Thoughtful Conversations,
Healthier Congregations
From Dr. Mathis:
"I had been in ministry a little over fifteen years, and I was stuck! In this presentation, I plan to share how Bowen Theory helped me view what I was seeing differently, focusing on key elements of a personal application within the context of pastoral leadership, care, and counseling:
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What is our automatic way of observing human interaction? What is "common sense"?
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What aspects of Bowen theory are considered uncommon?
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Does it make a tangible difference for a pastor or leader to 'think systems'?"
Session 3
"Uncommon Common-sense"
Dr. Robert Mathis
Thursday, March 12, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern
Online via Zoom
Join us for a “lunch and learn” opportunity to connect, support, and strengthen a network of faith leaders to develop a robust exchange of ideas based in systems thinking.​ Sessions will be held quarterly, online via Zoom.
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​The format of each session will consist of:​
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Presentation (20 minutes)
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Small-group discussion with focus question (15 minutes)
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Closing group discussion with Q & A (20 minutes)
Cost: Pay what you can.
(Suggested: $5/Student; $10/HC Member; $15/Non-member)
Bio: Robert I. Mathis, PhD. has studied Bowen theory at the Bowen Center, The Center for Family Process, Leadership in Ministry, and The Western Pennsylvania Family Center. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO, and a PhD. in Psychology with a specialization in Bowen Theory from the Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Mathis has served churches in Denver, Pittsburgh, and Columbus, totaling 37 years in congregational ministry. From 2007-2016 Dr. Mathis served as a Pastoral Counselor in a private practice in Dublin, OH.
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Alongside Dr. Ott, Dr. Mathis helped conceive and develop the Healthy Congregations Leadership Series, serving as a facilitator, presenter, and trainer from 2008 to 2018.
