Healthy Congregations

 

 

The Healthy Congregations  workshop uses the insights of family systems theory to help church leaders become more effective stewards of their congregations.

 

 

The workshop was originally created by Dr. Peter Steinke, Lutheran pastor and therapist,

 

and is based on the work of psychiatrist Dr. Murray Bowen. 

 

 

 

Since the publication of Generation to Generation by Dr. Edwin Friedman,

 

many congregational leaders have come to recognize the importance

 

of understanding family systems theory as it relates to the life of

 

the congregation. 

 

 

The Healthy Congregations workshop helps leaders in the congregation,

 

both laity and clergy, expand their insight into how congregations function

 

as emotional systems.

 

 

 

Friedman noted that in many congregations today negative, reactive forces are

 

allowed to set the agenda for the faith community. 

 

 

The Healthy Congregations content is designed to equip leaders to respond

 

to the presence or potential threat of anxiety in a congregational system in ways

 

that prevent destructive conflict.  Healthy Congregations can help the church

 

stay focused on its unique mission and purpose.

 

 

To participate in preventing anxiety from becoming a toxic

 

force in your congregation, Healthy Congregations will

help you . . . 

 

 

·         Learn how you as a leader can influence the health of your congregation -- how to detect and avoid unhealthy patterns of living together in community.

 

·         Learn how to keep anxiety from becoming infectious.

·         Gain confidence in responding to challenges and opportunities.

 

 

·         Learn how to put limits on invasive behavior, manage reactivity, and overcome sabotage.

 

 

·         Discover how leaders can function as the congregation's immune system.

 

·       Learn to focus on strengths, resources, options, and the future.

 

Healthy Congregations can be formatted for your

 

intended audience and time frame.  Some possibilities

 

include schedules like the following.
  •  
    Friday night and all day Saturday
  •  
    Two five hour sessions
  •  
    Four 3 hour sessions
  •  
    Six two-hour sessions

The Healthy Congregations workshop in the West Michigan Conference wants to come to your place  

 

                                     

 

 

 To host a seminar or workshop in your area, contact Naomi by

e-mail naomi@wmcumc.org,  fax (616) 459-1091, or telephone  1-888-217-1905. 

Family systems ministry resources are provided by The West Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church as part of its focus on strengthening leaders, laity and clergy, in the faith community to be spiritually-based, skilled, visionary and connected.  Partially funded by your Ministry Shares.

 

West Michigan Conference, United Methodist Church 11 Fuller SE, PO Box 6247, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6247 | 616-459-4503 | webteam@wmcumc.org | site by BRT