Monthly Archives: August 2007

Photoshop and training clergy

An aspiring artist friend and I enjoy occasional conversations about art and aesthetics. One on-going philosophical conversation has to do with “what is art?” This, in the context of how current and emerging technologies are changing the practices, if not … Continue reading

Posted in curriculum, philosophy, technology and education, vocation | 3 Comments

Don’t miss it: “God’s Warriors”

Don’t miss CNN’s upcoming program “God’s Warriors” Correspondent Christiane Amanpour presents a three part (Jewish, Muslim, Christian) documentary in the “God’s Warriors” series that will be airing on CNN at 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday evenings (Aug. 21-23) next week. … Continue reading

Posted in ecumenical, movies and films, world view | 1 Comment

Myths about Penicillin, Bacteria, and Baptism

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: Penicillin kills bacteria.

Posted in children, ecumenical, theology, worship | Comments Off on Myths about Penicillin, Bacteria, and Baptism

Trinity Teaching Level

So, what’s your TTL (Trinity Teaching Level)? Do you avoid the Trinity at all costs? Only give the “water, ice, steam” analogy when asked about the Trinity? Do you try to pray at least once in the “Father, Son, Holy … Continue reading

Posted in teaching, theology | 5 Comments

Three basic educational questions

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

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?

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

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

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

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