NALIP 14th Annual Conference

May 22 - 24, 2008

Conference site:
Chicago Marriott O'Hare
8535 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631

The National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors (NALIP) 2008 Conference will begin at 1:00 p.m, Thursday, May 22 and conclude at Noon, Saturday, May 24, 2008 (immediately following the Interim Ministry Network, Inc. conference being held at Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, IL)

NALIP is made up of two associations: The Interim Ministry Association (IMA) of the ELCA; and the LCMS Interim Ministry Conference (IMC). The annual Conference brings together Lutherans who work with congregations in transition — pastors, laity, judicatory representatives and other interested persons.

Presenter:
Richard Blackburn, Executive Director, Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.

Theme:
Leadership and Anxiety in the Church: A Family Systems Perspective

Topic Summary:
Since the publication of Dr. Edwin Friedman's Generation to Generation, many pastors and other church leaders have become aware of the Bowen family systems theory as a way of understanding congregational dynamics. Family systems theory identifies differentiation of self and anxiety as two key variables impacting human functioning. Richard Blackburn's seminar on "Leadership and Anxiety in the Church" looks at the challenge presented by the rising levels of anxiety being experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can play in calming such anxiety. Works of art from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras are integrated at various points to facilitate theological reflection on the themes being presented. Richard draws on St. Paul's Damascus Road experience as a central point of reference in explaining anxiety and developing an understanding of self-differentiated leadership.