MONTHLY TOPICS

​​

September 19/20, 2024: "Orientation"

Assignments and additional information coming soon...​

​

​

October 17/18, 2024: "Handling Hard Better: Managing Life’s Tribulations" Anthony J. Wilgus

Kara Lawson, the women’s basketball coach at Duke, challenged her players in a brief pep talk. Stating that things in life do NOT get easier, Coach Lawson outlined the player’s task as learning how to ‘handle hard better.’ This mantra, however, runs counter to the flurry of grievances articulated by increasingly polarized groups in this society.

 

How does Bowen theory address the many unfairnesses and inequities that occur to humans, often through no fault of their own? Participants will highlight not only the grievances in their own lives but explore the ways in which they managed self through life’s tribulations, a legacy that all humans have inherited (Bowen).

​​

​November 21/22, 2024: "Cultivating Authentic Connections in Communities of Faith: Integrity And Unity" Dana Runestad

“This congregation is my family,” we often hear. And many find their integrity and authenticity compromised in such “families” of faith.  This can be an underlying factor in the rise of “nones” and SBNRs (Spiritual But Not Religious).  For good and ill, congregations are often bastions where togetherness forces overpower the instincts for individuality. During anxious times, says Bowen Family Systems Theory, togetherness forces become even stronger.  And yet as more churches close and merge, we see more and more “Unity” Churches dotting our landscapes.

​

What is the interplay between unity and integrity like in your faith community? What role does faith formation play?  How might Bowen Theory inform and guide cultivating such a climate? What role might organizational structures, processes and systems play in helping to ease emotional pressure toward togetherness? How can leaders nurture integrity and unity?

​

December - No Meeting

​​​

January 16/17, 2025: "The Good Life and Bowen Theory" Anthony J. Wilgus

Clergy, psychologists, and laity, among others, have frequently pondered the question, “What constitutes a good life?” Professional success? Reproduction? Resource acquisition? Wisdom accrued over time? Human curiosity begs these questions and more.

 

In the longest running study of human functioning, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz describe very specific components of a good life. Their conclusions are simple and striking, substantiating some of the tenets of Bowen theory. Participants will examine the research and apply their own thinking and experience to an understanding of the good life, be it from their faith communities, their families, or their friendship circles.​

​

February 19/20, 2025: "Who’s fusing who??" Jennifer Long

One of the factors that influences functioning is fusion… but what does it actually mean? How does fusion develop? How does fusion affect and how is it affected by triangles? How does one get a handle on fusion and what difference does it make? Is it just a human thing?

​

This presentation will seek to explore fusion and how it governs relationships both in the family and in the church.​

​​​

March 20/21, 2025: "Thinking Systems, Observing Sabbath" Emlyn Ott

Observing Sabbath (Shabbat) originates in the biblical commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

 

In a world of change and upheaval, time is needed to change rhythm, focus, and attentiveness. Systems are complex, and sabbath is more than rest, renewal, and self-care. It is more than a day. What does a wider view on “observing sabbath” mean for busy people?  Disciplines for thinking systems and exploring a deeper meaning for sabbath-keeping will be examined, including an overview of the purpose and possibilities for sabbaticals for ministry leaders.

​​​

April 24/25, 2025: "What do you expect?" Dana Runestad

How do our expectations for others become factors that contribute to polarization and distance?  What expectations might be reasonable and realistic? How can Natural Systems Theory, the natural world and neuroscience help inform our thinking?  How can managing my expectations for others help me manage myself in conflict?

​

What about my expectations for myself?  Where do those come from?  Are they reasonable and realistic? How can learning to manage expectations help cultivate connections in a fragmented world?

​

Monday, May 19, 2025

Special Event and Leadership Series Capstone - details forthcoming

​

​