In Trust Center

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.

Send us a textThe Rev. Heather Hartung, Ph.D., has been a student, minister, faculty member, dean, and member of a theological school board. She now serves as a director of accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools. In this episode of the podcast, she discusses how boards and leaders of theological schools can approach shared governance from various perspectives. You can find more information about the podcast, including links referenced in the episode, at Episode 74 at intrust.org/podcast. 

Send us a textThe Rev. Dr. Joanne Rodriguez, executive director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, was honored with the 2024 Women in Leadership Trailblazer Award by the Association of Theological Schools. She didn't intend to go into theological education, but for a quarter of a century has helped create pathways for others in the field. She shared about dealing with a scarcity mindset, making room for others, and leading through difficult times. HTI's website can be found here. The ATS award can be found here. ATS' Women in Leadership page is here. 

Send us a textThe Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative was designed by Lilly Endowment Inc. to create  ways for theological schools in North America to train ministers for Christian churches. The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Deasy, director of institutional initiatives of the Association of Theological Schools, and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, discuss key findings and themes. ATS and the In Trust Center are co-coordinating the initiative. Learn more at:ATS' Pathways page.A project directory.The In Trust Center's page, which includes stories, webinars, podcasts, and more.  

Send us a textAn award-winning author and longtime pastor's wife, Karen Stiller admits to a struggle with the concept of holiness. In her new book, Holiness Here: Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life , Stiller addresses the everyday tension between what we want to do and where we are in a book that could be used devotionally or in a seminary classroom. As a board member of a theological school, Stiller also reflects on what makes governance holy. The book can be found here.

Send us a textNAIITS, an Indigenous Learning Community, is using Pathways for Tomorrow grants to explore ways to decolonize theology and provide trauma-informed education for the Indigenous community. Shari Russell, the director of NAIITS, and Mike Hogeterp, lead facilitator, discuss the project and the ways they're approaching the work ahead. 

Send us a textMcCormick Theological Seminary is using a Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow grant to explore how to help people heal from trauma. The Heart-Work Rising Trauma Healing Initiative is exploring theological education that will help students to be trauma-informed. The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crumpton and Dr. Jina Kang discuss the impact of trauma-informed education, the integration of restorative justice and biblical interpretation, and the transformative potential for theological institutions. 

Send us a textAt China Evangelical Seminary  North America (CESNA), leaders are looking at ways to engage leaders and congregants of immigrant churches. They've done so with new programming aimed at helping congregations, including a Center for Public Theology. Drs. Frank and Anita Liu, leaders at CESNA, explain how they're doing that with a Pathways for Tomorrow grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. 

Send us a textDr. Rebekah Burch Basinger considers the "invisible balance sheet" - things that institutions are responsible for that may not be on the actual balance sheet. With candor and years of experience, Basinger offers insight on how a board might consider the welfare of an entire institution. She refers to an article by Roland Kushner in the Stanford Social Innovation Review that can be found here.