News & Insights

In Trust is the common name of the Association of Boards in Theological Education, a nonprofit organization that promotes the well-being of graduate-level theological schools in North America. We believe that the healthiest theological schools have a strong system of governance. In theological education, as elsewhere in higher education, governance is shared by three groups -- the board of directors or trustees, the faculty acting in their corporate capacity, and the office of the president (including the president's cabinet or executive staff). In many theological schools, a denomination, religious order, or other church body also has a formal or informal role in the institution's governance.

In Trust includes two program areas:

Editorial: In Trust magazine has been published quarterly for 20 years. You can read the latest issue online here. Our Web site includes online-only resources. And our e-newsletter is issued once every two months.

Governance services: In Trust's Governance Mentors visit theological school campuses in the United States and Canada to help boards grow in their governance expertise. They often help boards interpret the results of In Trust's governance assessment instruments for boards -- like the Financial Health Checkup, the Institutional Health Checklist, or the Board Performance Audit. In addition, In Trust offers a Presidential Evaluation, which helps boards to strengthen and support the president's work.

In Trust has no denominational affiliation. Our board and staff represent a variety of Christian faith traditions, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, mainline Protestant, and evangelical Protestant. 

In Trust's office is in Wilmington, Delaware. The acting president is G. Douglass Lewis, Ph.D. Biographies of all our staff are here.

Donations are tax-deductible in the United States and Canada.

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Upcoming Events

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

Who's Next? Succession Planning for Boards

ON DEMAND

Planning for board officer vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.

Seminaries are people too: Mindsets that make or break institutional change

ON DEMAND:

Theological schools are launching innovative projects to reshape education, but many struggle to achieve transformational change despite strong grant funding. Human nature, organizational culture, and governance practices often hinder progress. In this webinar, Drs. Aaron Einfeld and David Rowe provide tools to identify/overcome hidden barriers to change, offer practical steps for institutional leadership to move their institutions forward

I See That Hand

ON DEMAND

Board members are typically recruited for their leadership, business acumen, and networks. Dr. Rebekah Basinger, project director of the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, will discuss how strategic questioning and interrogation skills are essential for effective board stewardship.

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.

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