3 Core Principles of the Genogram from a Biblical standpoint

1. The blessings and sins of our families run 3-4 generations deep & they profoundly impact who we are today and how we do relationships. 

2. When we become Christians we’re birthed into the new family, the family of God. The new family of Jesus. 

3. DISCIPLESHIP. That is putting off the sinful patterns of our family of origin and our culture and learning, “How do I do life in this new family of Jesus?” 

“Jesus may be in your heart, but Grandpa’s in your bones.” – Pete Scazzero

Romans 8:1

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Psalm 139:17

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!”

James 1:17-18

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”

James 5:16

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

8 questions that you can answer to help you identify your genogram. 

1. Describe your mom/dad in three words.

2. How was conflict/anger/tension handled in your home?

3. What was considered “success” in your family?

4. How did ethnicity or race shape you and your family?

5. Were there any heroes or villains in your family? Why were these individuals singled out?

6. What generation patterns or themes do you recognize? (Addictions, affairs, abuse, divorce, mental illness, abortions, kids born out of wedlock, etc.)

7. What traumatic losses did your family experience? (Sudden death, prolonged illness, miscarriage, divorce, bankruptcy)

8. What insights (one or two) are you becoming aware of that help you make sense of how your family culture impacts who you are today?