In Trust Center

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. 

Send us a textEden Theological Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause and Vice President for Institutional Advancement the Rev. Dr. Mary Schaller Blaufuss discuss how the 175-year-old seminary is moving into a new model of education. Using a Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant, the seminary has formed a network of other likeminded seminaries to offer classes to students, as well as provide a range of non-degree classes for ministers. They discuss how they do the work and how it's reaching new audiences. 

Send us a textA congregational leader and strategist, the Rev. Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D., discusses the need for adaptive leadership in theological education. Bolsinger shares insights from his latest book series, including tackling the challenges of leading through change, handling internal resistance, and realigning missions in a post-pandemic world. Bolsinger discusses rethinking old models and learning from experimentation. He emphasizes that effective transformation isn’t about working harder but adapting wisely.

Send us a textThe Rev. Tay Moss, an Episcopalian priest, media producer, and educator, has produced an AI-drive webpage to help people explore the Anglican church – AskCathy.ai – and in this episode explores the potential of AI for theological schools and how they can use it to enhance student engagement and streamline access to information. As well, he discusses the potential for new pedagogy as  well as the challenges that AI offers schools and provides some thoughts about how schools and leaders can start to think about engaging with AI.

Send us a textThe Rev. Nancy Claire Pittman, Ph.D., is retiring as president of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a long career in both the church and theological education. She reflects on the changes at Phillips and the transformation that has taken place there, including how the school uses the city as a place to learn. She also considers what she wished she knew about shared governance, working with a board, and the role of president.

Send us a textThe Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, president of Pacific School of Theology in Berkeley, California, discusses how the school is using its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant to create a new ecosystem that includes not just technology but also efforts to reconsider educational modes and methods. The school's programming includes a stackable curriculum and challenges traditional standards. 

Rick Staisloff, a seasoned consultant in higher education, shares his insights on how theological schools can navigate transformative times. He discusses the crucial role of strategic partnerships in fostering resilience and addressing declining enrollments. Staisloff emphasizes adapting to modern student needs and the importance of mission-driven approaches. He highlights the necessity of board member engagement in shaping proactive strategies, encouraging a brave exploration of collaborative solutions that enhance learning and institutional growth.