THE MAGAZINE
How shared governance is like jazz

Shared governance is an important part of a board's work, and yet it is a difficult task. In a feature in the new Autumn issue, Heather Grennan Gary explores what makes shared governance work and notes that Luther Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, a trumpet player and former band director, says shared governance is like jazz – players play off each other and know their roles. According to Steinke: "Knowing when to step back and let others take the lead, the give-and-take of shared governance requires a high degree of trust."
The piece points out the benefits of shared governance and how a good approach can help any institution. Read more here.  What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Shared Governance is one of the topics that people regularly ask the In Trust Center about. (You can hear a podcast about shared governance here. You can also see a few curated resources here. And you can email our Resource Consulting team for more specific questions.) Also in the Autumn issue of In Trust:

• A new look at boards: This year, the In Trust Center launched the Governance Initiative, which seeks to understand the current state of theological school boards and help schools in their governance. The initiative started with a survey that explores both governing and advisory boards. Learn more about the data with the first look here.  
• It's never too late: ATS data suggests a trend that students entering seminaries and theological schools are older. Trish Shea looks at the numbers and how schools can prepare. Read more about the trend here. 
• Did you get your magazine?: If you've moved or don't receive In Trust magazine (a magazine subscription comes with your membership to the In Trust Center for Theological Schools), you can update your information or ask to be placed on the magazine list by sending us an email here.

Creating a network for theological education

In St. Louis, Missouri, the team at Eden Theological Seminary has created a collaborative network of institutions to offer students a wide range of courses and ways to access theological education. It's part of the school's Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant, and the Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause, president of the seminary, and the Rev. Dr. Mary Schaller Blaufuss, vice president of institutional advancement and project director, talk about how the school has shifted to prepare students for the Church. Listen to Episode 80 of the Good Governance podcast here. Other recent episodes include:

• How leaders can address change: A congregational leader and strategist, the Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger has studied, experienced, and led change. His new book series offers an insightful guide for leaders walking through change. He explains how leaders of theological schools and boards can be successful in Episode 79 of the Good Governance podcast. 
• AI's potential for theological schools: The Rev. Tay Moss understands the power of AI and how it can help institutions (he created an AI-driven site to help people understand the Anglican church). He offers wisdom and guidance for schools and institutions looking to use AI, including expectations and limitations. Listen to Episode 78 here. 
• What a president needs to know: The Rev. Dr. Nancy Claire Pittman recently retired from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and just before she did, she reflected on the importance of governance and relationships with the board, offering valuable advice and insights.  Listen to Episode 77 here.