Guide
Storytelling
While financial control often seems like the key to influence, it’s storytelling that holds power. Boards of theological schools must pay close attention to the narratives shaping their institutions—especially in the boardroom.
Podcast
Ep. 79: How leadership can change
A congregational leader and strategist, the Rev. Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D., discusses the need for adaptive leadership in theological education. Bolsinger shares insights from his latest book series, including tackling the challenges of leading through change, handling internal resistance, and realigning missions in a post-pandemic world. Bolsinger discusses rethinking old models and learning from experimentation. He emphasizes that effective transformation isn’t about working harder but adapting wisely.
Core Essential 2-Diversity in the Boardroom
Rather than a checkbox, diversity should be viewed as a divine gift that enriches leadership and broadens perspectives.
Core Essential 2: Our Board at its best
The leadership of theological schools views their boards as trustworthy, honest, and embodying numerous other positive qualities.
Core Essential 4: The Boards Role in Fundraising
There are two key components to a board's role in fundraising: Collective governance and individual involvement.
Core Essential 6: A short apologetic for Board Self-assessment
Board self-assessment often reveals mixed reactions, with some members valuing its insights whole others dismiss it as unnecessary.
Podcast
Ep. 78: AI's potential for theological education
The Rev. Tay Moss, an Episcopalian priest, media producer, and educator, has produced an AI-drive webpage to help people explore the Anglican church – AskCathy.ai – and in this episode explores the potential of AI for theological schools and how they can use it to enhance student engagement and streamline access to information. As well, he discusses the potential for new pedagogy as well as the challenges that AI offers schools and provides some thoughts about how schools and leaders can start to think about engaging with AI.
Videos & Webinars
I See That Hand
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.
Podcast
Ep. 77: What a president needs to know
The Rev. Nancy Claire Pittman, Ph.D., is retiring as president of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a long career in both the church and theological education. She reflects on the changes at Phillips and the transformation that has taken place there, including how the school uses the city as a place to learn. She also considers what she wished she knew about shared governance, working with a board, and the role of president.
Podcast
Ep. 75: Future-proofing theological schools?
Rick Staisloff, a consultant with a long history in higher education, explores how theological institutions can thrive amid change by embracing strategic partnerships and shared services. He stresses the importance of aligning with student needs and maintaining a mission-driven approach while calling this a historic time that demands courage.
Guide
Executive Sessions
If your board is not holding an executive session during every board meeting, maybe it should.
Videos & Webinars
Who's Next? Succession Planning for Boards
Planning for board officers vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.