The Voyagers: Who We Are

The Voyagers is a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen Family Systems Theory as applied to congregations and leadership by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. We believe that the factual approach of Murray Bowen that underlies his theory, and the creative and imaginative use of the theory by Edwin Friedman provide a unique understanding of human functioning for one's life and ministry.

While reading the literature is essential for learning theory, one's effort goes beyond academic acquisition and into the ongoing situation and process of one's life and vocation. One cannot effectively learn theory from reading alone. Thus we gather twice a year for the purpose of:

• Exploring theory and practice through:
  • Presentations and discussion by researchers and teachers of the theory
  • Presentations and discussion by members of Voyagers and fellow peers
  • Reading and research on original sources
• Working on the process of differentiation by:
  • Meeting in Family of Origin groups
  • Reflection with a peer group
  • Exchanges with others familiar with theory
  • Personal work
• Engaging in theological reflection through:
  • Case studies
  • Written works
  • Presentations of theologians
• Working on pastoral practice through:
  • Case studies
  • Networking with other faculty in centers for theory and practice