Lunchtime Sessions for Faith Leaders: On Thinking Systems in Congregations

These sessions are open to anyone, lay or ordained, who is a leader in their faith community. If you are new to systems theory or are looking for a refresher, you are most welcome.

Leadership in Uncertain Times: Working Towards a "Non-Anxious Presence". October 16, 2025, 12:00 - 1:30 pm on Zoom. Family Systems Theory has often been applied to communities of faith - another kind of emotional system whose values and relationships are of utmost importance. When anxiety is present in a system, the way a leader functions can contribute a great deal to navigating the turbulence. If you are interested in learning more please register.

Doing Too Much? Thinking Through Over-functioning as a Church Leader and Taking Steps to Avoid Burnout. November 14, 2025 12:00 - 1:30 pm on Zoom. One of the patterns that can develop in a community is what Family Systems Theory calls the overfunctioning/underfunctioning reciprocity. As responsible leaders we can fall into overfunctioning while not realizing we are heading towards burnout and possibly contributing to reinforcing a pattern in the system. Come and learn how a systems way of thinking can help bring clarity and balance.

Managing Self with Difficult People: Boundaries and Bullies from a Systems Perspective. February 19, 2026 12:00 - 1:30 pm on Zoom. In any community or family system the "difficult" person can be the focus of much of our energy and efforts to manage. Thinking through a systems lens can help understand how different kinds of behaviour can function within a system and how one can define self in ways that contribute to the healthier function of all.

R efund Policy: Refunds are available 7 days before the start of the course, less a small Eventbrite fee, unless there is an emergency as determined by Living Systems. Living Systems will issue a full refund if the course has to be cancelled due to low attendance.