From a ministry-colleague:

The most useful book I have read lately has been:

“Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times – Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What” by Peter L Steinke (Alban Institute, 2006).

I have often thought over the years that if anything was to drive me out of pastoral leadership it would be the burden of having to deal with other peoples’ unresolved issues which have been packaged as problems with me or with the church, but which in fact have their seeds somewhere in the past. This book has given me some handles to help my own my struggles and perhaps, better manage other peoples’ as well.

Steinke is one of the “congregational system gurus” who has helped us understand the Bowen Theory of Family Systems as it applies to churches. He has written a number of books but I have found this one the most helpful so far.

He hit pay dirt for me when I read:

“Early in my consulting work, I made the mistake of thinking that if I presented issues to a congregation clearly, the people would respond appropriately. What I discovered is that not all people in a given situation will find clarity comforting. Even if the information is quite clear, if it runs contrary to someone's viewpoint, they will contest it. Their emotionality limits the thinking brain's capacity to focus on the facts. The survival brain will protect us not only from bodily harm but also from challenges to our world of insight and meaning.” (p 63)

There is fascinating material on the role of the amygdala, the instinctive part of the brain that kicks in when we sense danger or threat.

“People vary considerably in how they address emotionally challenging events. On the lower (immature) side, people are reactive. They blame more often; they criticize harshly; they take offence easily; they focus on others; they cannot see the part they play in problems. On the higher (mature) side people are more thoughtful and reflective; they act on principle, not instinct; they can stand back and observe. They are responsive. Intent and choice characterize their behaviour.” (1)

We all know that anxiety in congregational life can be very contagious and can spread rapidly through the life of a church, disrupting the balance and stifling the sense of mission. The focus of the book is upon the role that the leader has in ensuring that the anxiety is contained.

I recommend it to all of you.