Creating Your Own Spiritual Genogram

Describe each family member. What were they like?

• Describe your parents’ and grandparents’ marriages.

• How was conflict and anger handled in your family of origin?

• Are there any alcoholics (substance abusers) in your family tree? How did their alcoholism affect those around them? How did that affect you?

• How was sexuality talked about (or not talked about)?

• How was money handled?

• Were there any family secrets (out of wedlock pregnancy, abortion, incest, financial scandal)?

• Were there any traumatic losses? How are they talked about?

• Do you see any generational themes?

• Important: How has all of this affected you? How have these patterns surfaced in your life?

• Important: What are some areas where you need to relearn God’s way in God’s family?

Ideas: Share your family tree with...

• A friend or accountability partner.

• Your spouse.

• A professional Christian counselor

• Your small group.

• Your children in appropriate ways at appropriate ages. No secrets.