Author Archives: igalindo

About igalindo

Israel Galindo is Professor and Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.

Easier said than done

The concept of the self-differentiated leader is attractive. And those who work toward being a self-differentiated leader strive toward a high goal. But while the concept is relatively easy to define, it’s easier said than done when it comes to … Continue reading

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Orthodoxy and orthopraxy

A perennial struggle for religious educators and pastors is finding ways to connect orthodoxy to orthopraxy. Achieving “right belief” (head knowledge) seems so very easy compared to achieving “right behavior.” Too often there is a disconnect between what congregational members … Continue reading

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It’s a gender thing (maybe)

During a recent conversation I was asking for help in clarifying a misunderstanding from a colleague. She began our conversation by saying, “It’s probably a gender thing.” I’ve never found that a helpful way to start a conversation. My thought … Continue reading

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

Going with what you know

I sometimes share with my students the phenomenon of what I’ve come to call “The Jay Leno Jaywalking Effect.” If you’ve ever watched Jay Leno’s man-on-the-street interview segment called “Jaywalking” you’ve seen the phenomenon. Leno will ask a passerby a … Continue reading

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BFST Wisdom of the Ages IV conference

A friend recently asked if anyone was working on Bowen’s ninth concept, supernatural phenomenon, or, what many are referring to (regrettably) as “spirituality.” I mentioned a few resources and persons, and, I mentioned Joe Carolin’s Wisdom of the Ages conferences … Continue reading

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Ash Wednesday planning ideas

GRACE member Terry sent an e-mail to the rest of the gang soliciting Ash Wednesday service ideas. Several in the group shared ways their churches have observed Ash Wednesday services in the past. But I enjoyed the response from GRACE … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Education, congregational life, liturgical seasons | 2 Comments

Talking to children about the economy

During a conversation among parents about their children—now adolescents and young adults the issue of children and money came up. There were the usual rants about children not appreciating the value of money, anxieties about paying for college expenses, the … Continue reading

Posted in books, children, world view | 1 Comment

Winter issue of Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletter

The winter 2009 issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) newsletter is now available. You can download a copy of the newsletter by visiting the LIM website and selecting the link to the newsletters from the main menu. The … Continue reading

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Rethinking consulting

I’ve been doing formal consultation since 1989, when I started Educational Consultants. The venture achieved all the goals I had for it, including covering the college tuition for the boys. While success is its own reward, there’s a downside to … Continue reading

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Book review: Leaders Who Last, by Marcuson

Margaret Marcuson touches all the right bases in her first book for congregational leaders, Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry (Seabury Press, 2009). It is a primer on effective ministerial leadership based on perennial principals and much influenced … Continue reading

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