Family Systems in Ministry

Family Systems in Ministry: Growing Hope at Peace offers a peek at the real world of ministry, using the lens of Bowen Theory to better understand the faith community as well as one's own family and functioning. Chapters feature the narrative of Pastor Hope's story and descriptions of the emotional processes present in the church, in others, and within Hope herself, as understood through family systems theory.

The story of Pastor Hope opens as she joyfully and optimistically begins ministry at Peace Church. Her apprehensions focus more on family--that is, her husband and young children, and living near her parents for the first time in decades--than on her work at the church. In her first position as a senior pastor, Hope is confident that this is the place to which God is calling her. Until reality hits . . .

In this story of Pastor Hope and Peace Church, complex questions, challenges, and problems arise quickly and intensely. It is ministry interwoven with multigenerational family and life, and despite her faithfulness and deep desire to do well, Hope unwittingly contributes to the problems.

The intense narrative is a vehicle to highlight deep, veiled multigenerational emotional processes that shape relationship systems and functioning. The observations use Bowen Family Systems Theory as a lens to watch the processes unfold in the narrative. Greater understanding and recognition of these processes in self, family, and congregation allow greater space and choice for a leader to function in ways that contribute to the enhanced health of all.

Family Systems in Ministry offers a tool for new and experienced faith leaders to understand and evaluate their ministry, congregations, and family life and lead healthier lives.