Thriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities

May 5-6, 2026 | Eastern Mennonite Seminary or Online

The Bowen Center, in partnership with Eastern Mennonite Seminary and with support from the Lilly Endowment, and the Joe Carolin Memorial Fund, is pleased to present “Thriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities.”

About

All are welcome to this day of exploration and learning as participants consider how Bowen theory can inform Thriving in Ministry.  This conference is appropriate for ordained and lay leaders as well as anyone interested in learning more about family systems thinking. 

Whatever the challenges are in ministry, the invitation is there to thrive, both personally and as a congregation. Bowen theory maps a way through differentiation of self to pursue a thriving pathway. This can involve embracing the realities and loving the challenges themselves as congregations, clergy, and lay leaders. 

Dr. Robert Creech will bring his experience as a pastor and teacher. Dr. Dan Papero, long time student of Bowen theory and a faculty member of the Bowen Center, will keynote the conference. Using Bowen theory to address and engage, participants can explore proclamation, pastoral care, spiritual formation, and life in faith-based communities and organizations. Workshop and brief presentations will include discussion on parenting, grandparenting, and other ways we are invited to thrive. Throughout the day, participants are invited to consider how Bowen theory and differentiation of self along with their faith tradition can guide thinking and cultivate thriving in ministry. 

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Conference goals

To bring together a range of faith leaders to explore family systems theory as a resource for understanding and improving relationships and congregational life.   

  • To grow in the capacity to differentiate a self through an increased understanding of the science of human relationships in families and congregations.   

  • To apply family systems theory to the work of faith leaders in pastoral care, preaching, youth work, religious education and other areas.   

  • To offer shoe leather applications: family diagrams, triangles, and other basic ways of moving from an individual to a systems view.

Registration

Conference fee: $250
Conference Discounts:

  • Full and part-time students: Please contact info@thebowencenter.org with confirmation of your enrollment. A discount code will be sent to you.

  • Current Bowen Center Learning participants, including Faith Leadership Seminar participants: Your participant page has your conference discount code.

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Location and Accommodations

Hybrid: Eastern Mennonite University and Online.

  • Conference Location: Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Seminary Building, 1181 Smith Ave., Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802. EMU is located on the northern end of Harrisonburg, VA, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley near the towering Massanutten mountain range and several national forests.

  • Meals: On both days, in-person attendees are invited to enjoy light fare breakfast and simple lunch. There will be a buffet dinner Tuesday evening.

  • Lodging: A block of rooms is reserved at Hotel Madison at $119 a night for either a Deluxe King or Deluxe Double Queen. Use the registration link or call 1-833-564-0200 and request "The Bowen Center" room block.

  • Transportation: There is a Breeze bus that runs daily from various points in DC to Harrisonburg, The bus stop is walkable to the hotel, but not the conference site.

Guest Speaker

Dr. R. Robert Creech and his wife of fifty-three years, Melinda, are native Houstonians. They have three children and five grandchildren. Dr. Creech graduated from Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University) in 1974 with degrees in Christianity and Sociology. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1976. He earned his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies at Baylor University in 1984. Robert served as the pastor of the North Main Baptist Church in inner-city Houston from 1979 until 1981, when he joined the faculty of Houston Baptist University. From 1987 until 2009, he served as the Senior Pastor at University Baptist Church in Clear Lake City, Houston. In 2009, after twenty-two years as a pastor, Robert joined the faculty of Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. There, he served as the Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Director of Pastoral Ministries, teaching courses in pastoral ministry, ethics, and spiritual formation. 

In 2023, Dr. Creech retired from Baylor and moved to family land in Floresville. There, he and Melinda are working to restore 88 acres to native prairie. They’ve formed a non-profit organization (Creech Prairie Restoration, Inc.). They are Texas Master Gardeners, serve on the board of the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum, and are active in the Wilson County Historical Society. They are members of the Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, where Robert teaches a Bible class on Sunday mornings. 

Robert co-authored The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation (rev. ed. 2020) and Ethics for Christian Ministry: Moral Formation for 21st Century Leaders (2017). He has also published Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry (2019) and Pastoral Theology in the Baptist Tradition: Distinctives and Directions for the Contemporary Church (2021) as well as  journal articles, Bible Study curricula, and book chapters. 

  • Dr. Creech’s presentatons are: Thinking Systems as a Christian (Tuesday) and Pastoral Care and Differentiation of Self (Wednesday)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW is a faculty member of the Bowen Center, author, teacher, and presenter on topics related to family systems theory, family psychotherapy, and the functioning of corporations and organizations. Learn More about Dr. Papero.

  • Dr. Papero’s presentation is Threat, Fear, and Resilience: The Neuroscience Supporting the Process of engagement. (Tuesday)

Schedule

May 5, 2026

Time

Title

Presenters
8:25 Review of Guidelines for Online Participation
8:30 Welcome
Mrs. Amie Post, Interim Director of the Bowen Center
Dr. Sarah Bixler, Seminary Dean
Morning Moderator: Kenton T. Derstine, DMin
8:40 Introduction of Guest Speaker
Randall T. Frost, MDiv
8:45 Thinking Systems as a Christian 
Pastors and theological students often raise questions reflecting concerns about the relationship between scientific knowledge and biblical truth, particularly whether Christian leaders can employ a scientific theory of human behavior, such as BFST, without compromising their theological perspective. This presentation offers a constructive account of the relationship between BFST and Christian theology. It focuses especially on clarifying equivocal language, examining apparent tensions between “denying self” and differentiation of self, and between Bowen’s understanding of love as reactivity and the Christian concept of agapē.		 Robert Creech, MDiv, PhD
9:40 Discussion with Dr. Creech
10:00 Break
10:15 Threat, Fear, and Resilience; the Neuroscience Supporting the Process of Engagement
In the decades since Murray Bowen first presented his theory of family systems (1966), research on the functioning of the human brain has advanced. The concept of the emotional and intellectual systems has found support in the work of neuroscientists (e.g., Amy Arnsten: Yale, Antonio Damasio: Iowa).  The knowledge gained of the functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) appears directly relevant to clinical efforts.		 Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW
11:15 Discussion with Dr. Papero
11:30 Discussion with Dr. Papero and Dr. Creech
12:00 Lunch: EMU cafeteria
Afternoon Moderator
1:15 Preaching From the “I-Position” 
What might it take for a pastor to preach from the "I-position"? What would it take for a faith community to hear it? This presentation will consider the possibilities and pitfalls of preaching with an eye on theory.		 Jennifer Long, MDiv
1:40 Differentiation in the Bible
The facts of functioning captured by Murray Bowen in his theory, and especially in his concept of differentiation of self, may represent a new and different lens through which we can interpret the Bible.		 Randall T. Frost, MDiv
2:05 Seeing Process: Reality-Based Congregational Assessment
How congregations can self-assess their functioning on a validated scale related to five family systems dimensions will be presented through the lens of stories from Exodus. The capacity to observe human functioning from individual to family to faith communities to societal levels, with attention to the pressure of population change over the centuries, will be discussed.		 Barbara Laymon, PhD, MPH
2:30 Discussion with Dr. Creech, Dr. Papero, Rev. Long, and Dr. Laymon
3:00 Break
3:15 Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session A: Martin Chapel for in-person participants
Facing Challenge: A Curriculum for Congregations:
Facing Challenge is a curriculum that illustrates five particular ways of seeing congregational life that can promote flourishing amid complexity and challenge. These ways of seeing are defined by the five dimensions of Dr. Daniel Papero’s family assessment model: “Resourcefulness, Tension Management, Connectedness, Perspective, and Goals.” Participants will hear about experience with the curriculum, take part in a role play, and take the Natural Systems Scale for Congregations. 
Rev. Dan Hester

Breakout Session B: for online participants
Every Three Years? Thinking Around and Beyond “Boundaries Training” 
As anxiety ramps up in challenged family and faith communities, the emphasis on specific training in what are called “boundaries” has become more significant for most judicatory expectations of its leaders.  Murray Bowen did not use the word “boundaries” in introducing his perspective on relationships.  Observation of the development of emotional maturity provides a strong underpinning for clarity about roles, processes, and capacities in organizations of all kinds with a common purpose. This presentation will offer some thinking on reconfiguring traditional “boundaries training” from a systems perspective.
The Rev. Dr. Emlyn A. Ott
4:30 Conference Day Adjourns
30-minute break until dinner begins
5:00 Buffet Dinner in gathering area: All in-person attendees are welcome.

May 6, 2026

Time

Title

Presenters
8:25 Review of Guidelines for Online Participation
8:30 Welcome
Morning Moderator:
8:35 Pastoral Care and Differentiation of Self 
This presentation examines the relationship between pastoral care and differentiation of self, contrasting how pastoral care may be delivered by lower- and higher-functioning pastors. Lower levels of differentiation can lead to over-functioning, reactivity, or boundary collapse, while higher levels of differentiation can enable thoughtful, grounded, and theologically responsible care. Work on differentiation can strengthen pastoral effectiveness, and faithful engagement in pastoral care can further advance a pastor’s own work on differentiation.		 Robert Creech, MDiv, PhD
9:20 Discussion with Drs. Creech and Papero
9:45 Break
10:00 Blest be the (Family) Ties that Bind? 
I will share a recap of my Family of Origin work from the past fifteen years, including identifying family themes and projection processes which have shaped me to who I am today, and my effort in applying Bowen theory to family relational dynamics.  I will then reflect upon the FOO work as it impacts my present work in chaplaincy in a retirement community. Included will be a case study describing my efforts in mediating a significant conflict between a community member and staff members in my place of employment, focusing particularly on the dynamic tension of maintaining a self while remaining in relationship with those around me.		 Rev. Chet Yoder MA
10:25 Reverend, I am Worried About My Child 
In the life of the congregation, it is the unusual family that does not from time to time have concerns about a child, or grandchild. A faith leader is in an important position to be a help to the family and the child. How does Bowen systems thinking lend an advantage to the faith leader who wants to be a resource?		 Janis Norton, LCSW
10:50 When Togetherness Becomes Uncomfortable: Strategies for Ministering in a Family System Under Stress 
What is effective spiritual care to a family system? What are the opportunities to promote a more “open” family system, to develop a family’s capacity and resiliency when they are experiencing significant challenges or crisis? This presentation will explore the role of the spiritual care provider from a BFST lens and through the experiences of a hospital chaplain who draws upon Bowen theory as a resource.		 Chaplain Penny Driediger, MDiv. ACPE Certified Educator
11:15 Discussion with Dr. Creech, Rev. Yoder, Ms. Norton, and Chaplain Driediger
12:00 Lunch: EMU Cafeteria – Optional table conversations on conference themes
Afternoon Moderator
1:15 Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session A: Online Participants
Facing Challenge: A Curriculum for Congregations:
Facing Challenge is a curriculum that illustrates five particular ways of seeing congregational life that can promote flourishing amid complexity and challenge. These ways of seeing are defined by the five dimensions of Dr. Daniel Papero’s family assessment model: “Resourcefulness, Tension Management, Connectedness, Perspective, and Goals.” Participants will hear about experience with the curriculum, take part in a role play, and take the Natural Systems Scale for Congregations. 
Rev. Dan Hester

Breakout Session B: Martin Chapel for in-person participants
Every Three Years? Thinking Around and Beyond “Boundaries Training” 
As anxiety ramps up in challenged family and faith communities, the emphasis on specific training in what are called “boundaries” has become more significant for most judicatory expectations of its leaders.  Murray Bowen did not use the word “boundaries” in introducing his perspective on relationships.  Observation of the development of emotional maturity provides a strong underpinning for clarity about roles, processes, and capacities in organizations of all kinds with a common purpose. This presentation will offer some thinking on reconfiguring traditional “boundaries training” from a systems perspective.
The Rev. Dr. Emlyn A. Ott
2:30 Break
2:45 Presence, Process, and Purpose: Leadership in Faith Communities
In this facilitated conversation, Amie Post and Pastors invite participants into a thoughtful exploration of administrative leadership in congregations grounded in Bowen theory and differentiation of self. The workshop examines how faith leaders show up in organizational and administrative roles while maintaining clarity, emotional presence, and responsibility. Together, participants will reflect on real-world challenges, practical strategies, and formative lessons for sustaining healthy leadership in complex faith communities.		 Amie Post MA, LCMFT
3:15 Discussion with Ms. Post and Pastors
3:30 Discussion with Dr. Creech, Ms. Post, Dr. Ott and Rev. Hester
4:15 Conference Adjourns

Presenters

guest presenters

Chaplain Penny Driediger is Assistant Professor of the Practice of Supervised Ministry and Director of the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. She is also a part time Chaplain at Sentara RMY. Penny is ordained through Virginia Mennonite Conference. 

Janis Norton LCSW has been studying Bowen family systems theory since the days when the Family Center was associated with Georgetown University and  Murray Bowen and others taught theory in a run-down rental space above a copy center on MacArthur Boulevard.  She has had an active Bowen coaching practice for many years and before that worked in diverse settings where applying Bowen theory was challenging and rewarding, sometimes both. In more recent years she’s pursued writing projects, mostly essays addressing some aspect of Bowen theory, and also fiction, usually with a theme of multigenerational family experience.  She is an involved Episcopalian in Harrisonburg Virginia, mother of two, and grandmother of five.  

Emlyn A. Ott, DMin was born and raised in Rochester, New York, where her parents and their manufacturing company nurtured her interest in organizations, people, and theology. Ordained in 1986, Emlyn served as Pastor of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Stillwater, Oklahoma, until 2005.  She served on the faculty at Trinity Lutheran Seminary for twelve years, teachingt courses in spirituality and change, pastoral theology, organizational systems, and field education. Shortly after joining Trinity in 2005, she was asked to serve as Director and CEO of “Healthy Congregations.”  In 2017, Emlyn moved “Healthy Congregations” to a partnership with several congregations, expanding the possibilities for its work across tweny-seven different denominational expressions.  She then accepted the call to serve as Associate Professor and Director of Doctor of Ministry Programs at Bexley Seabury Seminary.  Emlyn spent six months in 2024 on a sabbatical from both roles. Her sabbatical focus included work with congregations in the US and the UK to develop mission focus and clarity.  She conducted personal family research in Germany and England and hiked the “Dales Way” during her time with congregations in the UK.  Emlyn is the daughter of Walter and Sybil Rawlings Ott, the older sister of a sister and a brother, and the granddaughter of immigrants.  She is married to Dr. Robert J. Ward, the Director of Choral Studies at The Ohio State University. 

Chet Yoder has served as Director of Pastoral Services at Garden Spot Village since 2008.  Prior to that, he served for eighteen years in congregational leadership. He holds ordination credentials in LMC: A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches.  His current role, in addition to pastoral responsibilities, includes leadership with an organization- wide Distributed Leadership initiative, membership on the GSV Senior Leadership Team, and developing a Global Artisan Partner program which connects international artisans with GSV residents who possess skills in sewing, woodcrafting, and pottery.  Chet is a graduate of Evangelical Seminary (M.A.R.) (Myerstown, PA), and has completed 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education through Eastern Mennonite Seminary, where he was introduced to Bowen theory.  He finds that ongoing studies in the theory are helpful in assisting  him in his family of origin work which in turn informs his work in chaplaincy.  Chet is married to Sandy.  They have three adult sons and five grandchildren.  He finds opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation in gardening, pickleball, reading and, more recently, in running half-marathons.   

faculty presenters

Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW (Keynote Speaker)

Kenton T. Derstine, MDiv, DMin (moderator) is Emeritus Associate Professor of Supervised Ministry and the Director of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS) in Harrisonburg, VA. He is on the faculty of the Bowen Center. Learn more.

Randall Frost, MDiv is a former director of the Bowen Center and a current member of the faculty, which he joined in 2015. Rev. Frost is an ordained Presbyterian minister. Learn More.

Barbara Laymon, PhD, MPH, is a faculty member and a clinical associate at the Bowen Center. She is the author of All the Families of the Earth, Therapists in Bible Times and other publications. Learn More.

Jennifer Long, MDiv is a Protestant minister and faculty member of the Bowen Center. Learn more.

Amie Post, MA, LCMFT is Interim Director of the Bowen Center. She has studied Bowen theory since 2001. Learn more.

Acknowledgements

The Bowen Center acknowledges with appreciation the partnership with Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the support from the Lilly Endowment and the Joe Carolin Memorial Fund to present “Thriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities.”

 
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