In Trust Center

Send us a textWhat’s ahead in the next year for theological schools in North America? Find out in the first part of a wide-ranging discussion on the In Trust Center’s Good Governance podcast. The In Trust Center’s Amy Kardash, Annie Glanden, and Matt Hufman discuss key issues in field, including an upcoming grant issue to help schools innovate. 

Send us a textGood boards often see their work not just as an act of stewardship or service but also as a sense of calling. For Dr. Karen Sawyer, the sense of calling has kept her on the Missio Seminary board? for more than 30 years. And the lessons she has learned will help other board members and school leaders see the value of their sacred work.  You can also see three takeaways from the conversation in the Winter 2023 magazine here: https://intrust.org/Magazine/Issues/Winter-2023/Beyond-the-Boardroom

Send us a textJason Allen, Ph.D., came to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as president a decade ago and found a school that was struggling. Today, the school is thriving and is one of the fastest-growing and largest seminaries in North America. In this episode, Dr. Allen talks about some of the principles that led to the change as outlined in his new book Turnaround: The Remarkable Story of an Institutional Transformation and the 10 Essential Principles and Practices that Made It Happen. Listen to the podcast episode here.

Send us a textDid you know that the In Trust Center offers $15,000 matching grants to implement new projects? Join us today as we spotlight one of these grants and connect with Dr. Brent Sleasman, president of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, to discuss how his institution utilized its grant to advance collaboration and enhance content for its user-generated digital platform, Co-Mission. If you are interested in applying for a grant, you don’t want to miss this episode!To learn more about co-mission, visit https://co-mission.net/.

Send us a textIn this new podcast episode, Dr. David Rowe, an AGB consultant and In Trust Center governance coach, discusses transforming the educational model in theological education. During this 20-minute follow-up to his “Guiding Transformations” webinar series, Rowe answers questions about why the educational model needs change and offers practical advice for theological school leaders.Learn more about Dr. Rowe's series of webinars on transformation. 

Send us a textIn today’s episode, leadership coach Chris Thyberg joins the podcast to share how one-on-one coaching can produce tangible results. The founder and principal of The Serving Way, a non-profit leadership development and coaching practice dedicated to equipping emerging and established leaders with powerful serving practices in every facet of leadership, Thyberg also offers insights about employee engagement, active listening, and leading from a coaching mindset.

Send us a textFundraising expert Dr. Carla Maxwell Ray joins the podcast to share how boards can engage – and be energized – for fundraising. A senior strategist with Generis, a firm that helps churches and faith-based nonprofits to develop cultures of generosity, Ray also offers insights about launching a capital campaign as well as trends in giving. Don’t miss this. Click here for a free report on charitable giving: https://resources.generis.com/charitable-giving

Send us a textLegal issues and crises can quickly upend a theological institution, but the old saying is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Dorian Persaud, a seasoned employment attorney who works with theological schools, helps organizations anticipate and understand key crisis issues before they happen. In this episode, he discusses some of the best ways schools can prepare and manage complaints and investigations.

Send us a textUp to 1 in 4 people have faced a mental health concern in the past year, according to studies, and that affects not only the Church but also theological schools. In this episode of the Good Governance podcast, Rev. Dr. Cedrick Von Jackson, pastor of the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, explains how theological schools can play a vital role in helping people through this mental health crisis. 

Send us a textMaking boards good isn’t enough – they need to be great to help schools fulfill their callings, and Dr. Rebekah Basinger knows how. A board development and fundraising consultant, as well as a board member herself, Basinger provides expert advice on how boards can go from good to great. She also provides insight on how boards can be involved in fundraising and the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, as a fast track to improving a board.