Monthly Archives: February 2009

Nostradamus and his kin

Posted on February 24, 2009 by igalindo

It seems that times of anxiety and change bring out a fair share of clairvoyance in some folks. These like to declare with some confidence the future state of affairs, stating what will work and what will not. I confess … Continue reading →

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Caught by surprise

Posted on February 23, 2009 by igalindo

Every once in a while I hear something in church that catches me by surprise. It’s usually not a good surprise, admittedly. More often than not the surprising comment reveals a disconnect between my perception or assumption of church and … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational life, humor | 2 Comments

Traits of the well-defined leader

Posted on February 17, 2009 by igalindo

I came across some notes from a presentation by my friend Ken Hurto (who recently pleasantly surprised me by finding me on Facebook). Ken’s presentation on leadership was titled “Being a Lighthouse and Not a Bulldozer.” In it he used … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership | 2 Comments

Easier said than done

Posted on February 16, 2009 by igalindo

The concept of the self-differentiated leader is attractive. And those who work toward being a self-differentiated leader strive toward a high goal. But while the concept is relatively easy to define, it’s easier said than done when it comes to … Continue reading →

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Orthodoxy and orthopraxy

Posted on February 11, 2009 by igalindo

A perennial struggle for religious educators and pastors is finding ways to connect orthodoxy to orthopraxy. Achieving “right belief” (head knowledge) seems so very easy compared to achieving “right behavior.” Too often there is a disconnect between what congregational members … Continue reading →

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It’s a gender thing (maybe)

Posted on February 10, 2009 by igalindo

During a recent conversation I was asking for help in clarifying a misunderstanding from a colleague. She began our conversation by saying, “It’s probably a gender thing.” I’ve never found that a helpful way to start a conversation. My thought … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, personal growth, world view | 1 Comment

Going with what you know

Posted on February 9, 2009 by igalindo

I sometimes share with my students the phenomenon of what I’ve come to call “The Jay Leno Jaywalking Effect.” If you’ve ever watched Jay Leno’s man-on-the-street interview segment called “Jaywalking” you’ve seen the phenomenon. Leno will ask a passerby a … Continue reading →

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BFST Wisdom of the Ages IV conference

Posted on February 5, 2009 by igalindo

A friend recently asked if anyone was working on Bowen’s ninth concept, supernatural phenomenon, or, what many are referring to (regrettably) as “spirituality.” I mentioned a few resources and persons, and, I mentioned Joe Carolin’s Wisdom of the Ages conferences … Continue reading →

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Ash Wednesday planning ideas

Posted on February 4, 2009 by igalindo

GRACE member Terry sent an e-mail to the rest of the gang soliciting Ash Wednesday service ideas. Several in the group shared ways their churches have observed Ash Wednesday services in the past. But I enjoyed the response from GRACE … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, congregational life, liturgical seasons | 2 Comments