Deacon Mary Ann Schwabe’s presentation will give a refresher course on System Theory and dig into how anxiety affects all of our relationships and the systems – family, congregation, society. Discussing the difference between chronic and acute anxiety, this presentation is intended to give us language for ongoing conversations throughout 2021.

Throughout 2020 church leaders have experienced new and different forms of pressure. 2021 will bring another set of these pressures as we continue to engage an environment of pandemic, political challenges and division in society. Anxiety increases tension, understanding your role as leader in that anxiety, owning that, and processing it will make you a more effective leader.

Mary Ann Schwabe is a Deacon who serves as the Natural Systems Coordinator in the Office of the Presiding Bishop for the churchwide office in Chicago.