Category Archives: congregational life

The theory of hype

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Cleaning out some files I came across a listing of some businesses I’d done consultations for some years ago. The list was from the early nineties when I was doing more consultations with businesses and corporations than I do now. … Continue reading →

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The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Israel Galindo

The Bowen theory concept of multigenerational transmission in families, although often difficult to accept, is logically appreciated. Families pass along habits, traditions, beliefs, grudges, feuds, genes, and emotional process down the generations. That force can be as powerful as a … Continue reading →

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Playing ball, playing nice

Posted on September 11, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’m not a big fan of sports analogies or metaphors, especially from the pulpit and in reference to matters spiritual. I find them at least irksome and at times insufferable. When in seminary a local church pastor (whose church we … Continue reading →

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How to Handle a Dysfunctional Staff Colleague

Posted on August 28, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’ve had a string of conversations recently with supervisors related to troubling staff. Few things seem as frustrating as working with underfunctioning or incompetent staff persons. Ironically, the overwhelming feeling by supervisors is one of powerlessness in the face of … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership, personal growth, second chair | 5 Comments

Can you stop sabotage?

Posted on August 14, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I received a cryptic e-mail from a friend recently. She’s less than a year into a new church staff position. In her e-mail she asked the question, “Can you stop sabotage?” She didn’t go into details, but obviously, something’s going … Continue reading →

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What your mother said

Posted on August 5, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Most of us carry a little tape in our heads of things our mothers said repeatedly. And sometimes we repeat those things, often unintentionally mimicking mom’s voice. One of those things your mother probably said, especially if you had siblings, … Continue reading →

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Possibility and potentiality

Posted on August 4, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I had an interesting conversation with a local church minister who expressed frustration about his congregation’s failure to live fully into its possibility. That’s not an uncommon frustration for pastors and local church leaders. But I’ve found it helpful to … Continue reading →

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Will or willfulness?

Posted on July 28, 2008 by Israel Galindo

A reader on Margaret Marcuson’s blog, The Leadership Circle blog, asked a good question that comes up every now and again. He asked about the difference between having a will and willfulness. It’s a point of misunderstanding I hear now … Continue reading →

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Kudos to Meg Hess in CC

Posted on July 24, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I was gratified to read a fine article by Margaret “Meg” Hess in the current issue of the Christian Century magazine. Meg is a participant in the Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) and has written a couple of articles for … Continue reading →

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What’s in a name?

Posted on July 16, 2008 by Israel Galindo

A colleague is making a change in his church staff position. He’s struggling with coming up with a new ministry job title. He says, “While I realize the main thing is how one functions, job titles are suggestive and important.” … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, Christian Education, congregational life, leadership | 2 Comments