News & Insights

One of the solutions to the problem of overall declining enrollments at seminaries and theological schools is consolidation or merging.

In the seminary leader's daydream, consolidation solves a host of challenges — particularly if you merge with a larger institution like a university. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University are doing it. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and Lenoir-Rhyne University merged last summer. Even the Mennonites have gotten in on the act: Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary is now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, a graduate division of Fresno Pacific University.

I'm not an expert on institutional mergers, but it doesn’t take an expert to know that this kind of venture is fraught with knots to untangle and obstacles to overcome... no matter how good the idea looks on paper.

One recent study, which came to my attention through an article on Slate.com, looked at corporate mergers and the problems of combining two different cultures. It seems that even when all your ducks are in a row — missions aligned, mutual benefit clear, stakeholders excited — the differences in how two groups communicate, deliberate, solve problems, and set goals can become a problem.

Some experimental economists have devised a study to explore how these culture norms evolve and how they can hinder communication. The good news: these problems can be overcome with a little effort.

You can read the article here: “Culture Clash: Even a Merger Made in Heaven Can Get Off to a Rocky Start.”

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us