Author Archives: Israel Galindo

About Israel Galindo

Israel Galindo is Coordinator of the Leadership in Ministry program at the Center for Lifelong Learning, Columbia Theological Seminary. Formerly he was Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary and Dean at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.

World’s Greatest Christian Educators: JOHN WESLEY

Posted on July 5, 2007 by Israel Galindo

In the history of modern education, John Wesley (1703-1791) holds a special place when it comes to the religious education of children.

Posted in Christian Education, discipleship | Comments Off on World’s Greatest Christian Educators: JOHN WESLEY

Plus ca change…

Posted on July 4, 2007 by Israel Galindo

In moments of skepticism we often repeat that droll phrase, “Plus ca change, plus ce la meme chose” (the more things change, the more they stay the same). One of the perplexing questions that grow out of Bowen Family Systems … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, personal growth | 1 Comment

I want to be unfriendly and irrelevant

Posted on July 3, 2007 by Israel Galindo

In a previous post (“Communion Rant”) we talked about the penchant of certain preachers for “explaining” communion. Some argue that it is necessary because, they reason, some people in the congregation, and especially visitors and the recently unchurched, do not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, discipleship, ecumenical, sermons, teaching, worship | Comments Off on I want to be unfriendly and irrelevant

Where have you been? (A contest!)

Posted on July 1, 2007 by Israel Galindo

One of the teachers at the elementary school at which I was a principal would take a vacation to a different state every year. Her family’s goal was to eventually visit all fifty states and so at the school year’s … Continue reading →

Posted in games, humor | 8 Comments

Make it your ministry, it’s your calling

Posted on June 29, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I firmly believe that to teach, to serve on a committee, or to minister through a church ministry is a response to a call. How each individual works out that calling is part of the wonderful and enriching dimension we … Continue reading →

Posted in personal growth, Sunday school | Comments Off on Make it your ministry, it’s your calling

Movie: Akeelah and the Bee

Posted on June 28, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I’m a sucker for spelling bees. Our elementary school spelling bee was one of the highlights of the year when I was a school principal. And I always try to catch the Scripps National Spelling Bee—a real nail-biting sporting event!

Posted in movies and films | 3 Comments

Hitchens isn’t so great either

Posted on June 27, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Christopher Hitchens’ book, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything appears on the New York Bestseller list as No. 7 (you can read the first chapter on that site if you are so inclined). I picked up a copy … Continue reading →

Posted in books, world view | Comments Off on Hitchens isn’t so great either

Icebreakers and rainy day games resource

Posted on June 25, 2007 by Israel Galindo

When I was in parish ministry one of the things I most enjoyed was planning and leading the summer children’s camp. I doubt I have the energy to do that anymore, but it was a lot of fun. There are … Continue reading →

Posted in children, games, handouts, vacation bible school | 2 Comments

Ante Studium

Posted on June 22, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Some time age I posted Johnn Calvin’s student prayer and said that I’d post one by St. Thomas Aquinas. Here it is. When it’s time to hit the books or get back to school, these can put one in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, personal growth, teaching, Uncategorized, worship | Comments Off on Ante Studium

The double bind in the ministry context

Posted on June 21, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I had an uncle who was fond of playing a game with our large brood of cousins. He’d stare stone-faced at one of us and ask, with all apparent seriousness, “Tu eres bobo?” Which loosely translated is, “Are you an … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, children, personal growth | 1 Comment