The Church as the Body of Christ: System Theory and the Church

Abstract

This paper presents a brief overview of system theory and showcases the possible strengths and weaknesses of system theory applied to the church. It sets forth system theory as a viable option regarding church organizational structure that is in line with biblical teaching. A systematic view of the church is specifically supported by the metaphor of the body of Christ used by Saint Paul. Furthermore, a view of the church as an emotional system within the bounds of Bowen’s family system theory will help the pastor understand the anxiety within his church.