Category Archives: congregational life

Roles vs. Function in BFST

Posted on April 2, 2008 by igalindo

I recently received an e-mail from a Leadership in Ministry Workshops participant asking about the distinction between role and function often made in Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). This distinction is often difficult for folks to make, but I think … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership | Comments Off on Roles vs. Function in BFST

Book review: The Apathetic and Bored Church Member by Savage

Posted on March 19, 2008 by igalindo

Just about every year one of our doctoral students approaches me wanting to do a study on why church members leave their congregation. About half the time it’s clear about what’s behind the motivation for the study: anxiety from church … Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life, leadership | 1 Comment

Book review: Teaming Up, by Holderness and Hay

Posted on February 25, 2008 by igalindo

The move from rigid and isolated “committees” to a “team approach” continues in many congregations. Sometimes that movement is not much more than a re-organization and re-labeling that result in very little change. The fact is, as I like to … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Christian Education, congregational life | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Book review: The Dynamic Congregation, by Ramey

Posted on February 19, 2008 by igalindo

Does this sound like your experience of church? Little seems to happen during church services. You eat this bread and drink the wine at communion, even hear in the liturgy that Christ is present, but everyone seems bored. . . … Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life, leadership | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Book review: Urban Disciples, by Paris and Eyring

Posted on January 24, 2008 by igalindo

Jenell Paris and Margot Eyring have prepared a most useful tool for those involved in missional efforts, whether leader or participant. Urban Disciples: A Beginner’s Guide to Serving God in the Inner City (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 2000. 99 … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Christian Education, congregational life, curriculum | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Leaving Well (If you’re going to go, go!)

Posted on January 22, 2008 by igalindo

I’ve been consulting with several clergy who are contemplating leaving their ministry settings. It’s not unusual for these consultations to come in waves, and it’s always interesting that they do. It seems that issues, crises, and topics have their seasons. … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, leadership, personal growth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Review: Christianity for the Rest of Us by Bass

Posted on January 17, 2008 by igalindo

Much is said and written today regarding the emerging church. In Christianity for the Rest of Us, Diana Butler Bass shares stories from mainline Protestant congregations experiencing renewal and transformation through re-connection with historic Christian practices. In reality, she debunks … Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Book review: Fashion Me a People by Harris

Posted on January 16, 2008 by igalindo

The title of Maria Harris’ work, Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989), engages the reader from the outset. Here is a work about the Church claiming its identity as the people of God … Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life, curriculum | Tagged , | Comments Off on Book review: Fashion Me a People by Harris

Book review: Beyond the Ordinary by Johnson and Dreitcher

Posted on January 2, 2008 by igalindo

Ben Campbell Johnson & Andrew Dreitcer provide a welcome resource to congregations in practical spirituality in Beyond the Ordinary: Spirituality for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 168 pages. $16.00. ISBN 0-8028-4773-0). The book’s unique contribution is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, congregational life | Tagged , , | 1 Comment