In Trust Center

Send us a textCould theological schools be missing a vital piece of ministry formation? Dr. Darryl Stephens joins the podcast to explore diaconal studies — a growing movement that prepares deacons for ministry beyond the pulpit and into the community. With insights from global models and a new open-access volume featuring 21 authors, Stephens invites schools to broaden their mission, extend their reach, and equip more leaders for today’s multifaceted church. The e-version of the book, "Diaconal Studies: Lived Theology for the Church in North America," is offered without cost here.  A previous open-access book edited by Stephens mentioned in the podcast, "Bivocational and Beyond: Educating for Thriving Multivocational Ministry," is available at Books@Atla Open Press here. 

Send us a textIn a time of political shifts and regulatory uncertainty, the Good Governance podcast dives into how theological school leaders can respond with clarity and authenticity. Governance expert the Rev. Dr. David Rowe and law professor Peter Lake, a higher education policy expert, discuss navigating potential changes to federal education policy, including impacts on Title IV, Title IX, and accreditation. They offer practical guidance for boards and presidents — emphasizing mission alignment, shared governance, and measured leadership. This episode is essential listening for those guiding faith-based institutions through complex and fast-changing landscapes. David Rowe can be reached here. Peter Lake can be reached here.

Send us a textAs theological schools consider how to prepare for the future, a Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant is offering institutions an opportunity for shared services. AdminWise Shared Services, a nonprofit started out of a Lilly Endowment grant, is now offering a slate of administrative functions to help theological schools. Jeff Williams, the president of the group and director of the grant program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary that created it, talks about how the group can provide expertise to schools and provide strategic direction. AdminWise Shared Services website is here. 

Send us a textWhat does it take to lead a theological institution today? Auburn Seminary is relaunching Auburn Studies, beginning with a valuable report on leadership. In this episode, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Reyes, dean of Auburn Seminary, shares key trends in the field, and study author, the Very Rev. Dr. Michael DeLashmutt of General Theological Seminary, explains what his research uncovered. They discuss the increasing turnover among presidents and deans, the immense personal and institutional weight of leadership, and how leaders can navigate these pressures. The report is due out in April. You'll be able to find it at Auburn Seminary's website. 

Send us a textDr. Rebekah Burch Basinger sees fundraising as a vital ministry that can shape faith and fuel the work of theological education. An expert in fundraising, Basinger revisits her book "Growing Givers' Hearts" on its 25th anniversary and explores the power of generosity, breaking the scarcity mindset and embracing God’s abundance. She shares insights from her research, offering practical wisdom for boards, presidents, and leaders to treat fundraising as an expression of faith. Learn how theological schools can inspire donors, strengthen financial health, and model a spirit of generosity that transforms future church leaders. 

Send us a textTheological schools across North America are at a pivotal moment. In this episode, 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. They explore pressing issues such as financial sustainability, leadership transitions, and shifting student demographics, while also highlighting how boards and leaders can navigate these changes.

Send us a textAcadia 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. 

Send us a textResearch 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.

Send us a textLilly Endowment Inc.’s expanded Pathways for Tomorrow initiative will offer up to $325 million to help theological schools accredited by the Association for Theological Schools collaborate and innovate. The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Deasy of ATS, who oversees the Pathways coordination work, offers insights on what Pathways has accomplished so far – including help for underserved communities, new partnerships, and trauma-informed pedagogy – and what could be ahead. With grants for individual innovation and large-scale collaborations, the initiative prioritizes sustainability and partnerships and offers funding for shared endowments. The goal of the initiative is to help schools prepare ministers and lay leaders for the church. Links mentioned in the episode:Lilly Endowment's Pathways for Tomorrow page.The Pathways Coordination page with contacts and dates for information sessions.The In Trust Center's Pathways for Tomorrow page.ATS' Pathways for Tomorrow page.

Send us a textThe Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, is using Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grants to create new ways for people from underserved communities to get a theological education. In this episode, the Rev. Drs. Sergio Navarrete and Darin Poe discuss how the school is using innovative, bilingual, and online programs to try to equip a new generation of ministry leaders. They talk about how they're addressing leadership shortages in churches with programs that blend mentorship, affordability, and relationships to educate and empower students to fulfill their callings.