You are that which you search for

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Today was Orientation for the entering students at the seminary. A great bunch of folks. I was intrigued by the diversity in the group, including the span in ages and life experiences. The group served to confirm the reality that the term “non-traditional student” hardly means anything in theological education any more. God is at work calling people from all walks and stages of life for the Kingdom. And it is humbling to witness that people are responding. And more humbling still, the realization that for some of us, the calling is to prepare those who’ve answered the higher calling. Continue reading →

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Changing others, changing self

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Israel Galindo

A very nervous young bride-to-be was counseled by her pastor on a way to stay focused on getting through the ceremony. “Take it one step at a time,” said the minister, “When you enter the church tomorrow, you will only be walking down the aisle you’ve walked down many times before. Concentrate on that. And when you get halfway down the aisle,” he continued, “concentrate on the altar, where you and your family have worshiped for so many years. Concentrate on that. And as you reach the end of the aisle, your groom will be waiting for you. Concentrate on him.” Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Three cheers

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Israel Galindo

An Episcopalian priest played golf regularly with the local Baptist minister and two of his members. The priest kept inviting the Baptists to visit one of his services until they were embarrassed at not having gone. So they committed to being good neighbors and picked a date to visit, but arrived late to the service. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, congregational life, ecumenical, humor, teaching | 1 Comment

Leadership in Ministry Workshops summer newsletter

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Israel Galindo

The current issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletters is now available. In this issue: Continue reading →

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How could they act that way?

Posted on August 7, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Times of high anxiety tend to bring out reactivity. There’s no question we’re living in anxious times, and the increase in consultation phone calls from leaders dealing with staff and employee issues only confirms the obvious. I’m getting an increase in the number of cases of employees or church members “behaving badly” lately. One common lament among hapless leaders is, “I don’t understand how they can act that way!” Continue reading →

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Speaking the truth in love

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I’m revisiting some of the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Few have written better on the matter of community. I came across his thoughts on speaking the truth in love in community that I find timely. I’ll confess I remain perpetually puzzled at people’s inability to be frank with each other. I spent too many of my formative years growing up in New York City, where they didn’t mince words and more conversations than not tended to be delivered with an in-your-face attitude. I find Bonhoeffer’s words worth considering. Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life, discipleship, personal growth | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Cynics live longer (or maybe it just feels that way)

Posted on July 31, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I’m not a morning person, and, I’m a glass-half-full kind of person. I long for Lent, a season that fits my demeanor best. Perky bubbly morning persons drive me crazy. Lately I seem to be surrounded by them and their kin. To my morning sunshine friends I offer “The Cynics Guide to Life” as a corrective to a saccharine frame of mind with a plea to please, let me have my third cup of coffee before telling me all about your pet’s unique personality and fascinating interior life. Continue reading →

Posted in humor, world view | 3 Comments

Summer book contest

Posted on July 29, 2009 by Israel Galindo

It’s been a while since we’ve had a GRACE Writes blog contest. Here’s a summer book contest for our readers and visitors. The first person to correctly identify the authors of four of the five works listed below correctly will win the book prize. Continue reading →

Posted in books, theology, world view | 2 Comments

We could do with some rules around here

Posted on July 7, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Compared to other denominations and faith traditions, Baptists can be rather antinomian. Like many things religious, that can be a blessing and a curse. Dealing with other denominations on matters related to theological education and academic administration can leave me feeling caught in a bureaucratic twilight zone of Kafkian proportions. Faith traditions often have their own internal logic that makes little sense to outsiders. Seeking understanding from insiders inevitable yields mumbled talk about “tradition” followed by a coda of a shrugged shoulder that communicates a helpless “What can you do?” At those moments I prefer my free church roots that will as likely yield a response of “Yeah, sure, we can do that. Why not?” as a “We’ve never done it that way before.” Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, ecumenical, theology | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Back to basics: The Triangle 7

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Israel Galindo

We continue the series on basic concepts in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). Today’s question: Does “thinking triangles” make leadership easier? Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | Tagged , , | 2 Comments