Author Archives: igalindo

About igalindo

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

50 skills every pastoral leader needs to have

Posted on November 4, 2008 by igalindo

I recently read an online article along the lines of “10 Skills Every Man Should Have.” I was pleased that I had them all (although it’s been a while since I’ve had the need to weld anything). I wondered what … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, leadership | 1 Comment

How people stay stuck

Posted on November 3, 2008 by igalindo

I’ve been observing several persons in the process of making decisions. Some of the decisions are personal in nature (quitting one job to take another, ending or starting a relationship, going back to school, moving). Others pertain to leaders making … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, assessment, leadership, second chair | Comments Off on How people stay stuck

The Myth of Competence

Posted on October 30, 2008 by igalindo

Some years ago I did a presentation titled “The Myth of Competence.” It developed out of my observation that so many leaders live under a crushing load of performance-anxiety and a frame of mind I called the myth of competence. … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership | Comments Off on The Myth of Competence

”Everything takes five years”

Posted on October 29, 2008 by igalindo

These past few weeks I’ve had ocassion to be reminded of what my friend Margaret says about bringing about change in congregations, which is, ”Everything takes five years.” While that’s a bit tounge-in-cheek, it’s not far from the truth. Over … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, leadership, second chair | 1 Comment

“I don’t want to do that.”

Posted on October 28, 2008 by igalindo

I was intrigued by overhearing a common phrase last week. Overheard several times was the phrase, “I don’t want to do that.” It’s a common enough phrase (anyone who has ever had a three or four year old around the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, children, personal growth | Comments Off on “I don’t want to do that.”

How to learn BFST

Posted on October 27, 2008 by igalindo

I received an e-mail from a friend who has been studying Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) for the past few years. He has been reading the literature, asking good questions, and at one point sought out a therapist to serve … Continue reading →

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

Posted on October 24, 2008 by igalindo
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A list of names

Posted on October 23, 2008 by igalindo

At a recent workshop with a group of ministers from another denomination I asked the participants to introduce themselves and include in their introduction information about their context. When describing their context all participants shared the membership size of their … Continue reading →

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The one year seminary

Posted on October 22, 2008 by igalindo

Every once is a while (like last month, in fact) I get a call from a church leaders wanting guidance and ideas about creating a mini-seminary in their congregations. While that idea is driven by a desire to make Christian … Continue reading →

Posted in bible, Christian Education, congregational life, curriculum, teaching, theology | Comments Off on The one year seminary

The theory of hype

Posted on October 21, 2008 by igalindo

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 →

Posted in congregational life, leadership | Comments Off on The theory of hype