Ronald W. Richardson, former Clinical Director of the North Shore Counseling Centre, is a pastoral counselor, the
author of many books on family systems theory, and a retired pastor living in West Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada.
Summary
Ronald W. Richardson helps us to understand how congregations function emotionally. Without being simplistic,
he gives clear directions on how to improve their quality of life together and function more effectively in achieving
mission goals. This book offers:
A theory about human behavior that will aid understanding of how things can get out of control in the human community
of the church;
A practical set of leadership ideas and behaviors;
Guidelines for how to behave in the midst of upsetting and conflictual circumstances;
Personal steps that leaders in the church can take to become more positive forces for healing and cooperation.
Table of Contents
Foreword
1. Introduction: When Bad Things Happen in Good Churches
2. The Congregation: More Than Meets the Eye
3. What Unbalances the System?
4. Being One among Many
5. Closeness, Distance, and the Congregation
6. Foolishness and Wisdom in Church Leadership
7. Reactivity Is More than Reacting
8. The Four Functional Styles of Congregational Life
9. Triangles in the Congregation
10. Signs of Serious Problems in the Church
11. Birth Order and Leadership Style
12. Assessing Your Congregation's Emotional System
13. Becoming a Better Leader
