Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

Leaving Well (If you’re going to go, go!)

I’ve been consulting with several clergy who are contemplating leaving their ministry settings. It’s not unusual for these consultations to come in waves, and it’s always interesting that they do. It seems that issues, crises, and topics have their seasons. … Continue reading

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In a nutshell standing on one leg

A story is told about novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand, who, was once asked if she could summarize her philosophy of Objectivism while standing on one leg. She did, and her succinct statement of her philosophy in a nutshell is … Continue reading

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“There’s a disturbance in the force.”

I like Star Wars, the movie, as much as the next person—at least the original (while not technically sophisticated, or particularly well-acted, nevertheless it retains its charm). But there’s nothing like being corrected by a 16-year-old Star Wars geek on … Continue reading

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BFST and individual personality theories

I’d no sooner sat down to lunch at a recent conference, at which I presented on Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST), than a participant asked, “Can I ask you a question?” “Sure,” I said, wondering what answer I’d have to … Continue reading

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Rick asks about reactivity and being non-anxious

I haven’t heard from Rick in a while, so it was good to get another good systems question from him. Rick asks about the concept of non-anxious presence and reactivity. Specifically, he shared his observation that some people seemed to … Continue reading

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Do not judge

At a recent conference I experienced that situation where an audience member asks a question, you do the best you can to respond on your feet in-the-moment, only to later, after the event is over, come up with a really … Continue reading

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Thoughts on leadership

At a recent conference at which I served on a panel on leadership, the panelists were asked to provide opening comments about our thinking on the topic (my friend Margaret Marcuson also served on that panel. You can read her … Continue reading

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Why BFST is useless

Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) seems to continue to grow in its interest to and influence among clergy, denominational leaders, and seminaries. I think this is a good thing, overall. Many have found in BFST a frame of reference that … Continue reading

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Leadership in Ministry Workshops summer newsletter

The current issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletter (Summer 2007) is now available. Download the newsletter (.pdf, 10 pages) here: limsummer07.pdf. (This is an “interactive” document, so look for tags to websites and features).* ISSUE CONTENTS: The Rules, … Continue reading

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Healthy Congregations conference in October 2007

There’s a “systems and congregations” conference coming up in October of 2007. The “Healthy Leadership: Living with nerve” conference is the 9th annual advanced workshop of Healthy Congregations, Inc., housed at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. The conference dates … Continue reading

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