DESCRIPTION: The individual-in-family-within-community is the focus of study in the pastoral care and counseling of families. Family systems theory, theology, and therapy will be integrated as the student explores his/her own multigenerational family system and applies learnings to one's own role in his/her family of origin and to family ministry.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Self-awareness and understanding of identity and location, shape the pastoral counseling ministry with others. This is particularly important within the complex and dynamic family system--comprised of one's spiritual family, biological family, kinship networks, and the persons within these contexts. This course equips the counselor to reflect on his/her own family system, relate and respond systemically, and intervene effectively in ministry with families.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the completion of this course, the student will have gained a greater understanding and new ways of connecting with family of origin, learning clear self-definition and differentiation with clean boundaries, and balancing separateness and connectedness in healthful ways. Additionally, the student will discover new clarity of self-in-relation with oneself, with others, and with God. Lastly, the student will be able to think through and apply systems theory in relationships and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet once weekly for a three-hour session. The course focuses on assisting participants in understanding, differentiating, and deepening relationships in their family of origin in personal development as a basis for work in family intervention. Lectures, reading reflections, experiential process, case studies, and audiovisuals will be utilized to assist the pastoral counselor in growth toward effective preventative and creative change in family systems.

REQUIRED READING:

Friedman, Edwin. Generation to Generation. New York: Guilford, 1985. 319 pages. ISBN: 0898620597. Pub.Price $48.00.

Napier, A., and Carl Whitaker. The Family Crucible. New York: Bantam, 1978. 301 pages. ISBN: 0060145684. Pub.Price $14.00.

Richardson, Ronald W. Becoming a Healthier Pastor: Family Systems Theory and the Pastor's Own Family. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005. 150 pages. ISBN: 0800636392. Pub. Price $17.00.

Course Reader with selected chapters, articles, and other resources.

1. Wide reading of 1200 pages in theory and cases.

2. Attendance of all sessions and participation in experiential processes.

3. Present an integration of family systems theory and theology in your pastoral caregiving ministry with individuals, couples and families (approx. 5 pages).

4. Present a four-generation (minimum) analysis of your family of origin and a commitment to pursuit of a family pilgrimage for the following two years (approx. 20 pages).