Worship Weblog

Leadership in Anxious Times

Posted by CICW

Thursday, March 4th, 2004

“This topic is so relevant to our church at this time. It reminds us that we are individuals and families who comprise churches, who cannot avoid anxiety but can benefit from it – acknowledging and learning how to regulate it and use it for healing.”
Conference attendee, Grand Rapids, MI, March 2, 2004

Richard Blackburn, Director of the Mennonite Peace Center, Lombard, IL, presented a family systems perspective for church leaders on congregational systems and how to lead the church through anxious or transitional times.

Using family systems theory as a way to understand congregational dynamics, Blackburn addressed the roots of anxiety and the distinctions between different types of anxiety. He also examined how scapegoating impacts church conflict. He stressed that leaders need to understand relationship triangles and the importance of maintaining a non-anxious presence, and recognized the role of playfulness in defusing anxiety. Through the use of a manual filled with resources, video clips, art work, small group conversation, and fellowship over lunch, conference attendees found the day to be a valuable experience for all.

150 people gathered for this event at the Prince Conference Center, including pastors, council members, seminary students and professors, chaplains, and many church ministry coordinators and lay leaders. They came from throughout the Great Lakes region, from over 40 congregations representing nine denominations. This event was cosponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, the Christian Reformed Pastor-Church Relations office, and the Student Senate and Continuing Education office of Calvin Theological Seminary.

Leadership in Anxious Times conference