My career as a pastor spans over 30 years, during which I've had the privilege of serving within the SWMN Synod. I currently hold the position of Co-Pastor at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, MN. My personal life as a husband and a father of two grown children has been a profound laboratory for my professional work, particularly in applying Family Systems theory.
This theory's eight core principles—triangles, differentiation of self, nuclear family emotional process, family projection process, multi-generational transmission process, emotional cut-off, sibling position, and societal emotional process—are not just academic concepts to me. They are tools that have been instrumental in managing my own anxiety and becoming a more effective leader, husband, and father. My ultimate aim is to achieve self-differentiation across every system I navigate: my family, my work, my church, and my community.
My understanding of this theory was honed over 18 years of study with Dr. Larry Foster. Now, for the past 10 years, I've had the privilege of teaching these concepts to others. This continuous cycle of learning and teaching has allowed me to apply these principles to improve my relationships and leadership in every facet of my life.
