Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory S4 Ep6 Religion with Matt Steele
May 12, 2026
Matt Steele, Bowen theory coach and ordained Anglican minister who works with pastors through Change Room. He explores religion and relationships using Bowen family systems ideas. Short, sharp takes on faith, doubt, anxious reactivity in congregations, clergy roles in triangles, and ways to pause and avoid impulse-driven ministry. Practical metaphors and systems thinking illuminate how belief and emotion interact.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Faith And Differentiation Support Each Other
- Matt Steele links spiritual and emotional realities, saying faith and differentiation intersect and mutually support growth.
- He describes faith as a resource that helps him become more differentiated and systems thinking as aiding spiritual growth.
Use Bowen Tools To Observe Religious Functioning
- Use Bowen concepts to observe religious dynamics instead of judging doctrinal truth.
- Map family diagrams, triangles, cutoff, and over/under functioning to see how belief is sustained and expressed in groups.
Act On Principle Not Just Feeling
- Murray Bowen urged distinguishing feelings from beliefs and acting on principle when feelings conflict with principles.
- Acting consistently on feelings deepens dilemmas; principle-guided action creates escape from being stuck.
