Podcast
Ep. 85 - The State of Theological Education in 2025
Theological schools across North America are at a pivotal moment. In this episode, Rev. Frank Yamada, Ph.D., executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, discuss both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of theological education.
Podcast
Ep. 84 - Engaging innovation and AI in theological education
Acadia Divinity College in Canada has been experimenting with AI and exploring the future of theological education and the church. The Rev. Anna Robbins, Ph.D., discusses what the school has done (including offering an AI-developed class) and describes AI's moment in history as akin to the printing press because of its transformative nature. She considers the mission of theological schools, the accessibility of AI, and how schools might preserve human connection and formation.
4 Steps to Smooth Functioning Shared Governance
The board establishes structures of leadership that invite members of the campus community to contribute to the vitality of the institution.
Videos & Webinars
Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education
In this on-demand webinar, Rick Staisloff, Senior Partner of rpk GROUP, discusses essential aspects of strategic partnerships. This session delves into current trends, identification of partners, navigating the due diligence process, and common challenges.
Videos & Webinars
In Trust Center Resource Grants webinar
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.
Podcast
Ep. 56 - How Lexington is reaching new students
Lexington Theological Seminary is using a Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant to help create ways students can gain access to a theological education. The Rev. Dr. Loida Martell, vice president for academic affairs and dean, discusses how LTS incorporates prior learning assessments and other means to help students.
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Creating Urgency Around the Business Model
In response to the global need for cost reduction and improved efficiency in education, institutional leadership teams are exploring innovative approaches beyond traditional revenue solutions and cost-cutting measures. A promising alternative lies in adopting new business models with a strategic finance approach.
Podcast
Ep. 51: The "trust gap" in theological education
There's a "trust gap" in the American workplace, according to Cory Scheer, Ed.D., the founder and CEO of TrustCentric. Scheer, a former pastor, academic administrator, and leader in business and nonprofits, studied trust as part of his doctoral work. The lessons can help theological schools learn how to improve performance and outcomes in their work.
Videos & Webinars
Stakeholder Management Planning
With any organizational plan, certain pivotal individuals – both internal and external – hold significant influence over our goals. To ensure the success of a program, initiative, or on-going strategy, we must prioritize these “Audiences of One” differently from larger audiences. Learn how the “Stakeholder Management Plan” tracks the status of these relationships to help boost overall success.
Podcast
Ep. 48: Keeping the mission vibrant - Lancaster's story
During his tenure as interim president of Lancaster Theological Seminary, Dr. David Rowe was challenged with merging the school while preserving its mission. Rowe and Elizabeth Palmer Bennett, former CFO at Lancaster, discuss the genesis of the merger, share their insights, and reflect on the lessons they learned in the process.
Podcast
Ep. 46: Who's afraid of AI? How theological educators can think about AI
There has been considerable concern about AI and its use in theological higher education, particularly as it relates to cheating. But Greg Henson, president of Kairos University, and Ruth McGillivray, executive vice president of Northwest Seminary and College, believe there's more to it than that. In this episode, they discuss the opportunities for theological schools to explore with AI.
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The role of the faculty in shared governance