"I served with Doug Schonberg as an elder and church treasurer for over 20 years. As I
observed his leadership through many challenging decisions, my respect and regard for
his skill deepened. Doug is always prepared and runs efficient and effective meetings.
Doug listens incredibly well. He listens for what is causing anxiety, he listens for the
wisdom of others, he listens for growing consensus. As he listens, he formulates a plan
to address concerns and to find a way forward. Doug Schonberg communicates
thoroughly ensuring everyone knows what is going on and why. By the time a change is
implemented no one is surprised and everyone is ready."
- Doris Eaglesham, BSc, MBA, CPA (Congregational Treasurer – Chippawa Presbyterian Church)
"Doug has a unique ability to identify and name underlying factors at play within church family dynamics. I appreciate his sage advice on my most challenging situations."
- Dr. Heather Card, BBA, MTS, DPT, CPA, CMA, (President - Five Smooth Stones Consulting)
"Modern-day hospital chaplaincy has moved from what might have been characterized as “pastoral” care,
to a spiritually informed psychotherapeutic model. It is essential for practitioners of spiritual care to
become acquainted with a variety of therapeutic approaches, and among them, Family Systems Theory is most helpful.
We invited Relational Systems consultant, Doug Schonberg, to speak to learners in our spring unit of Clinical Psychospiritual Education.
Doug’s presentation was excellent; providing not only the theoretical context we required, but adeptly connecting it to our unique practice. Students expressed that they felt better equipped to view the patient as an individual who is part of a family unit, one who comes with established ways of functioning within that system. Their awareness of family systems will undoubtedly be helpful when, as part of the care team, they are called upon to navigate family meetings where difficult decisions are required.
We will be glad to welcome Doug back again in subsequent units.
Thank you, Doug!"
- The Rev. Trish Archibald, M.Div, RP, (St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, Chaplain - Niagara Health
System)
"Doug brought a wealth of experience and understanding where we partnered with him as
a local church. Insightful, open, honest, direct, knowledge in the area of church
dynamics and health. He was able to effectively lower anxiety, bring cohesion by asking
pointed questions, and move us forward together for the good of God's Kingdom."
- The Rev. Dr. Greg Davidson, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Div., M.Phil., Ph.D. Cantab., (Minister - Blessings Christian Church)
"Doug came into Chedoke Presbyterian Church at a time of turmoil. Our lead pastor had recently retired and the session and congregation were struggling to settle into our new reality in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The change in our day to day operations was immediate as Doug helped to facilitate meaningful and constructive conversations with the various staff and stakeholders, while also simultaneously working with the Session to help guide them towards a greater understanding of their role and identity. Through multiple workshops and a steady hand at the helm we have seen our church settle into a comfortable rhythm and we are better equipped to move forward through the next phase of our transition towards securing a new Minister of Word and Sacrament. Doug brings a variety of tools and knowledge coupled with his understanding of family systems theory as well as his calm demeanor to these situations. All of these pieces make Doug an ideal individual to help guide churches through the many transitions and changes we experience throughout the life cycle of the Church."
- Dan Konior, B.A., B.Ed., (Elder, Chedoke Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, Ontario)
"I met with Doug in one to one coaching sessions. Doug has the enviable gift of cutting through the distractions that people and systems tend to put up and get to the heart of the issue. He has the courage to be honest with people and situations matched with the empathy and compassion required for continued strength of the relationship. He has the amazing skill of seeing the hidden gifts that lay under the surface. I have been a beneficiary of this talent as he started me down the path to ordained ministry. I am extremely grateful to have met with Doug."
- Matt Vizzari, BA, MBA (Purchasing Manager - Advantage Kitchens, Clergy Candidate – Niagara, Ontario)