Peter L. Steinke, a Lutheran pastor and counselor who has done nationwide consulting on nurturing healthy relationships in congregations, will give a public address on "The Challenge of Neuroscience for the Practice of Ministry," 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in Martin Chapel of the seminary.

Dr. Steinke, author of nine books including "Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach," has done work on the cutting edge of a perspective that recognizes congregations as "emotional systems." He uses "systems theory" to understand the emotional reactions people have to one another when they come together in congregational settings.

In his presentation, Steinke will review recent research findings in the area of neuroscience and explore the implications for both pastoral care and leadership. The findings provide new clues for understanding the impact of stress of modern day life upon brain function and in turn upon human functioning and congregational life.

During his career, Steinke has started a new congregation in Virginia, a home for emotionally disturbed youth in North Carolina, the Interfaith Pastoral Counseling Center in Illinois, and a clergy care program in Texas. More recently, in addition to developing the Healthy Congregations Workshops, he initiated the Bridgebuilder Ministry, a training program for churches in conflict.

Steinke is conducting a Nov. 3-5 "Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training" workshop at EMS, designed to help persons conduct similar workshops for congregational leaders.

Steinke’s appearances here are co-sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary and the Harrisonburg District of the United Methodist Church. Admission to the Nov. 4 public program is free.

For more information, contact Kenton T. Derstine, director of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at EMS, 540-432-4565.

Dr. Steinke, author of nine books including “Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach,” has done work on the cutting edge of a perspective that recognizes congregations as “emotional systems.” He uses “systems theory” to understand the emotional reactions people have to one another when they come together in congregational settings.

In his presentation, Steinke will explore how the increasing anxiety in society affects these emotional reactions and how these responses in turn affect a congregation’s capacity for mission.

During his career, Steinke has started a new congregation in Virginia, a home for emotionally disturbed youth in North Carolina, the Interfaith Pastoral Counseling Center in Illinois, and a clergy care program in Texas.
More recently, in addition to developing the Healthy Congregations Workshops, he initiated the Bridgebuilder Ministry, a training program for churches in conflict.

Steinke is conducting a Mar. 1-3 “Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training” workshop at EMS, designed to help persons conduct similar workshops in congregations of all sizes.

Steinke’s appearances here are co-sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Seminary, the Harrisonburg District of the United Methodist Church and Lancaster (PA) Mennonite Conference. Admission to the Mar. 2 public program is free.

For more information, contact Kenton T. Derstine, director of the Clinical Pastoral Education Program at EMS, 540-432-4565.