Family Crucible

by Anthony J Headley

Overview

This book explores the life and ministry of John Wesley from the perspective of Murray Bowen's Extended Family Systems Theory and to a lesser extent from Alfred Adler's concept of family constellation. Throughout the book, the author uses concepts drawn from these theories to explore significant historical and pivotal events in the life of John Wesley. Beginning with family events prior to his birth, the author also explores his early family constellation, influential themes, factors shaping his ministry, and various relational issues, including his relationships with Sophy Hopkey, Grace Murray, and his marriage to Mary Vazeille. It concludes by drawing lessons from Wesley's life pertinent to today's ministers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781606080016
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	01/01/2010
Pages:	188
Sales rank:	763,143
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Anthony J. Headley is Professor of Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of Reframing Ministry (2007), Created for Responsibility (2006) and Achieving Balance in Ministry (1999).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations and Tables vi

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Two Lenses for Understanding the Wesley Family 1

Chapter 2 The World of the Wesleys 19

Chapter 3 Traumatic Events in the Wesley Family Prior to John's Birth 34

Chapter 4 Wesley's Early Recollections and Family Context 52

Chapter 5 Multigenerational Transmission Process in the Wesley Family: Recurring Vocational Themes 73

Chapter 6 Relational Patterns in the Wesley Family 88

Chapter 7 Family Marriage Patterns and the Influence on John Wesley's Intimate Relationships 117

Chapter 8 Lessons in Life and Ministry from the Life of John Wesley 147

Bibliography 171

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Employing the lens of family dynamics and richly informed by psychological theory, especially the work of Adler and Bowen, Anthony Headley has explored the life and ministry of John Wesley in a fresh and engaging way. Portraying Wesley in a very frank and honest fashion, with warts and all, Headley nevertheless demonstrates why this particular life continues to hold such considerable value for pastoral counseling today."
—Kenneth J. Collins
Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies
Asbury Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

"Employing the lens of family dynamics and richly informed by psychological theory, especially the work of Adler and Bowen, Anthony Headley has explored the life and ministry of John Wesley in a fresh and engaging way. Portraying Wesley in a very frank and honest fashion, with warts and all, Headley nevertheless demonstrates why this particular life continues to hold such considerable value for pastoral counseling today."
—Kenneth J. Collins
Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies
Asbury Theological Seminary

From the Publisher