Author Archives: igalindo

About igalindo

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

Three basic educational questions

Posted on August 16, 2007 by igalindo

At a recent consultation I ran into a scenario that has come to symbolize for me what is wrong with much of what passes for “education” in congregations. I was being given a tour of the educational facilities by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, curriculum, philosophy, Sunday school, world view | 2 Comments

Why BFST is useless

Posted on August 15, 2007 by igalindo

Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) seems to continue to grow in its interest to and influence among clergy, denominational leaders, and seminaries. I think this is a good thing, overall. Many have found in BFST a frame of reference that … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | 2 Comments

What makes a real teacher?

Posted on August 14, 2007 by igalindo

The following is excerpted from the book Myths: Fact and Fiction about Teaching and Learning by Israel Galindo. How well do you know fact from fiction? MYTH: Anybody can teach. Teaching is just communicating information, through effective verbal and instructional … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophy, teaching | 1 Comment

A question from a reader

Posted on August 13, 2007 by igalindo

A regular reader of the GRACE Writes blog sent a question. She’d like some advice from readers of this blog to the situation she describes below. This person is in her first ministry position out of seminary and serves as … Continue reading →

Posted in second chair, Sunday school | Comments Off on A question from a reader

Love those classics

Posted on August 11, 2007 by igalindo

Every once in a while, at my former church, we’d break out the old (and I mean old literally) hymnbooks for a Wednesday evening hymn sing. People would call out the numbers of their favorite hymns to the songleader and … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, Design, teaching, worship | 1 Comment

Fix the problem

Posted on August 10, 2007 by igalindo

My engineer son has a mantra: “Fix the problem.” As mantras go, it’s a pretty good one. Simple, memorable, intuitive, and to the point. The mantra refers to our tendency to go about addressing issues, problems, or stuck situations by … Continue reading →

Posted in curriculum, Sunday school | 2 Comments

Cop-at-the-door (contest)

Posted on August 9, 2007 by igalindo

When we were young my siblings and I would often receive a warning from our mom whenever we ventured from home. With a somber voice and a straight face (but not without a twinkle in her eye) she would admonish … Continue reading →

Posted in children, personal growth | 3 Comments

Those voices from the past

Posted on August 8, 2007 by igalindo

Ever get one of those phone calls that start out, “Are you ___________? You may not remember me, but . . .” I’ve gotten several of those over the years. Most of the time those voices from the past lead … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer | 1 Comment

How to make silly putty (a ministry skill)

Posted on August 7, 2007 by igalindo

Despite the serious and lofty education most of us clergy receive in seminary (theology, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, hermeneutics, philosophy, etc.) ministry has, decidedly, a pragmatic skills component to it. As one person put it, you have to “know stuff” (and … Continue reading →

Posted in children, games, humor, movies and films | Comments Off on How to make silly putty (a ministry skill)

Myths about Opossums, Goats, and Holistic Learning

Posted on August 6, 2007 by igalindo

The following is from the book Myths: Fact and Fiction about Teaching and Learning by Israel Galindo. How well do you know fact from fiction? MYTH: Opossums “play dead” when they are threatened or endangered.

Posted in Christian Education, Sunday school, teaching | Comments Off on Myths about Opossums, Goats, and Holistic Learning