Our politics are more polarized than we’ve experienced in recent history, but the hunger crisis in the United States can and should unite us. Everett argues that by coordinating our efforts across social and political divides, we can end what he calls the “systemic hunger disaster” in our country. As the founder and executive director of the Texas Hunger Initiative, Everett seeks to awaken compassion for the plight of people in the U.S. who struggle with food insecurity and to inspire and equip readers to take action in their own communities. “I Was Hungry” tells the story of the Texas Hunger Initiative, an organization that partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas state agencies, the corporate sector and thousands of faith- and community-based organizations to develop and implement strategies to alleviate hunger. Along the way, Everett weaves in his own story as the son of a Baptist preacher, inspired … [Read more...]

Scot McKnight Baylor University Press, 236 pages Be forewarned: Anyone who reads this book will never again think of Romans in the conventional way. Scot McKnight has done a rare thing by arguing vigorously that Paul’s most famous letter is about “lived theology” rather than abstract theology. He rightly notes that Romans has influenced and shaped Western Christianity since Augustine and Calvin and Barth, all the way to the present time with contemporary scholars. McKnight is familiar with these voices, but he is determined to begin with the very specific context of Paul’s theology, namely the problem of peace between the weak and the strong. Reading Romans 12-16 as the starting point compels McKnight’s vivid pastoral theology: “Paul’s lived theology is about Peace in the empire, and it is a radical alternative to Rome’s famous Pax Romana.” The aim of this theology is primarily an alternative way of life. The early chapters of Romans set the ground for this alternative rather than … [Read more...]