Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

Leadership in Ministry Workshops summer newsletter

The current issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletters is now available. In this issue:

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How could they act that way?

Times of high anxiety tend to bring out reactivity. There’s no question we’re living in anxious times, and the increase in consultation phone calls from leaders dealing with staff and employee issues only confirms the obvious. I’m getting an increase … Continue reading

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Back to basics: The Triangle 7

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question: Does “thinking triangles” make leadership easier?

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Back to basics: The Triangle 6

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question: What suggestions do you have for pastoral leaders for seeing triangles more clearly? What about how they manage themselves in the inevitable triangles?

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Back to basics: The Triangle 5

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question:How does our family of origin influence how we function in triangles?

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Back to basics: The Triangle 4

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question: Are there “healthy” and “unhealthy” triangles (or ways of being in key triangles)? If so, what’s the difference?

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Back to basics: The Triangle 3

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question: What are some misundertandings about triangles? Some of the most common misunderstandings about triangles I hear are:

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Back to basics: The Triangle 2

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory. Today’s question: What are common triangles in a church and organizational life? The list can be almost endless:

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Back to basics: The Triangle 1

A story is told of legendary Packers football coach Vince Lombardi, whose toughness and demand for excellence turned the losing Green Bay football team into a championship organization. The story goes that after a particularly dismal practice he halted the … Continue reading

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Can you see triangles?

A couple of times in my past I’ve gotten hit on the head hard enough to see spots. One time, blindsided by two linesmen in a game of football who came at me from either side, I saw swirling spots. … Continue reading

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