Bowen Family Systems Theory and Congregational Life

Abstract

Pastors and church leaders are increasingly using family systems theory as a way to understand normal relationship processes in their churches and to learn how to function within them. The theory helps us to see more clearly how we are emotionally interconnected with one another and the ways this can manifest either for greater personal and congregational health or greater difficulties. This article shows some of the relevance to church ministry of the eight primary concepts in Bowen family systems theory.