2010
Randall Carl Kidder Day
It’s Not Just An Old, Old Story: Introducing Congregational Emotional Systems Through The Lens Of Multigenerational Transmission
This thesis presents an overview of systems thinking (Bowen Family Systems Theory), a summary of the concept of multigenerational transmission and application of both to congregational life. Further, it examines the possibility of introducing systems theory and, in particular, the family of origin lens to lay leaders and laity generally. There are reports on history conversations with laity in five congregations, conducted to test the receptivity of laity to systems thinking and seeing congregational history through the family of origin lens. Conclusions are offered with thoughts about methodology and some resources for considering and designing an introduction to systems theory and family of origin to lay leaders and lay members.