Equip. Strengthen. Encourage.

The Congregation Systems Team (CSTeam) exists to encourage, strengthen, educate, and envision with congregations and individuals for the sake of healthy relationships within congregations, between congregations and rostered ministers, and among individuals. The CSTeam utilizes Family Systems Theory or Bowen Theory as the basis for its work. The work of the CSTeam is grounded in the notion that it is not a fixer, but a facilitator. The CSTeam regularly helps congregations and individuals own the work that they need for the sake of healthy relationships. ​

The CSTeam has a toolbox of services that it can provide to congregations. Included are:

• Congregational Interview & Recommendation Consultation: The CSTeam listens to members and staff to identify patterns and to suggest an environment that can foster better communication and seek change.
• Congregation History Night: CSTeam facilitators lead the congregation through a timeline of significant events in the life of the congregation. Members are able to discover both positive and negative behaviors that repeat. All are encouraged to celebrate positive actions and to avoid repeating negative reactions.
• Coaching: CSTeam members are available for healthy systems coaching for staff, councils and pastors/deacons.
• Council Consultations: Unsure what will be most helpful to your congregation?  A CSTeam member can come to your council to hear what you are experiencing and make suggestions.

If you would like to know more about how Team members might enhance your congregational life, please reach out to Bishop Laura Barbins at [email protected].