Each module introduces core concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory and applies them to common ministry challenges, with time for participants to discuss the ideas and reflect on application in their contexts.
They aim to increase understanding of the predictable ways people behave in relationships, and to consider how to respond thoughtfully in ways that foster clarity, understanding, and loving relationships.
Modules are designed for all Christians wanting to understand and grow in emotional maturity, with a particular emphasis on serving in ministry contexts: senior pastors, assistant ministers, school and hospital chaplains, youth and children’s workers, ministry wives, lay leaders, or staff in Christian organisations navigating the relational complexities.
Each Ministry Module includes pre-reading and three 1.5-hour online reading + discussion groups.
Cost: $150+GST per module, or $450+GST for all four (best value)
Ministry is never just about workload: it’s about relationships, expectations, pressures, and the emotional intensity of caring for people. Many ministry workers find themselves stretched thin, depleted, or close to burnout.
Content
This module looks at burnout through a systems lens, helping you identify the relational forces that pull you toward over-responsibility, rescuing, or working beyond your capacity. You’ll explore how stress activates familiar patterns of functioning, in yourself and others, and what it can look like to approach these pressures differently.
Outcomes
You’ll have the opportunity to identify your default patterns under pressure and consider how to shift from over-functioning, rescuing, or absorbing anxiety into more sustainable and thoughtful ministry practices. The goal is to recognise emotional reactivity earlier and explore more thoughtful ways of navigating it, so you can manage your energy and continue in ministry with gladness.
Time: Mondays 11:30 am–1 pm
Dates: 23 Feb | 9 Mar | 23 Mar
Facilitator: Anna Moss
In Bowen Theory, ‘anxiety’ is understood to be an automatic protective response to a real or perceived threat. When challenges come and stress increases, so does our reactivity to others, intensifying anxiety in ourselves and in the system. It is possible to become more aware of our relationship reflexes, expand our repertoire of responses to challenges, and be a less anxious presence. Calm is contagious, which is a gift to all.
Content
This module explores how anxiety (as defined by Bowen) operates in relationships and how predictable patterns emerge when ministry gets hard: e.g., pursuing, distancing, rescuing, irritability, over-responsibility, or seeking help or validation.
Outcomes
You’ll gain a clearer understanding of what happens in and between people when a threat is perceived. This increased awareness helps you respond with greater insight and intention, especially in moments of pressure. You’ll explore questions like: How do I respond when someone withdraws? Do I step in too quickly? How do I react when people are unhappy with my decisions? How much validation do I seek?
Time: Wednesdays 11 am–12:30 pm
Dates: 6 May | 20 May | 3 Jun
Facilitator: Veronica Peters
Leadership isn’t just about strategy and goals; it’s about how leaders function amid the emotional forces that shape their team, their organisation, and themselves.
Content
This module explores the pressures that influence leaders: competing expectations, relational tensions, responsibility pressures, and the emotional climate of the group. Using a systems lens, you’ll consider how to work towards a more differentiated leadership presence.
Outcomes
You’ll have the opportunity to clarify what it means to work towards ‘differentiating a self’ amidst the hopes, dreams and expectations of others, allowing you to lead with personal integrity while remaining meaningfully connected to others in the system. This posture creates space for others to flourish and strengthens your leadership presence.
Time: Thursdays 11:30 am–1 pm
Dates: 6 Aug | 27 Aug | 10 Sep
Facilitator: Matt Steele
The hardest part of leading change is often dealing with people’s reactions. Even the best of ideas can create turbulence, pushback, and emotional intensity.
Content
This module unpacks what happens in an emotional system when change is proposed and implemented. You’ll explore the predictable responses to change (enthusiasm, withdrawal, conflict, gossip, or sabotage, to name a few) and consider how to navigate them thoughtfully and with care.
Outcomes
By learning about these automatic responses, you can be better equipped to lead change with greater calm and confidence, be more realistic about what to expect and the time required, and be motivated to take responsibility for your contribution to healthy relationships in a system under stress.
Time: Tuesdays 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Dates: 3 Nov | 17 Nov | 1 Dec
Facilitator: Ed Vaughan
Places are limited – so register soon!
These Ministry Modules can also be packaged up for ministry staff team training with a group of 6+. Send us an enquiry if you are interested in systems training for your team.
Online modules provide an understanding of Bowen Family Systems Theory while guided reading introduce ministry-oriented literature to extend thinking about the ministry contexts.
Supervision groups contribute a rich collaborative learning environment providing the opportunity to consider the application of theory to ministry situations with peers and faculty staff
Understanding yourself, your own functioning and your own relational habits creates a level of self-awareness that helps navigate some of the pastoral and personal dilemmas faced in ministry
0432 530 513
sim@thefsi.com.au
Enquire
Search