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.

I’m not worth much

Posted on July 11, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I had an insurance salesman I worked with for a few years who always asked the question, “What’s your net worth?” I never had that information at my fingertips and so was never prepared to answer. He always seemed surprised … Continue reading →

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Shameless self-promotion

Posted on July 8, 2007 by Israel Galindo

An article by Israel Galindo appears in the July 2007 (Vol. 25 NO. 7) issue of Baptists Today. The article appears on The Resource Page feature and is titled “A small group is not a class: understanding group math.” Baptists … Continue reading →

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Children’s ministry mission statements

Posted on July 7, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I’ve been doing a survey of children’s ministries in preparation for some new courses. I’ve been intrigued by the use of “mission statements” by children’s ministry programs in congregations. I’ve got mixed feelings about mission statements in general. As someone … Continue reading →

Posted in children, Christian Education, leadership | 1 Comment

The gospel according to the Terminator

Posted on July 6, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Parody is a touchy art. Especially when it comes to religious parody—one risks crossing the thin line between humor and the sacrilegious. I thought this was kinda funny. If it offends you please take responsibility for your own sensitivity and … Continue reading →

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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.

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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 →

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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 →

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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