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THE MAGAZINE
Centering a Pathways project at Western
Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, is honoring Eugene Peterson’s legacy of faithful discipleship, embodied in his phrase “a long obedience in the same direction,” by reshaping its ministerial training. To commemorate his impact, the seminary established the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination as part of its Pathways for Tomorrow proposal, supported by a Lilly Endowment Inc. The Rev. Felix Theonugraha, Ph.D., the president, emphasizes that this holistic formation approach will equip ministers to navigate modern challenges in a changing religious landscape as the seminary transitions to a more multi-denominational identity while honoring its Reformed roots and commitment to cultivating a faithful, transformative presence in their communities. Read the article here.
What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Winter 2025 issue of In Trust:
- Students’ Changing Needs: New research by the Association of Theological Schools reveals a misalignment between traditional seminary training and the evolving needs of churches and workplaces. In an interview for the Good Governance podcast, Debbie Gin, Ph.D., ATS director of research and faculty development, and the Rev. Jo Ann Deasy, Ph.D., director of institutional initiatives, discussed the work. The findings suggest that seminaries must offer continuing education and consider strategic partnerships, adopting comprehensive, curated, or connective models to better prepare ministers for their expanding roles in a changing religious landscape. Read the story here or listen to the Good Governance podcast here.
- Not Quite a Walk in the Park: In Trust magazine’s Heather Grennan Gray tells of how on January 4, 2024, shipping containers were quickly arranged to form a fence around the block near the Berkeley School of Theology facing People’s Park, a protest landmark established in 1969. Once a vibrant center of activism, the park is now being redeveloped by UC Berkeley for student and supportive housing, with more than 60% preserved as green space. The new fence highlights the space’s evolving and contested legacy. Read the full story 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 emailing us.
Full issue: You can read the magazine on the In Trust Center website.
LEARNING SPACE
Emerging challenges in the field
Effective leadership depends on solid intelligence, particularly when making tough decisions. For more than 35 years, the In Trust Center has equipped leaders with essential news, insights, and resources during periods of change. Tune into these three Good Governance podcasts to stimulate board discussions on emerging challenges in the field.
PODCAST
What does it take to lead?
Leadership isn’t as easy as it sounds, but what does it take to move an institution forward? Auburn Seminary is relaunching Auburn Studies, beginning with a valuable report on executive leadership and the burden leaders face. In this episode, the Rev. Patrick Reyes, Ph.D., dean of Auburn Seminary, shares key trends in the field, and study author, the Very Rev. Michael DeLashmutt, Ph.D., of General Theological Seminary, explains what his research uncovered and how schools can move forward. Listen to Episode 87 here.
Other recent episodes include:
- Rebekah Burch Basinger recently explained her perspective on fundraising, challenging us to break free from a scarcity mindset and embrace God’s abundant provision. She offers practical wisdom for boards, presidents, and leaders – reminding us that fundraising can and should be an expression of faith. Click here to listen to Ep. 86, Cultivating Generosity in Givers and Theological Education.
- The 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. Click here to listen to Ep. 85 of the Good Governance podcast.
- Acadia Divinity College is leading the way in exploring AI's impact on theological education and the Church. The Rev. Anna Robbins, Ph.D., shares insights on this transformative moment – comparing AI’s influence to the printing press. She examines how theological schools can harness AI while preserving the human connection and spiritual formation, and how AI can expand accessibility and reshape the way we teach and learn. Click here to listen to Ep. 84: Engaging innovation and AI in theological education podcast.
WEBINAR
ATS Research Webinar on Executive Leaders
The Association of Theological Schools is hosting a webinar on research into executive leadership at theological schools. This free, hour-long webinar is the first of two parts. It will be held at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, March 24, and will examine research into trends, including contributing factors that have led to the unprecedented turnover of executive leaders in recent years. We invite you, your board, and your leadership team to attend this important discussion. You can register here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
F[AI]thfully Co-Creating
The Association of Theological Schools, the In Trust Center, and Atla are developing a series of conversations and events about artificial intelligence. Join us for conversations about the capacities we need to participate in emerging technology, AI, and beyond. We will discuss how to stay rooted in values and upcoming micro-credential opportunities in AI in theological education, and we will share collective wisdom on best practices and pressing questions regarding the integration of theological education and artificial intelligence. To enable broad participation, we will offer the same programming on two consecutive days. You can register for one of these sessions by clicking one of the links below.
FUNDING
Resource Grants provide opportunity
The In Trust Center offers Resource Grants of up to $15,000 to support eligible members in pursuing innovative solutions or opportunities within their institutions. Through this program, schools can engage external resources to advance their mission. The grant cycle opens March 3, 2025. You can learn more on the Resource Grants webpage here.
PATHWAYS INITIATIVE
Lilly Endowment Inc. offers new funding
Lilly Endowment Inc. is offering up to $325 million in an expansion of its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative to help accredited theological schools in the U.S., its territories, and Canada. The funding aims to strengthen financial operations, educational programs, and the preparation of leaders for Christian churches.
More information about the funding can be found here. Information about the Pathways coordination program can be found here.
POSITION
Louisville Institute seeks new executive director
The Louisville Institute seeks an innovative executive director to lead its work at the intersection of church and academy during an exciting phase of growth fueled by generous new funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. Reporting to the President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the executive director will manage a team of six and an $18M grant cycle while fostering collaborative partnerships across North America’s faith communities and academic institutions to drive impactful religious scholarship and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read full description here.
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