Care n Christian Communities - Essay Example

RESPONSIBILITIES, EMPOWERMENT AND FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY How to get the man hanging from the rope take responsibility for himself and How much responsibility the other person on the bridge have for the otherI would get the man to take responsibility for himself by getting him to make a choice. This choice would be between pulling himself up, or I would release the rope leaving him to fall. His wisdom counts in making a wise decision. The person holding the rope is handed responsibility over the other person who is suspended the moment he agrees to hold the rope.

The person holding the rope has responsibility over the other person so long as the other person is willing to respond by trying to help himself. The force of togetherness makes the person holding the rope have responsibility over the other, but individuality and the reactive process divides the individuals responsibility over whether to hold onto the rope, or to pursue his passion (Richardson 26).Could both people be the same person?The two people cannot be the same person. This is because they are dressed similarly, but one has a rope tied on his or her waist.

They were also coming from different directions. Their difference in thoughts also suggests that they have totally different personalities. One person is wise while the other does not demonstrate wisdom in his words (Richardson 80).How empowerment looks like in this situation and Who decidesIn this fable, the person holding the rope empowers the one suspended to make a decision. The man who is suspended by the rope is empowered to make a choice between helping himself and being set free. The suspended person is, therefore, the ultimate decision maker (Richardson 67).

How do you recognize your role in problems like this? How do you contribute to new possibilities in situations like this?One can identify their role by analyzing the situation they encounter. This can be done by judging ones responsibility, and whether the other person is willing to participate in that responsibility. It is equivalent to taking leadership in a situation. I contribute to new possibilities in such situations by offering options or choices that can be made (Richardson 180).Using one core concept in family systems theory citing Richardson and/or discussion guides, describe how this concept is operative in this fable and gets played out in congregations by analogy?

One core concept of family systems theory is communication. Family systems use regulatory patterns of interaction and communication in the process of adapting to external and internal changes, and this leads to development of rules and roles governing individuals. In this fable, the two individuals must interact in order to come up with a solution. They both have to make contributions in order to overcome the situation they are facing. One person has to hold on tight while the other has to make a choice of pulling himself up.

This core concept provides a compelling view that suggests individual are affected by societal patterns, and they have to contribute to it (Richardson 56).ReferenceRichardson, Ronald. Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and Congregational Life. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1996.