Monthly Archives: October 2008

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
Posted in Design, quotes | Comments Off on

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 →

Posted in congregational life, leadership | Comments Off on A list of names

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

Novelty, reflection, and learning

Posted on October 20, 2008 by igalindo

I’ve observed that most folks settle into a professional routine (a rut, really) that intersects with the achievement of a certain level of competence. Once they learn the job and find efficient (if not effective) ways of doing it, they’ll … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | Comments Off on Novelty, reflection, and learning

The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations

Posted on October 15, 2008 by igalindo

The Bowen theory concept of multigenerational transmission in families, although often difficult to accept, is logically appreciated. Families pass along habits, traditions, beliefs, grudges, feuds, genes, and emotional process down the generations. That force can be as powerful as a … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life | Comments Off on The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations