ISBN Family Systems and Congregational Life (A Map for Ministry) book English Paperback 240 pages

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.ContentsPart 1: Orienting the Map1. Always Take a Map: The Value of Bowen Family Systems Theory2. Reading the Map: An Overview of Bowen Family Systems TheoryPart 2: A Map for Practical Theology3. Third-Way Leadership: More Than Principles and Practices4. The Future of Congregational Leadership: Leading in Chaotic Times5. Proclamation: Preaching as Pastor and as Prophet6. Pastoral Care: Helping without Hurting7. Spiritual Formation: Growing in Christlikeness8. Christian Community: Journeying with OthersPart 3: A Map for Reading Scripture9. Bowen Family Systems Theory and Biblical Interpretation: The Rules of the Game10. Mapping the Family of Abraham: Family Systems, 2000 BC11. Mapping the Character of Jesus: Differentiation and Christlikeness12. Mapping the Teaching of Paul: New Life in Christ and CommunityAppendix A: Mapping the Family of David: Family Systems, 1000 BCAppendix B: Bowen Theory and Theological LanguageAppendix C: Important Terms in Bowen Family Systems TheoryAppendix D: Bowen-Based Training ProgramsAppendix E: Bowen Family Systems Theory and Ministry: A BibliographyIndex