Family Systems and Congregational Life

Experienced pastor and seminary teacher R. Robert Creech helps pastoral leaders increase their effectiveness by applying family systems theory to congregational life and ministry. Creech introduces readers to the basic concepts of Bowen's Family Systems Theory, applies family theory to the work of ministry in church settings, and connects systems thinking to the everyday aspects of congregational ministry, such as preaching, pastoral care, leadership, spiritual formation, and interpreting biblical texts. Each chapter contains discussion questions, and there are five helpful appendixes with supplemental information about Bowen theory. Professors and students in clinical pastoral education, family ministry, pastoral care, and family systems theory classes;pastors in local church ministry;and Christian counselors and therapists will all value this work.
Contents
Part 1: Orienting the Map
1. Always Take a Map: The Value of Bowen Family Systems Theory
2. Reading the Map: An Overview of Bowen Family Systems Theory
Part 2: A Map for Practical Theology
3. Third-Way Leadership: More Than Principles and Practices
4. The Future of Congregational Leadership: Leading in Chaotic Times
5. Proclamation: Preaching as Pastor and as Prophet
6. Pastoral Care: Helping without Hurting
7. Spiritual Formation: Growing in Christlikeness
8. Christian Community: Journeying with Others
Part 3: A Map for Reading Scripture
9. Bowen Family Systems Theory and Biblical Interpretation: The Rules of the Game
10. Mapping the Family of Abraham: Family Systems, 2000 BC
11. Mapping the Character of Jesus: Differentiation and Christlikeness
12. Mapping the Teaching of Paul: New Life in Christ and Community
Appendix A: Mapping the Family of David: Family Systems, 1000 BC
Appendix B: Bowen Theory and Theological Language
Appendix C: Important Terms in Bowen Family Systems Theory
Appendix D: Bowen-Based Training Programs
Appendix E: Bowen Family Systems Theory and Ministry: A Bibliography
Index