Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership and Congregational Life

by Ronald W. Richardson

Ronald W. Richardson helps us to understand how congregations function emotionally. Without being simplistic, he gives clear directions on how to improve their quality of life together and function more effectively in achieving mission goals. This book offers: A theory about human behavior that will aid understanding of how things can get out of control in the human community of the church; A practical set of leadership ideas and behaviors; Guidelines for how to behave in the midst of upsetting and conflictual circumstances; Personal steps that leaders in the church can take to become more positive forces for healing and cooperation.

Genres: Church, Leadership, Nonfiction, Psychology, Christianity, Counselling, Religion

184 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Emmanuel Roldan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richardson does a good job of describing the church as an "emotional system" with various sets of interlocking and complex relationships. He encourages leaders to be self-focused (not the same as self-centered) as they seek to define the way they want to be with their congregation. This process is hard work but liberates leaders from reactive thinking and seeking to "fix" others. Through differentiation leaders are able to stay connected to others without being controlled by (or seeking to control) others. Each chapter ends with a set of questions which helps the reader think about how the concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory can be applied to oneself and congregations.

[Tim Littleford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of Family Systems Theory designed for reading together as a church council or eldership.

Stay out of triangles people.

[Tara Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. Don't let the unattractive cover or utilitarian title push you away. Richardson uses great stories and analogies to painlessly guide you through the invaluable tools of systems theory with memorable hooks and practical wisdom you can use every day. How do our anxious responses start a domino effect of destruction in our relationships and institutions? This book lays out the reasons and gives practical advise on how to calm our anxious responses, the wounds that cause us to respond the way we do, and more. When something bad happens, will it spiral into permanently severed relationships and crumbling institutions? Often, we have seen a yes to that question. But there are ways to place a road block in that process as we learn how our wounds and felt needs influence us to respond in ways we would never endorse if our emotions had not shot us into fight or flight. I use this book in church work, parenting, marriage, school groups and more. It is a must read if you ever deal with other people.

[Kenneth Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time through this book. I highly recommend it for leaders of organizations, esp. pastors, who want to explore the ways that anxiety, emotional immaturity, and unhealthy church systems might be damaging to themselves and their churches. The book present great examples of the author's arguments, and great direction for building a healthier presence as a leader in the church.

[Rick Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful and useful book, in which Richardson applies the learning and discipline of family systems theory to the life of church congregations. The usable insights are plentiful; however, as with many systems theory approaches, this one can at times present such a dizzying array of influences and counter-influences within the system, that one feels at times overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of all the relationship dynamics which must be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, the research and applications are solid; and, at the very least, understanding that church leadership involves dealing with living systems, and not just individuals, can put one on the right track to dealing with church problems and helping with church growth. A valuable resource for pastors and all church leaders. Especially helpful was the chapter on "Becoming a Better Leader."

[Jane Austin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genograms were poorly labeled and explained; if I was not familiar with their use and purpose already their presence could have been confusing. The entire chapter on birth order should be ignored, as the statistical differences in personality and intelligence related to birth order are so small they have no practical relevance. As a primer on family systems theory as related to congregational life it’s decent but could use a revision and update to reflect the development in this theory and its practice that has occurred in the last 25 years.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It’s probably closer to 4.5 stars than 4. This book read fast at times and super slow at times. I read this book on my own as part of a Transitional Ministry course. This book would be a lot of fun as a group in a church or at the very least, incredibly helpful as a small group. Most of the ideas that the author have feel like they still hold up. This book is a great resource for any Pastor and something that I would suggest! Also, it’s a nice introduction to family systems theory.

[Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally good principles. One thing I found interesting is that the author had an entire chapter on birth order and how it affected leadership style. My guess is that the enneagram probably wasn't super big when this book was written, but the birth order chapter essentially puts those things that help create our personality into archetypes very similarly to the enneagram. IE: A middle child is often the conflict resolver (a nine on the enneagram).

[Dani Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one of the more relevant books about family systems and leadership, I think. There are plenty of illustrations and stories to help visualize certain situations one might encounter as a church leader, but I have felt that they might not be realistic ones as they are very clear cut and sometimes extreme.

[David Ince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Healthy communities require healthy leaders

The author’s approach was new and different to what I had expected. The Family System Theory and the examples given required that I think more of my leadership style, it’s impact upon those I’m called to lead. The importance of assuming less and taking the time to understand more of what others are thinking and doing.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful for clergy, but also concise enough for the lay leaders of the church to pick up and find worthwhile information that will impact their work with their church, but also their personal and professional relationships outside of church.

[Neph Lesperance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for church leaders!

Stumbled on this book while doing research for a school project. This is a great resource for church leaders who want practical ways to create healthier church spaces.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounding up. Quite helpful from the standpoint of descriptions, explanations, and examples of healthy/unhealthy church functioning. Needed (and could have easily incorporated, I think) richer theological scaffolding about the teleology of church health, etc.

[Jeffrey Kahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy on theory, light on practice, but still helpful in understanding congregational dynamics.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a graduate school class in family systems theory.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread from seminary. Enjoyed it more this time around.
Great reminder to be aware of/address one's own issues, without getting caught up in the anxiety of others, especially as a leader.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful consideration of creating healthy church culture while incorporating Internal Family Systems Theory. I found a lot of insightful information.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a bit dated, Ronald Richardson's Creating a Healthier Church takes the reader through Bowen Family Systems Theory as relevant to church congregations and church leadership. His illustrative churches (one healthy church and one unhealthy church) were very detailed and descriptive, and served the purpose of demonstrating the positive and negative aspects of BFST. I found his hypothetical churches a bit too descriptive - was it really necessary to include a minimum of six character names and backstories in each hypothetical church? - but I concede that they did illustrate his points.

In all, Creating a Healthier Church is a good reference for the main points of BFST in church congregations and how to recognize the various aspects of BFST within church populations.

[Heidi Eva Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good behavioral information.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronald W. Richardson helps us to understand how congregations function emotionally. Without being simplistic, he gives clear directions on how to improve their quality of life together and function more effectively in achieving mission goals. This book offers: A theory about human behavior that will aid understanding of how things can get out of control in the human community of the church; A practical set of leadership ideas and behaviors; Guidelines for how to behave in the midst of upsetting and conflictual circumstances; Personal steps that leaders in the church can take to become more positive forces for healing and cooperation.

[Daphne Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a help to church leaders and parishioners to understand the dynamics of congregations, both healthy and dysfunctional. It's based on family systems theory, a rather complex approach to human behavior, and the book is helpful in clarifying the concepts to make it useful to readers interested in becoming more creative and empathic when faced with difficult situations.

That said, I would highly recommend Edwin Friedman's Generation to Generation. It's quite readable and far more profound in gaining an understanding of church---and family-- systems at work.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ NOV 2010

Good application of family theory to organizational life. While the focus was on congregations, this would apply to other organizations as well.

Best quote, "you become a leader by becoming more fully yourself, and by managing yourself (not others), within the context of your [organization]" (p. 172) and "Understanding people is more important than trying to do something to people, to 'fix' them in some way" (p. 175).

[Dustin Bagby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to how family systems theory relates to relationships and leadership in the life of the church. If you're not familiar with Bowen or haven't read Friedman or Herrington (The Leaders Journey), this would be a good starting point in understanding the theory. If you're in ministry and are not familiar with any of the above authors or systems, it is a good time to orient yourself. I have found this incredibly important to relationships and how I function as a pastor.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me a lot to think of people in general, not just congregational life, and how relationships are formed and affected. I think I will be a much better pastor, friend, daughter, etc., because of it, and I am sure to turn back to it often. The basic idea is to try to understand rather than be understood.

[Chuck Denison · Rating 2 out of 5]

A primer on family systems (Bowen theory) applied to church. A useful summary if you don't want to read Friedman. A lot of time spent on actual family stuff, which was helpful. An easy to read review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared toward how to make you a healthier leader in a church which in turn will influence those around you to be healthier. The explanation of family systems theory was very helpful. I have found it helpful information to apply to my workplace as well.

[Scott Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice introduction to family systems, and I like the integration with the church. However, I think it is lacking and while I would recommend, I would also suggest further reading and studying in this area of systems theory.

3.5/5

[Robin Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly illuminating.

Family Systems theory is new to me but so helpful in understanding church/community dynamics.

The book is helpful for defining current reality, comes up short on suggesting ways forward though.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Applies family systesm theory to the congregation. The concepts were helpful. I could have used more examples of how it all applied.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suggest this book for anyone who wishes to understand church life and how to help people navigate conflict in the church.