Monthly Archives: November 2008

So what’s it good for?

Posted on November 26, 2008 by igalindo

I recently heard again the pragmatist question “So what’s it good for?” related to systems theory. It’s a natural question whenever matters of theory arise. The best answer, of course, is that it’s a theory and therefore not really good … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory | 1 Comment

Self care and self-definition

Posted on November 25, 2008 by igalindo

For ministers, and aspiring ministers, who embrace that part of their calling involves service to others, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, investing in self-care can be a challenge. Whatever its source, feelings of obligation, guilt, or shame; or a lacking sense of … Continue reading →

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

“Book illustrator”

Posted on November 24, 2008 by igalindo

Well, I can now cross out “Illustrate a book” from my list of 50-things-to-do-before-I-die (yeah, just 50, I’m not ambitious). I’ve had the privilege of illustrating the latest book by my friend Bill Tuck. He asked me to illustrate his … Continue reading →

Posted in books, liturgical seasons | Comments Off on “Book illustrator”

A classic pastoral triangle

Posted on November 17, 2008 by igalindo

I’ve experienced the third instance in recent months of a classic pastoral triangle. It’s “classic” in the sense that it has all of the components of an “elegant” emotional process triangle: (1) it is generated by anxiety, (2) its source … Continue reading →

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The pastoral leader as resident theologian

Posted on November 14, 2008 by igalindo

Students in my online class have been studying about leadership in the congregation. From their reading (The Hidden Lives of Congregations) they are discussing some of the concepts addressed in the book: (1) the function of leadership is influence, (2) … Continue reading →

Posted in leadership, theology | Comments Off on The pastoral leader as resident theologian

Assessment: Yeah, it’s hard

Posted on November 12, 2008 by igalindo

One of the topics in my current online course is educational assessment in the congregational setting. The students are reviewing a model for rigorous assessment of Christian education that my friend Marty and I present in our forthcoming book.* One … Continue reading →

Posted in administration, Christian Education, curriculum, Sunday school | Comments Off on Assessment: Yeah, it’s hard

Functioning at one’s best

Posted on November 11, 2008 by igalindo

I received an interesting question about Bowen’s concept of self-differentiation. The question, an imaginative one, was “what if” some day scientists discovered a “differentiation gene.” It was fun to ponder, but, genes don’t work that way. More to the point, … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | Comments Off on Functioning at one’s best

Why triangles are “bad”

Posted on November 10, 2008 by igalindo

One misunderstanding about basic concepts of Bowen Family Systems theory has to do with assigning value statements. For example, the notion that overfunctioning is “bad.” Overfunctioning, like other behaviors are not “bad” or “good,” they are merely functions, symptoms, or … Continue reading →

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If it’s a choice between…

Posted on November 5, 2008 by igalindo

Self-differentiation is all about functioning. One manifestation of the extent to which one is functioning in a self-differentiated manner is how well one can separate feeling from thinking. I recently consulted with a normally steady and effective staff person who … Continue reading →

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50 skills every pastoral leader needs to have

Posted on November 4, 2008 by igalindo

I recently read an online article along the lines of “10 Skills Every Man Should Have.” I was pleased that I had them all (although it’s been a while since I’ve had the need to weld anything). I wondered what … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, leadership | 1 Comment