Ministry Modules offer those in ministry or pastoral contexts an opportunity to engage in structured sessions on an aspect of systems thinking.

Modules will require pre-reading and provide time for questions, discussion, and personal application. 

The sessions will introduce core concepts and principles from Bowen Family Systems Theory that aim to increase awareness, thoughtfulness and maturity in relationships.

Each Ministry Module consists of three online 1.5-hour reading and discussion groups. Cost per module is $135+GST or $420+GST to register for all four.

MODULE 1 - Triangles: Seeing and Navigating Tension in the System

Why do relationship tensions often expand to involve other people? What are your options when you are invited to (or feel compelled to) solve relationship issues, take a side in a conflict, join forces to fix someone else’s dilemma, listen to gossip, or offer advice about a third person?

Murray Bowen called triangles the building block of any relationship system. They automatically form when tension is mounting in a two-person relationship. This module considers how triangles form and spread in groups when anxiety is increasing and what it looks like to manage yourself responsibly.

Time: THURSDAYS 11:30am-1pm

Dates: 20^th February | 6^th March |20^th March

Facilitator: Larissa Weston Olliffe

MODULE 2 - Anxious Togetherness vs Unity in Christ: Giving Space for Difference While Seeking “one mind”

What happens when unity is confused with compliance or when proclamation promotes groupthink? How can we teach truth, urge obedience and cultivate unity while giving the breathing space that true Christian maturity requires?

This module explores Murray Bowen's concepts of togetherness and individuality as a lens for thinking creatively about navigating these tensions, which are at the heart of the Christian life.

Time: WEDNESDAYS 11:30am-1pm

Dates: 14^th May | 28^th May |11^th June

Facilitator: Matt Steele

MODULE 3 - Pastoral Care that Promotes Maturity

Is there a way to think about Pastoral Care that is less reactive, more sustainable and more helpful for those you care for? Can help actually be unhelpful?

This module explores the family systems ideas of over- and under-functioning in relationships and why thinking about the helper role in pastoral care is worth paying attention to.

Time: TUESDAYS 11:30am-1pm

Dates: 29^th July | 12^th August |26^th August

Facilitator: Anna Moss

MODULE 4 - Approaching Conflict as Opportunity

What can you do when conflict escalates, absorbing time and emotional energy with the potential of relational fall-out? How can you understand these relationship challenges, and are there things you can do to create an environment that will lead to better outcomes?

This module uses a systems lens to think about conflict in relationships and how directing efforts to manage yourself can create better outcomes when seeking to navigate difficult interactions.

Time: WEDNESDAYS 11:30am-1pm

Dates: 22^nd October | 5^th November|19^th November

Facilitator: Andrew Ball

Places are limited – so register soon!