This acclaimed, influential work applies the concepts of systemic family
therapy to the emotional life of congregations. Edwin H. Friedman shows
how the same understanding of family process that can aid clergy in
their pastoral role also has important ramifications for negotiating
congregational dynamics and functioning as an effective leader. Clergy
from diverse denominations, as well as family therapists and counselors,
have found that this book directly addresses the dilemmas and crises
they encounter daily. It is widely used as a text in courses on pastoral
care, leadership, and family systems.