Faith Leadership Conference: Challenges of Ministry in an Age of Reactivity

The Faith Leadership Conference is an annual event exploring the challenges and possibilities faced by leaders of faith communities. Each year the conference has a specific focus, and includes presentations on Bowen theory, case studies, and discussion.

Date: February 11, 2022

Time: 9:30 - 3:30 pm ET

Location: Online via Zoom

Sections

Schedule

Time

Presentation Title

Presenter
9:30 Welcome Carrie E. Collier, PhD, LPC, CRC

Director, The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family
9:35 Walk Don’t Run: First Steps into Bowen Theory

For some, the introduction to Dr. Bowen’s family systems perspective on congregations is accompanied by flashing lightbulbs and ‘aha’ moments, as previously incomprehensible interactions and behaviors begin to make sense.  They take to the theory like a “duck to water.”  For others, Dr. Bowen’s theory is seen as an interesting perspective - something to keep in mind because it might be helpful someday.  For still others, responses run the gamut from curiosity, to skepticism, to flat-out dismissal. “Ducks” tend to jump into the deep end, analyzing anxiety, triangles and emotional process everywhere around them.  The “curious” test the water for a while, and may or may not decide to take the plunge. 

For the “ducks”, the “curious” and even the skeptical, this presentation uses the lens congregational leadership to shape a brief introduction to the concepts of Bowen theory.  The central focus is not on the congregation as much as on the efforts of the leader to be a ‘self’ in the midst of the anxious, multigenerational emotional system of the congregation. “Walking rather than running” into Bowen theory involves learning, observation, experimentation, and managing self rather than trying to manage others.  It is through one’s most mature and thoughtful presence that the functioning of the broader congregational system is impacted in a positive way.		 The Rev. Carol P. Jeunnette, PhD
10:30 Break
10:45 From Triangling To Polarizing: Does Differentiation of Self Matter in a Volatile World?

The seventh concept of the Bowen theory extends family systems theory to the domain of societal functioning. The concept reviews emotional processes in society, their behavioral manifestations, and provides some guidance for those attempting to function in an emotionally charged and reactive world. That guidance directs the person to work of differentiation of self while maintaining sufficient emotional contact with the key others involved. As the various forces and conditions emerge and converge in the middle of this century (John B. Calhoun’s “eye of the needle”), it appears that guidance will be sorely tested. Toward the end of his life, Murray Bowen provided a succinct description of the qualities of a family leader. They reflect the fundamental aspects of differentiation of self. After reviewing emotional process in society, the talk will review notions of differentiation of self and leadership in a volatile world.		 Dr. Daniel V. Papero
11:45 Lunch Break
12:45 Family of Origin As Continuing Education: Advanced Training in Leadership Development

Seminary prepares clergy for pastoral leadership.  But nothing in seminary prepares clergy to address challenging behavior.  Clergy often learn to do this the hard way.  Bowen theory provides a framework and language that can help clergy navigate the relationships systems in a congregation.  How we relate to challenging people and situations is a product of our family of origin. Applying Bowen's concepts to one's family is the first step in working towards differentiation of self.  Lessons learned in the family are transferable to pastoral leadership in ways that are lifesaving and life giving.		 The Rev. John Bell
1:30 Discussion
1:45 Break
2:00 Thinking it Through: A Structured Conversation

Being an effective self in moving forward. What steps can I take? How do I think about the challenges? What plans can I make? What principles underly these plans? What leadership is emerging around me? We will work on these questions directly in guided small group discussions.		 The Rev. Edward J. Henley
3:30 Adjournment

CEU/CEs

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is authorized by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners and the District of Columbia Board of Social Work to provide continuing education credit. This program is a Category I offering.

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6225. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The conference day will provide 4.5 Category I continuing education credit for social workers and for counselors. Registrants must attend the conference live to receive continuing education credit. We do not offer continuing education credit for viewing conference recordings.

If you plan to participate in the CEU/CE process, it is necessary to:

  • Pay the CEU/CE fee of $15 prior to the start of the conference.

  • Attend the entire livestreamed conference.

  • Enable video so that you are visible throughout the entirety of the conference (except during designated breaks or lunch).

  • Submit a completed evaluation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Increased ability to identify common symptoms of anxiety in self, families, and communities - especially as it manifests in the reactivity described as “polarization.”

  • Increased ability to see the reciprocity involved in relationship patterns.

  • Decreased focus on the functioning of others; increased focus on self when tension rises in a relationship or group.

  • Increased ability to see the emotional patterns described by Bowen theory and one’s part in them.

  • Increased imagination for responsible engagement of family, work and faith community when tensions manifest in the emotional processes of conflict, distance, triangulation and over/under-functioning - common components of polarization.

  • To develop a better understanding of how Bowen theory conceptualizes the process of polarization in families, churches, communities, and society, and how individuals can address their part in that process.

If you have any questions about CEU/CEs, please email ceu@thebowencenter.org.

Georgetown Family Center, Inc.

Faith Leadership Conference

ACEP No. 6225

 

Previous Faith Leadership Conferences