"This scholarly yet personal integration of Bowen Family Systems Theory into life and ministry can engage readers in their own versions of working on differentiation of self. Applying this approach promises to bring change for the better in a family or congregation--even in the larger community. Creech illustrates and inspires that effort."  
\--__Victoria Harrison__, Center for the Study of Natural Systems and the Family (www.csnsf.org) and Bowen Center for the Study of the Family (www.thebowencenter.org)  
  
"Robert Creech has provided a fresh approach to pastoral ministry, no matter the size of the congregation. The study of Bowen Family Systems Theory has changed my approach to life and ministry over the last sixteen years, and Family Systems and Congregational Life will benefit me and my communities of faith as I continue to digest this well-written text abounding with Creech's fresh insights. Those who are just learning about the theory, as well as seasoned advocates doing the hard yet rewarding work of living out these principles, will find refreshment and encouragement in these pages for the sometimes challenging work of ministry."  
\--__Becky L. Towne__, Houston Graduate School of Theology  
  
"Creech makes a tremendous contribution to understanding Bowen Family Systems Theory, pastoral theology, and the practice of ministry. Using the adage 'always take a map,' he makes a case for the application of emotional process thinking in every aspect of ministry. The appendixes are pure gold. This book is a must for those who wish to effectively face challenges within their families, faith communities, and the wider world."  
\--__Emlyn A. Ott__, executive director and CEO, Healthy Congregations, Inc.; Bexley Seabury Seminary  
  
"Creech offers a map for the practice of ministry. This book will make the challenges a little easier: leadership, exegesis and preaching, visioning and pastoral care. Leaders are also encouraged to attend to their own emotional and spiritual growth. Most of the chapters are by themselves worth the price of the book. It is clear and practical, while also well grounded theologically and theoretically. Buy it and keep it at hand; you'll want to read and reread it."  
\--__Margaret Marcuson__, author of Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry and Money and Your Ministry

__R. Robert Creech__ (PhD, Baylor University) is Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Professor of Pastoral Leadership and director of pastoral ministries at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He is the coauthor of Ethics for Christian Ministry and The Leader's Journey.

Experienced pastor and seminary teacher R. Robert Creech helps pastoral leaders increase their effectiveness by applying family systems theory to congregational life and ministry. Creech introduces readers to the basic concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory, applies family theory to the work of ministry in church settings, and connects systems thinking to the everyday aspects of congregational ministry, such as preaching, pastoral care, leadership, spiritual formation, and interpreting biblical texts. Each chapter contains discussion questions, and there are five helpful appendixes with supplemental information about Bowen theory.

Helps pastoral leaders increase their effectiveness by applying the Bowen Family Systems Theory to congregational life and ministry.

__Contents  
  
Part 1: Orienting the Map__ 1. Always Take a Map: The Value of Bowen Family Systems Theory  
2. Reading the Map: An Overview of Bowen Family Systems Theory  
__Part 2: A Map for Practical Theology__ 3. Third-Way Leadership: More Than Principles and Practices  
4. The Future of Congregational Leadership: Leading in Chaotic Times  
5. Proclamation: Preaching as Pastor and as Prophet  
6. Pastoral Care: Helping without Hurting  
7. Spiritual Formation: Growing in Christlikeness  
8. Christian Community: Journeying with Others  
__Part 3: A Map for Reading Scripture__ 9. Bowen Family Systems Theory and Biblical Interpretation: The Rules of the Game  
10. Mapping the Family of Abraham: Family Systems, 2000 BC  
11. Mapping the Character of Jesus: Differentiation and Christlikeness  
12. Mapping the Teaching of Paul: New Life in Christ and Community  
Appendix A: Mapping the Family of David: Family Systems, 1000 BC  
Appendix B: Bowen Theory and Theological Language  
Appendix C: Important Terms in Bowen Family Systems Theory  
Appendix D: Bowen-Based Training Programs  
Appendix E: Bowen Family Systems Theory and Ministry: A Bibliography  
Index

Creech, R. Robert

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Family Systems and Congregational Life

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