The Newsletter for Chairs of Theological School Boards
Vol. 3 No. 7

Providing "balcony time"

For those of us who work in higher education, we all know the pause of spring break, but in theological education, there’s often precious little time for a break. There’s always something to be done, especially with graduation and the next semester coming up.

However, this spring I was reminded of Harvard professor Ronald Heifetz’s concept of “balcony time” – time that provides space and distance to see the bigger picture on the “dance floor.” Taking that time can be difficult, particularly if you’re enmeshed in your daily work. It’s not just the executive. Boards can be so caught up in their own regular work that it can be difficult to find dedicated time to think about the bigger issues in the field and those affecting your school.

At the In Trust Center, we offer a number of ways to help. Our newsletters give an overview of our webinars, resources, quarterly magazine, podcast, and website, which is full of information. Our Resource Consulting can provide one-on-one help on specific issues. But balcony time requires more than information. It requires dedicated time.

That’s why we offer more than just information. Our Wise Stewards Initiative provides built-in balcony time – a year-long, cohort-based program designed for executive leaders and their boards to reflect, grow, and strengthen their governance work together. With a governance coach, assessments, and structured support, it’s a rare chance to step back and look at the whole picture. And, for schools accepted, the program costs are fully covered.

We’re now accepting applications for the next cohort, which will start in the fall, and provide you and your team the space to learn, grow, and experience needed balcony time. I invite you to apply. You can see more details, including the Wise Stewards roadmap, the Wise Stewards guide, and the core essentials of good governance here.

Thanks for all you do in theological education.

Amy Kardash
President