Product Description

Ronald W. Richardson helps us to understand how congregations function emotionally. Without being simplistic, he gives clear directions on how to improve the quality of life together in the church for the purpose of achieving mission goals.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59009 in Books
• Published on: 1996-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 183 pages

Customer Reviews

Church as System
Richardson provides a basic framework of systems theory and applies it to churches. He creates a stressful situation/story handled very differently by two churches. The more adaptive vs. maladaptive responses are used to demonstrate different components of systems theory. He covers basic systems within systems function: diagramming, the central role of anxiety in unbalancing systems, life forces of togetherness and individuality, the close/distant (pursuers/distancers) dynamic, fusion and differentiation (related to foolishness and wisdom), patterns of reactivity (compliance, rebellion, power struggle, and emotional distancing), triangulation, over/under functioning, and birth order. He places systems constructs in biblical context and makes individual, congregational, and church leadership applications. Each chapter has individual and group thought-provoking questions. Richardson provides excellent instruction in how to assess a congregation using a systems approach, and concludes with practical advice for church leaders to change their part in the system so that the whole church will be healthier. Although I found the book uneven in parts, I clearly was able to identify my own reactions towards fusion when anxious. I was given a clear theoretical framework for assessing and understanding a church in distress and tools to work from within for greater health.

A Practical Guide to a Healthy Church
Richardson uses the church parish system as a backdrop to illustrate the existence of various family systems and sub-systems. The emotional system is highlighted and described as "one of the most powerful forces in any church or in any group of human beings."

It is crucial that we acknowledge, observe, understand and interact with the emotional system within a church, group or institution. Emotional skills development is essential to the life, health and well being of the person as well as the church, group or organization.

This was a very interesting and practical book.

Must read!
If you've read, "Generation to Generation" by Edwin Friedman or are familiar with "family systems theory" you'll understand of the value of "Creating a healthier Church". Richardson playfully compares two Churches "Valley view" and "Third Church" to juxtapose healthy Churches and dysfunctional Churches. The main ideas in the book: How well do the people in a system handle two types of anxiety (Acute/Chronic), the problems of triangulation, and for the minister to be able to mess with the congregation yet have a sense of individuality or healthy separation from the group. As a Minster of just over 13 years, I recommend the book highly. It has been labeled as an introductory level book by several others, but I think even veterans will gain immense value from reading it. The book will provoke thought and introspection while providing applicable methods to better minister to the complex groups we work with.