Family Systems Theory offers a way of thinking that affects every aspect of leadership in ministry and integrates administration, preaching and counseling through the concept of self-differentiation. Participants in Leadership In Ministry Workshops learn how the concepts of family emotional process can be applied to ministry and explore the theological implications of these concepts.

Each workshop includes three-day spring and fall sessions.  Both sessions follow the themes of Dr. Edwin Friedman's book, Generation to Generation, with one day devoted to each of the minister's three interlocking families: the minister's own personal family (nuclear and extended), congregation member families and the congregation as a family.   Sessions include large group presentations and small groups led by faculty coaches. In the small groups, participants present case studies from their ministries and, through the use of genograms, work at better understanding their families of origin and the ways they affect their life and ministry..  Emphasis in both group settings is upon the practical integration of theory and practice.

The LIM Workshops were founded in 1992 by Dr. Lawrence Matthews , who was Coordinator until 2110. Dr. Robert Dibble becomes Coordinator in 2011. Bob and Larry and other faculty members are trained in Bowen Family Systems Theory and the leadership concepts of Dr. Friedman.

Use the resources found at this website to learn more about the Workshops.