Was it a dove and does it matter?

Posted on June 11, 2007 by Israel Galindo

A church member sent me this question:

“I have a question that has come up in our Sunday school classes and wanted a professional educator’s opinion. This past week we were studying the passage where John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and then the spirit descended upon the earth “like a dove.” Now of course, any story that I have heard says that the spirit descended and it was a dove. But one of our teachers was offended because the Bible doesn’t say it was an actual dove but “like a dove”. [My husband] and I have been having this discussion because how would you teach this story to a 1st-5th grader about an abstract thought. Would it be better to tell them it was a dove since that is very concrete or tell them about this abstract thought of the Holy Spirit?

”The teacher’s thought was that we shouldn’t tell them one thing when they are younger and then teach them something totally different later on down the road. What is your opinion?”

Here’s what I think. For starters, it is appropriate, and desirable, to “just tell the story” without interpretation to younger children. And it’s o.k. to be concrete—Adam and Eve were “real” persons, the Garden was a real place, there were animals on the ark, Balaam’s donkey talked, and, if you like, it was “a dove.” Children really just need the story—not our (adult) interpretation of it. Continue reading →

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A Suggestion for Effective Enlistment

Posted on June 10, 2007 by mcanaday

In discussions about church enlistment we’ve often heard the statement, “we enlist our own problems!” How many nominating committee processes have you experienced that were exercises in filling slots without giving intentional consideration to the passions and gifts of leaders and the functions required for the positions of service?

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Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 2 Comments

Almost my generation

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Israel Galindo

The “new middle age” currently is said to begin at 65. That’s good news for those of us watching the dusk approaching. It’s all in the attitude, I say. A reminder to the young ‘uns, WE invented rock and roll. Continue reading →

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Christian Formation in the Life of a Minister

Posted on June 9, 2007 by mcanaday

I was thinking some time ago about the factors and influences that shape the Christian formation of ministers. This reflection led me to several observations born out of my curiosity. My initial observation is that many ministers do not prioritize continuing education as an integral part of ministry. Consider the following pathways to Christian formation in the life of a minister…

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Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 3 Comments

Things you should never tell your children

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Israel Galindo

Most of us who are parents believe that part of our job, as parents, is to rear “well-behaved” children. And indeed, well-behaved children tend to be admired by other adults and tend to do better in school. I think there’s much to be said for teaching children to behave, as early as possible, and so we should teach them the basic rules of polite living that will serve them well and serve the common good. But sometimes we go about it the wrong way, or more sadly, wind up sending the wrong messages, like: Don’t touch; Don’t laugh out loud; Keep up; Be quiet; Be careful; Don’t get dirty; and Behave! Continue reading →

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Systems movie: Divan

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Israel Galindo

“Divan” (2003, 77 minutes) is a nice addition to your list of “systems movies.” The documentary tells the story of Pearl Gluck, a “slipped” daughter of Hassidic parents. Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, ecumenical, movies and films, world view | 5 Comments

John Calvin’s student prayer

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I just returned from a professional development colloquy with theological faculty from various schools. During one of our worship sessions a colleague shared John Calvin’s “Sudent Prayer” as part of the worship. It’s been a while since I’d read it and I was again struck by its elegance. It reminded me of Thomas Aquinus’ “Prayer Before Study,” which I’ll share later. Calvin’s prayer is a good reminder that learning is as much a matter of the spirit and affect (one’s attitute and predisposition for learning) as it is of the mind, and that all meaningful learning has an intentional end to it (“For what purpose and to what end do we learn?”).

Here is Calvin’s student prayer: Continue reading →

Posted in books, Christian Education, theology, worship | 1 Comment

Clergy formation

Posted on June 4, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I had an interesting conversation around the dinner table with some seminary professors recently. The on-going topic of assessment related to “ministerial formation” came up, as it often does. Given that this is now an ATS (Association of Theological Schools) component of assessment in the accrediting process it becomes, like every assessment criteria, a point of institutional anxiety. I was struck again at the lack of clarity about what formation is, and about the relationship between formation and context, on the part of theological educators.

That should come as no surprise given that most theological faculty are trained as scholars in a particular discipline and field of knowledge. Most become members of professional “guilds” whose focus becomes (1) the profession (teaching in theological schools) and (2) the advancement of the discipline. Rarely will they study other disciplines or delve into content that is not focused on their discipline–including, congregations, education, or faith formation. Continue reading →

Posted in ecumenical, leadership, theology | 4 Comments

Children, belief, and faith

Posted on June 3, 2007 by Israel Galindo

I recently ran into a young married-with-children couple who are of the kind that is very intent on their children’s spiritual formation. During our conversation they shared their belief that Christians shouldn’t teach children about Santa Claus because it may shake their faith later when they learn he’s “not real” and that they’ve been tricked. In addition, as a secular icon, Santa conflicts with the real message of Christmas.

But I’m of the opinion that allowing children to believe in Santa Claus is not detrimental to their Christian faith. Let’s face it; the colorful Madison Avenue figure of Santa Claus created by Coca Cola is a cultural icon that is embedded in our psyche. He is as much a part of our children’s world as Barney, Big Bird, Winnie the Pooh, and the Tooth Fairy. Continue reading →

Posted in children | 3 Comments

Active learning

Posted on June 1, 2007 by Israel Galindo

One major drawback to teaching in Christian education is the unwarrented, and often unintended, practice of setting ourselves up for inactive, non-participatory, learning. Many teachers of adults tend to shy away from challenging their class or group to participate in the learning process. This usually as a result of having made a failed attempt at an interactive activity, experiencing a numbing silence after trying to prod for more discussion, or being told, outright, that the class “just wants to listen to the teacher lecture.” Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, teaching | 2 Comments