Leadership issues as close to home as sibling position and as big-picture as societal regression -- Bowen Family Systems Theory has it all. In the 4th episode in this series, we talk about how our birth order powerfully shapes our behavior as leaders as well as the behavior of those we lead. Then we explore how anxiety shows up in our society in ways that we all recognize from today’s headlines and we consider what less-anxious leadership looks like in times of upheaval and uncertainty.  Summary:  A theory about how humans actually function Even siblings grow up in a different family How sibling position shapes our behavior and functioning Sibling position in congregations and organizations How society functions like families do Anxiety in society’s attempts at problem-solving Strategies for leaders  For basic information about BFST, we recommend these resources:    The 8 Concepts of Bowen Theory by Roberta Gilbert  Extraordinary Relationships by Roberta Gilbert https://thebowencenter.org/theory/ For a deep dive into Bowen theory in Bowen’s own words, try  Family Therapy in Clinical Practice by Murray Bowen.   To expand your application of Bowen theory, consider:  A Diary of Everyday Growing Up (podcast and blog) by Jenny Brown  A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman 

Bowen Family Systems Theory #4

In each episode, we are going to work to give you one easy to understand concept and tell you at least one story that illustrates the concept being put into practice. The concept will be easy to understand, but it will require your very best self and a good deal of practice over time if you are going to implement it.

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Authority is inherent in leadership roles, and that inherent authority can be misused and abused. In part one of this series, Jim and Trisha discuss the reality of abuse, the questions surrounding it, and the way leaders are called to respond.    Conversation Overview  None of This is New Authority is Inherent in Leadership What is Authority and Where Does it Come From? The Legitimate Uses of Authority A Focus on Spiritual Abuse The Impact Outweighs the Intention Responding to the Critical Mirror Conflict and Disagreement vs. Abuse Taking a Victim Centric Approach    Get Coaching Find Us on Facebook   Podcasts:  Power Dynamics for Trustworthy and Transformative Leaders Power Dynamics and Conflict: A conversation for trustworthy and transformative leaders   Books:  The End of Leadership by Barbara Kellerman Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse    

The Misuse and Abuse of Authority - Part One

 In this episode, dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various aspects of life, including leadership, sermon writing, and more. Join us as we explore the innovative ways in which AI is being integrated into everyday tasks and decision-making processes.   For this special podcast, Jim and Trisha hear some insightful points from multiple guests on how they use AI and how they have seen it impact the world around them.   Podcasts guests include   Scott Hescht is enthusiastic advocate for AI integration into various fields, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Scott offers unique insights into the practical applications of AI in different contexts, including in his ministry as the pastor at The Haven Community Church in Spring, TX.   Rich Braaksma: is the Regional Mission Leader for Resonate Global Mission in Western Canada and part-time pastor of The Road Church in Calgary, Alberta.   Leani du Toit: Trauma-informed spiritual, cross-cultural, and leadership coach with a diverse range of experiences.   Nathan Herrington: Founder of Nathan Herrington Coaching, delving into AI applications in coaching and content creation.   Tim Rotman: Pastor at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota, sharing his experiences with using AI in sermon writing.   Conversation Overview:    AI in Research and Ministry  Beyond the Information  Being Curious and Cautious  Using AI in Content Creation  Making Connections with Large Language Models    Resources    Ezra Klein and Ethan Mollick: How Should I Be Using AI Right Now?   AI Will Shape Your Soul   The Haven Community Church   Resonate Global Mission   Nathan Herrington Coaching   Zumbro Lutheran Church   The Road Church   Leani du Toit Coaching  

Engaging with Artificial Intelligence with Curiosity and Intentionality

Jim talks with Mike Whang about how his shift away from the traditional church model opened up avenues of ministry that can be limited for those in Christian leadership. Mike explains how working out the equations of ministry, the balancing of values, the realities of day to day life, and the needs of the Church, has been a challenge and a blessing as he grows in his walk with God and leadership position.   Mike Whang is an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. He serves Oikon and Wesley as an extension minister of the Texas Annual Conference. He received his M. Div from Duke Divinity School. His favorite foods are rice, kimchi, and eggs. Raised in Los Angeles, he and his wife, Lisa are raising native Texan daughters of Korean descent.  Conversation Overview    A Shift in Approach  Pivoting From a Local Church to a Ministry Organization  Gaining Margin by Stepping away from Sunday Centric Model  Integrating Faith with Life  The Upsides and Downsides of Change  Personal Responsibility as a Follower of Christ  Limitations of Traditional Structures  Different Paths for Spiritual Journeys    Resources   https://www.oikonandwesley.org/   Nomads in the Church: The Leader's Journey Podcast with Terry Walling 

The Equations of Ministry: Imagining Beyond the Traditional Church Model

 On this episode of The Leader’s Journey Podcast, Trisha talks with Mac McCarthy and Nate Pyle about how the election year has affected their congregations and the ways they are navigating that social landscape within their churches. Listen to this first of several podcasts in 2024 as they discuss the unique ways they have each worked with the leadership in their churches in order to guide their congregations to focus on building bridges and communicating with grace.  Nate Pyle is a pastor, author, and coach. As a pastor, Nate has served as the pastor of Christ’s Community Church in Fishers, Indiana since 2008. During that time, Nate began learning and practicing skills related to adaptive leadership, congregational revitalization, family systems, emotional maturity, and spiritual formation. He has a passion to see the church become a learning community growing its capacity to navigate difference, hard conversations, and congregational change.   Mac McCarthy has been in Christian ministry for over 15 years.  As a pastor, practitioner, and coach, he is passionate about equipping leaders by integrating missional theology, spiritual formation, family systems, and adaptive leadership to navigate congregational change.  Having served in a variety of roles, Mac is currently the Lead Pastor at Crosspoint Community Church in the western suburbs of Milwaukee where has been since 2008.  He received his B.A. from Bethel University, his M.Div from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is ordained with the Christian & Missionary Alliance.  Mac is also a CrossFit coach and enjoys helping people pursue holistic health.        Conversation Overview    Political conversation in a Systems Context  Getting Your Hands Dirty  Political vs. Partisan  Being a Minister of Reconciliation  Conflating Religious Doctrine and Political Politics  Anxiety and Emotional Maturity  Capacity Building and Discipleship  It Doesn't Always Work  Core Conviction and Guiding Principles      Resources:    Nate Pyle on The Leader's Journey   4 Americas: The Stories and the Gospel - Nate Pyle SermonsMac McCarthy on The Leader's Journey   Luke Bretherton on Democracy and Christianity   Crosspoint Community Church   Christ Community Church 

Playing Politics: Leading in an Election Year, part 1.

Trisha and Jim continue their insightful discussion on boundaries in this week's podcast. Join them as they discuss your questions about boundaries and the benefits and struggles of implementing them in personal and professional leadership roles.  Conversation Overview  Flourishing Within Boundaries Boundaries and Emotional Maturity Working Within a Broken System The Cost of Boundaries Managing Guilt Christ's Example of Boundaries Staying On Your Side of the Line and Allowing God to Work Communication is Key Creating a Culture of Healthy Boundaries The Value of Pain 

Bowen Family Systems Theory #4

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