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THE MAGAZINE
Adaptive Leadership
In the Winter 2025 edition of In Trust, the Rev. Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D., emphasizes the importance of adaptive leadership in navigating resistance to change, fostering resilience, and embracing experimentation and learning. He highlights the human tendency to resist loss and revert to familiar practices, urging leaders to prioritize clarity of mission, collaborative governance, and innovative education models, especially in theological settings.
By reframing failure as a learning process and addressing institutional challenges, Bolsinger advocates for bold, mission-driven approaches that align with evolving contexts. Read the article here.
What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Winter 2025 issue of In Trust:
- Helpfully Engaging AI in the Field: There is no escaping the implications of AI and the future of theological education. The In Trust Center, Association of Theological Schools, and Atla are engaging in conversations about the role and potential of AI, its ethical implications, and its impact on the theological education community. Read about AI's potential and explore the resources offered by this collaboration here.
- While “unprecedented” and “historic” may be overused words that are candidates for banishment, Matt Hufman notes how humans continuously live through historic and transformative moments. He cites how Scripture reminds us of God’s enduring presence amidst cycles of change. Ecclesiastes offers the perspective that nothing is truly new under the sun and urging trust in God above life’s uncertainties – a fitting focus for navigating challenging times. Read the essay in the Sign 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
Core Essentials for Boards
Developed by Wise Stewards Initiative program director Dr. Rebekah Burch Basinger, the six Core Essentials for Good Governance emphasize the vital role of effective governance in fostering institutional well-being. Designed specifically for board leaders and presidents, these essentials draw on practical experiences and serve as reliable guidelines for the ongoing development of institutional boards. To access the full descriptions and case studies, visit here.
WEBINARS
Sustainable Pathways
In a five-part series, Dr. David Rowe discusses strategic transformation and financial sustainability in theological schools. Topics include: the business model of theological education; updating the value proposition for theological education; resource sharing; generating positive net revenue; and new markets/new methods. To view all the webinars, click here.
PODCAST
Engaging innovation and AI
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. Listen to Episode 84 of the Good Governance podcast here.
Other recent episodes include:
- Research by scholars at the Association of Theological Schools suggests a misalignment between how students in theological schools are being trained and what the workforce needs. Dr. Deborah Gin and the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Deasy of ATS explain the research, the misalignments, and ways that schools can move forward to better prepare students. To listen to Episode 83 of the Good Governance podcast click here. To read the article, "Students' Changing Needs," in In Trust magazine, click here.
- Through the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grants, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, is creating innovative opportunities for individuals from underserved communities to pursue theological education. In a recent episode, Rev. Drs. Sergio Navarrete and Darin Poe share how the seminary uses bilingual and online programs to prepare the next generation of ministry leaders. This holistic model equips students not just with knowledge but with the support they need to fulfill their callings. Listen to Episode 81 of the Good Governance podcast here.
- Creating a network for theological education. 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, discuss how the school has shifted to prepare students for the Church. Listen to Episode 80 of the Good Governance podcast here.
REMARK(ABLE)
"… [B]oards are fiduciary. They’re going to be conserving, they’re going to say ‘go slowly.’ And I think there are good reasons to be about all of that. But at the same time, I think, ‘No, now is the time to really make a move and to forge a partnership or forge a relationship or look for a new pathway or conduit to the church that we haven’t developed, or we let fall to the side.’ Think about pursuing the mission and let the other things fall away and move in that direction.
“And I think you’re not going to go wrong there because then you’re pursuing your mission, which is what you’re called to do. And we’re not called to conserve our assets. I mean, our assets are important and conserving them is important, but that’s not what we’re called to do.”
The Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause in Ep. 80 of the Good Governance podcast.
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.
NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
New grants for board development
Through the support of Lilly Endowment Inc., the In Trust Center is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support institutional boards’ strategic growth. These action-oriented grants are designed to help governing and advisory boards tackle key challenges, seize opportunities, or address critical issues. With a focus on learning and development, these funds can be used for projects like creating or revising governance documents and policies, ensuring your board has the tools it needs to thrive. You can learn more about the Board Development Grants 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.
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