In Trust Center for Theological Schools

As theological schools navigate the future, collaboration and shared services are becoming essential. Thanks to a Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant, AdminWise Shared Services is stepping in to provide much-needed administrative support. On this podcast, Jeff Williams, president of AdminWise and director of the grant program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, shares how this initiative provides strategic direction and expertise – allowing schools to strengthen their mission while streamlining operations. He notes that by working together, schools can share resources, lighten administrative burdens, and sustain their impact. Listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gc-ypJ6H #TheologicalEducation #Collaboration #SharedServices #PathwaysForTomorrow #Leadership #AdminWise

Welcome to Strategic Shorts, Building Institutional Capacity through Market Research In the first episode, “The Role of Market Research in Theological Education,” host David Rowe, PhD, senior advisor for governance and strategy at the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, sits down with Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson (SimpsonScarborough) and Paige Booth (Marketing Wayfinder) to discuss how data-driven strategies can strengthen theological schools. For boards and leaders navigating new program development or re-evaluating existing offerings, this episode offers key insights to help institutions thrive. Topics include: understanding market demand for programs; conducting competitor analysis; aligning offerings with student needs; and building a sustainable business model. Watch now and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/gDfa5-qN ?#HigherEd #TheologicalEducation #MarketResearch #StrategicLeadership

How does your seminary, school, or church navigate conflict? Join us on April 3 at 1 PM (ET) for a live webinar with Dr. Ann Garrido, Associate Professor of Homiletics at the Aquinas Institute of Theology. In "Redeeming Conflict: One Tough Conversation at a Time," Dr. Garrido will present a practical framework for understanding institutional tensions and share three concrete strategies for approaching difficult conversations with wisdom and grace. Discover how your community can strengthen its mission while addressing challenges that have the potential to divide. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gSsQC9-H #Leadership #ConflictResolution #TheologicalEducation

How do we continue to build spaces that reflect both justice and care for all? This question is at the heart of “Not Quite a Walk in the Park,” an article in the latest issue of In Trust magazine. Across from the Berkeley School of Theology (BST) in California lies People’s Park – a space shaped by activism, community, and conflict for more than 50 years. BST faculty and students have long lived alongside its reality, offering hospitality where they could and navigating the intersection of justice, need, and change. Now, transformation is unfolding. New student housing, permanent supportive apartments for those in need, and preserved green space are taking shape – honoring both the park’s history and its future. BST has been both a witness and a partner in this journey. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gPAsKDj8 #Community #Justice #HigherEd #SocialImpact #PeoplesPark #Berkeley

Strengthen Your Institution’s Future: Dr. David Rowe, PhD’s “Strategic Shorts” Video Series: Join Dr. David Rowe and the In Trust Center for Theological Schools for “Strategic Shorts,” a dynamic video series designed to build institutional capacity in theological education. Launching Wednesday, March 19, this series explores essential strategies for navigating change and ensuring long-term sustainability. Topics will include: Understanding Market Research Repurposing Property and Facilities Integrating Student Readiness into Growth Strategies Engaging Faculty and Staff During Change Understanding Mergers Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights and position your institution for success. Catch the first video next Wednesday right here on LinkedIn! #TheologicalEducation #Leadership #InstitutionalGrowth #Governance #HigherEd

Conflict is inevitable in any community – including our seminaries and churches. How we engage these tensions can either fragment our communities or help them grow stronger in their mission. On April 3 at 1 PM (ET), join Dr. Ann Garrido, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Aquinas Institute of Theology, as she shares a practical framework for understanding institutional tensions and offers three concrete strategies for navigating difficult conversations with wisdom and grace in the live webinar, “Redeeming Conflict: One Tough Conversation at a Time.” Full details and registration are available here: https://lnkd.in/gSsQC9-H #Leadership #ConflictResolution #TheologicalEducation

Strong governance is the backbone of thriving institutions, yet how often do boards pause to evaluate their effectiveness? According to In Trust Center for Theological Schools' Wise Steward program director, Rebekah Basinger, board self-assessment isn’t about criticism—it’s about growth, accountability, and mission alignment. When a board commits to regular reflection, it strengthens its ability to serve with wisdom, collaboration, and strategic vision. She notes that self-assessment isn’t just a best practice—it’s an act of stewardship that ensures the board remains faithful to its calling and effective in its service. Read this resource guide here: https://lnkd.in/gm58RtN6 #BoardGovernance #Leadership #HigherEd #FaithBasedLeadership #NonprofitBoards #Accountability #MissionDriven

As institutions navigate change, strategic partnerships can unlock new possibilities and transformative opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability. In a webinar hosted by In Trust Center for Theological Schools, Rick Staisloff, senior partner at rpk GROUP, explores the essential elements of forming successful partnerships. Key insights include: Defining Strategic Partnerships: Identifying what collaboration means. Current Trends: Understanding the evolving landscape of institutional partnerships. Shared Future Vision: Why alignment on long-term goals is the key to success. Finding the Right Fit: How institutions can identify their ideal partner(s). Due Diligence: The critical steps for evaluating potential partners. Timelines & Challenges: What to expect on the journey to partnership. Watch the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/ef4fg2_i #StrategicPartnerships #HigherEd #Collaboration #Leadership

When is it time to close or restructure a struggling seminary? This is one of the many difficult questions institutional leaders must navigate when facing the realities of closure or merger. The decision is never just financial – it carries deep emotional and mission-driven implications. Gain key insights for leaders grappling with these challenges from this article: https://lnkd.in/gBJWfYJz Watch a webinar on “finishing well” rather than closing in crisis: https://lnkd.in/gkS9YDcM What are your thoughts on the factors that indicate when a seminary should consider restructuring or closure? Let’s continue the conversation. #HigherEd #SeminaryLeadership #GovernanceArticle

In October 2024, the Association of Theological Schools released a report by Senior Director and Chief Operating Officer Chris Meinzer highlighting year-over-year enrollment gains across 254 North American schools. This post-pandemic growth is a promising sign for theological education, reflecting renewed interest and engagement in formation and learning. Curious about the numbers? Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g6NzxNRv #TheologicalEducation #EnrollmentTrends #Leadership #HigherEd