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:
congregation member families, the congregation as a
family, and the minister's own personal family (nuclear
and extended). Sessions include large group
presentations and small groups in which participants
present case studies and work on their personal
genograms. Emphasis in both group settings is upon
the practical integration of theory and
practice. Workshops
are led by Dr.
Lawrence Matthews
and
other faculty members 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.
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.