For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
The late Rev. Peter L. Steinke was a Lutheran pastor, writer, psychologist, educator, and author. Much of his writing applied Murray Bowen’s family systems theory to understanding the way a church community works as an emotional system. Steinke worked with religious leaders in the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.[1]
In his book, How your 21st-Century Church Family Works, he applies systems theory to congregational ministry. This is an excellent book which I highly recommend!
I read this book in the first few months of my ministry as the General Presbyter and it helped me understand both where I’ve come from and where I am going in ministry. In all honesty, I wish that I had read this book in the first few years after I was ordained! It would have helped me tremendously as I navigated the family system of my congregation. I highly recommend this book for Ministers and church leaders.
What is systems theory?
Steinke defines it as a theory that considers the interrelatedness of the parts. He states that “system thinking deepens our understanding of life. We see it as a rich complexity of interdependent parts.” (Steinke, pg. 8)
Steinke helps church leaders understand how systems theory applies to our life in the Church. How does a congregation deal with anxiety and change? How do individuals respond to conflict? How does a congregation forgive? How does a pastor navigate the complexities of their call? His chapter called “Being a Prophet is nice work – if you can find a job” is particularly helpful.
As leaders, we may not be able to change the family system within a congregation, but we have a vital role to play in managing our own responses and behaviours in the midst of anxiety, change, and conflict. We can affect calm, focus and change when we serve as steward of the vision. (Steinke, pg. 103)
At the conclusion of his book, Steinke encourages church leaders – both lay and ordained – to become explorers who embark on an “Imaginative Reformation” in service of the God whom we adore.
Blessings, Rev. Emma