Bowen Family Systems Theory in Christian Ministry: Grappling with theory and its application through a biblical lens brings together the voices of Christian leaders and workers who have engaged Bowen theory in their ministry contexts-churches, schools, workplaces, and pastoral care situations.

Preface; Acknowledgments; Contributors; Introduction; SECTION 1: The interplay between a biblical lens and Bowen theory; 1. Critiquing Bowen family systems theory as an approach for pastoral care; 2. Can a focus on self be unselfish? Evaluating Bowen's concept of differentiation of self; 3. Bowen's multi-generational research and the family diagram / genogram; 4. Anxiety and differentiation in the Ephesian church; 5. "A new teaching-and with authority!" A theological reflection on Bowen theory; SECTION 2: Applying Bowen theory in different ministry contexts; 6. Church unity and anxious togetherness forces, Discerning the difference; 7. Applying Bowen theory to pastoral care, from rescuing pastor to coaching pastor; 8. Quarrelsome or caught in a quandary? Triangles and the complex position of the ministry spouse; 9. Can Bowen theory help us avoid burn out? Bowen theory and the practice of sustainable pastoral ministry; Working in Christian ministries during anxious times;10. Conflict resolution in the workplace, A case study on using Bowen theory in collaboration with the Bible; 11. Denominational leadership interventions in local congregation conflict, The benefits of a Bowen theory perspective; 12. Bowen in leadership coaching, Walking with leaders through challenging times; 13. Church planting and systems anxiety , Personal accounts of applying Bowen theory as a Christian; 14."Angels and devils" in the family, An exploration of reciprocal functioning in the moral domain; 15. Three psychologists and a funeral? A personal reflection on a Bowen theory approach to a family crisis; 16. Grappling with Bowen theory in Ministry, An Interview, Index.