As part 2 of our series of Pastoral Care, Counselling and Psychology we had a fantastic interview with Jenny Brown of the Family Systems Institute. Not only did we discover that Jenny has great taste in coffee (she drinks Campos!) but we discovered that Family Systems Theory sheds a whole lot of light on our own actions and reactions to things.
Jenny speaks to us about what Family Systems thinking is, what things might cause our anxieties, how our family upbringing influences the way we handle tensions now, and we think about how this might impact Church and family life today. We also thought about what emotional maturity looks like.
Steve and I really enjoyed this interview with Jenny – and we trust you will too! Again, I feel very much like a beginner when it comes to pastoral care and counseling, but am very thankful for the wisdom of others such as Jenny.
In addition to this great interview, Jenny has kindly pointed us to a number of helpful resources on Family Systems:
- One Family’s Story: An easy to understand overview of Family Systems theory.
- Resources applied to Family and Church: click here.
- An excellent book for Church leadership (I’ve used this myself – it’s good!): “The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation.“
- Another good book: “Creating a Healthier Church (Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling)“
- Systems in Ministry Resources – From Jenny and the Family Systems Institute. CDs and DVDs to purchase: Healthy Relating in Marriage, Family ties that Bind, Parenting and Systems ideas, Systems and Pastoral Care Dilemmas. Call the FSI: (02) 9904 5600, or you can find email details at: www.thefsi.com.au
Listen:
October 13, 2009
I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tell you (and not a little bit hurt) that you came to Neutral Bay but didn’t pop round here