Author Archives: igalindo

About igalindo

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

The double bind in the ministry context

Posted on June 21, 2007 by igalindo

I had an uncle who was fond of playing a game with our large brood of cousins. He’d stare stone-faced at one of us and ask, with all apparent seriousness, “Tu eres bobo?” Which loosely translated is, “Are you an … Continue reading →

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

The three main interventions

Posted on June 20, 2007 by igalindo

Neils Bohr said, “An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.” I’ve come to the notion that being an expert merely comes down to three things: knowledge, experience, … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, second chair | 1 Comment

Galli’s “The Cost of Christian Education”

Posted on June 18, 2007 by igalindo

Last week I received an e-mail from a theology student at a seminary in Brazil. He’s taking a class in apologetics and wanted me to share my thoughts on, “How can I prove God historically?” I found the question vague … Continue reading →

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Levels of adult C.E. programming

Posted on June 15, 2007 by igalindo

Someone asked me for a list of congregations who had “strong adult education ministries.” I knew what he was asking, but the more I thought about it, the less able I was to compile a list. I got stuck on … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, retreats, Sunday school | Comments Off on Levels of adult C.E. programming

Knowing when to fold ’em

Posted on June 14, 2007 by igalindo

Congregational staff who occupy the “second chair” often find themselves in a precarious position related to the prospects of their tenure. Sometimes circumstances dictate this, but also, the relationship with the senior pastor can be a big determinative factor. One … Continue reading →

Posted in leadership, personal growth, second chair | 3 Comments

Shameless self-promotion

Posted on June 13, 2007 by igalindo

An article by Israel Galindo titled “Perspectives on Educational Planning” appears in this month’s issue of Baptists Today (Vol. 25, No. 6, June 2007). You can download the article at their “The Resource Page” section. Be sure to check out … Continue reading →

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Developmental Christian education formation programming

Posted on June 13, 2007 by igalindo

Developmental Christian education formation program planning is an approach that seeks to shape the educational programs in a congregation around the faith development needs of the members. While it appears to use an “age-graded” structure to programs, planning also incorporates … Continue reading →

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Communion rant

Posted on June 12, 2007 by igalindo

I attended worship recently at an out-of-town congregation during a consultation trip. As it happened it was a communion Sunday. I’m always interested in observing how congregations perform the two Ordinances–Communion (Lord’s Supper) and baptism. Especially in congregations of the … Continue reading →

Posted in theology, worship | 11 Comments

Was it a dove and does it matter?

Posted on June 11, 2007 by igalindo

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 … Continue reading →

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Almost my generation

Posted on June 10, 2007 by igalindo

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.

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