This vision for Voyagers and the future was first presented at our Spring, 2006 meeting.
It will be discussed again during the Spring, 2007 meeting.

A LOOK AHEAD
Voyagers, 2006

The Bowen/Friedman Axis is a resource for understanding human functioning offering a new orientation for the practice of ministry today. Determining one's theory of ministry connects to one's theory (and assumptions) about human behavior as part of the human condition to which ministry is addressed. Leadership though self differentiation within a natural systems view of the human situation moves toward more integration of perspective and resources for the 21st century.

The state of pastoral ministry today provides a complex field for an adventure into the challenges facing the church. Reliable utterance congruent with action is essential in lending a hand toward meaning and wholeness in the faith. Bowen Theory and its application by others, especially Rabbi Ed Friedman, has reached a level of credibility in various expressions and training centers.

Bowen Theory as a frame of reference for addressing the human cause faces obstacles as any new movement that comes at a tangent to conventional thought and practice. In order to maintain effective research and application family systems theory relies on keeping a larger perspective that seeks objectivity in acquiring knowledge of emotional process.

Effective training in theory and its benefits seem to require an ongoing effort, one that is not caught in a limited program. The attraction to such a new way of viewing the world and how it works in concert appeals to many clergy leaders (and others). Programs for in-depth work for clergy leaders is sparse and scattered today. Conditions now exist that bring together theory development, church leadership challenge, levels of interest, beginning signs of substantial relevance for those engaged in learning theory, and the potential support for leaders who are creative, resourceful, and imaginative.

With the death of Bowen and Friedman, with the current availability of their faculty in the Washington D.C. area and around the country, with limited integrated training for clergy using the Bowen/Friedman Axis, with the limited number of institutions available to provide training beyond didactic exposure to the theory, with the vehicle and bridge pattern of Voyagers, with support of many bishops judicatory leaders using the theory, with the interest in coaching, and with the established national program of Healthy Congregations, a potential development and direction opens up for the future. The caliber of exposure and training that pursues leadership and theory offering definitional direction for ministry today is worth investigating while opportunity knocks.

Health and maturity seem to be central for turbulent times. Discipline is in our tradition.

1. A center (cathedral?)
2. Learning tracks with clinical work
3. D. Min. degree work
4. In-depth coach training
5. Continuing education for Healthy Congregations and Bridgebuilders
6. Use of faculty from centers
7. Use of theologians
8. Application for funding and support
9. Archives
10. Website
11. Write-ups, publications
12. Research: lay leadership

The location provides intimate contact with national organizations and professions. This speaks to the goal of a place with long-term advantages.

Larry L. Foster MA, D.Min.
205 W. Obell St.
Whitehall, Mi. 49461
231-893-8525
clergyseminars@oceana.net
www.clergyseminars.net