Brain and God article

Posted on April 14, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Here’s another interesting article on the brain-God connection question. The article is by Michael Brooks and it appears in New Scientist (Feb. 4, 2009). Here’s an excerpt: Continue reading →

Posted in development theory, personal growth, quotes, theology | Comments Off on Brain and God article

A couple of good Bible background reads

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Here are a couple of interesting and worth-reading bible background articles from sources you likely would not expect to find such. I think they are both worth the read: Continue reading →

Posted in bible, theology, world view | Comments Off on A couple of good Bible background reads

Differentiation and emotional maturity

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Israel Galindo

A friend has been working on his differentiation of self for some time now. He is a curious learner, has done responsible self-work (reading, seeing a therapist, using a coach, working on his family of origin relationships), and he asks a lot of great questions. Recently he asked about the connection between differentiation of self and emotional maturity. Which got me to thinking and pondering about the matter. Continue reading →

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

Taking stock

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Israel Galindo

The new job has taken me out of the loop of what used to be a steady study of Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). I’ve missed being regularly engaged in study and discussions about the theory and its application with others who are working on the theory. I continue to do coaching and consultations that keep me in those conversations, but the regular study has taken a hiatus. But that has not been a bad thing. Distance can bring perspective. Being away from the routine has allowed me to take stock of my views on BFST. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory | 3 Comments

Book review: Learning the Way by Williams

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I’ve just received in the mail a copy of Learning the Way, by Cassandra Williams (Alban Institute, 2009). I was asked to write the forward to this book. Here is an edited version: Continue reading →

Posted in books, Christian Education, congregational life, discipleship | 1 Comment

How to deal with a wall

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Israel Galindo

One of the first dollars I made for a job was knocking through a wall in a New York City brownstone. I used a sledgehammer and it took me an entire day. I was paid a dollar, but in the form of a silver 1922 Peace Dollar and I was 12 years old. Not a bad deal for a 12-year-old, especially since I’ve still got that coin and given how its value has increased over the years. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | Comments Off on How to deal with a wall

What I’d look for in a church

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I recently attended a denominational meeting where my I.D. badge noted the name of the church of which I’m a member. That information triggered a conversation when someone reading the name of the church asked me how I liked my church (it was an odd question, but as it turns out, a good conversation starter). Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, worship | Comments Off on What I’d look for in a church

Congregations during pastoral transitions

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Pastoral transitions can be anxiety-ridden times for congregations. Congregations that go through an interim period without pastoral leadership need to navigate transition without an organization’s chief resource: its leader. That transition involves many challenges, including, disruption of homeostasis, a shift to inward-focused tasks, and a leadership vacuum. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership, second chair | Comments Off on Congregations during pastoral transitions

What will they say about you?

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Israel Galindo

On a few occasions I’ve engaged in the exercise of writing my own obituary or epitath. The exercise was prompted in seminars or workshops, and on one occasion as part of my orientation as a hospice chaplain. Kierkegaard said “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” That’s helpful to keep in mind. Which reminds me of the story about a priest, a rabbi, and a minister… Continue reading →

Posted in humor, personal growth, world view | Comments Off on What will they say about you?

When is a cutoff not a cutoff?

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Israel Galindo

At a recent workshop with clergy on Bowen Family Systems Theory and congregational leadership one lingering question came up. When dealing with the concept of cutoffs among clergy, it has become inevitable that someone will bring up the matter of denominations that require their clergy to move every three to four years. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership | 2 Comments