Discernment, Theological Reflection, and Bowen Family Systems Theory

Discernment. -- the ability to perceive, understand, and judge things clearly

We first learn about the world from our family. Studying one’s family and examining one’s roles in the family benefits an individual in understanding themselves and how they see themselves in relation to the world.  Delving into influences and messages from the multigenerational family process and the nuclear family enable one to discern the ways one has come to understand relationships, work situations, beliefs, and life.  Discovering the impact of our family upon us is a step toward discernment.

As people of faith, a common theological framework to understand faith is the Wesleyan quadrilateral: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.  These four components are used to reflect theologically and mature in faith. Theological reflection is an essential component of Christian discernment.  

The June endeavor into discernment will delve into Bowen Family Systems Theory, a lens that has been used to look at oneself, one’s family and relationships, and one’s decisions. Congregations will also be examined to better understand and perceive hidden processes that occur. Understandings and examples of theological reflection will be explored.  

Responsibilities for participants will be their presence at a gathering on June 6, 9am – noon, June 27 9-noon and a zoom gathering, Weds. June 17, 6-7:30pm.   One hour zoom individual coaching session will be scheduled with the facilitator during June.   Other assignments, written lectures, and reading for the four weeks of the course will be done asynchronously and include written responses. 

Two required books will be:

A Family Genogram Workbook – by Galindo, Boomer, Reagan

(This can be picked up at the June 6 gathering or obtained through a book dealer. )

The Hidden Lives of Congregations by Israel Galindo (available through the internet archive or book dealer)

Other readings and reflective content will be provided.

Learnings:

• Emotional Process in family, self, and congregations

• Basics of Bowen Family Systems Theory

• Methods of Theological Reflection

• Synthesis of theological reflection and experiences

• Competencies/Abilities in the UCC Marks of Ministry

  
  

Course Goals/Outcomes:

1. Construct a family diagram, interpret themes and messages in one’s family that impact the way one relates to others, and understands relationships and life.

2. Reflect more deeply upon one’s gifts for life and ministry, with awareness of how discernment partners participate in the process of reflection and discernment. 

3. Develop an understanding of leadership through a family systems frame of reference, exploring congregational leadership in particular

   and one’s gifts as a leader.

4. Engage in deeper theological reflection while discerning one’s path

5. Practice theological self-reflection and engage in one-on-one coaching as you develop this skillset. (The final outcome project will be the writing of the Annual Review Reflection/Portfolio on three Competency Areas of the Marks for Faithful and Effective Ministers.)

Help Me To Discern

Today, O God of all days,

give me an experience of your heart.

Draw me deep into your very being,

into the core of your love for me, others, and the world.

Give me a glimpse of others the way you see others:

loving them, forgiving them,

and delighting in the way they give glory to God

through their very existence.

Help me to discern out of that open place of deep affection

so that I too might be a useful vessel of your love in the world.

- Author Unknown