Some Leadership Challenges Began Long Before We Were Born

"There is no better way to remove a "block" in life, work on a stubborn personality characteristic or irrational belief, or in general to become a little more objective, than to take a specific question back to one’s generations, to see what can be learned from them." - Roberta M. Gilbert, M.D.

Last month in our Resilient Pastor Cohort, we dug into the generational roots of some of our leadership challenges. Families are multigenerational systems that have been adapting and adjusting for decades in an effort to survive and, hopefully, to flourish. Each of us has been shaped by that effort in our own particular way.

What sets us off, what calms us down, how much approval we feel like we need - much of that was in motion long before we sensed a call to ministry. Truth be told, some of our reactions (and overreactions) have been part of our family story for generations. This is a different lens for viewing our challenges. It’s not the only way to view them, but it’s one that often gets ignored.

1. In what situations do you find yourself being particularly reactive?

2. How do you function when anxious or under stress? Are there others in the family who react similarly?

3. Can you identify any parallels between how you function in your family and how you function as a minister? Any differences?

4. What questions regarding leadership challenges could you take back the generations?