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ONE-MINUTE COMMENTARY
Visitors to Rome often assume that the great monuments like the Colosseum were ruined by barbarians, but that's not
so. As Anthony Tung explains in
Preserving the World's Great Cities, medieval Romans themselves dismantled their history, block by block, to
construct new buildings. It was a trade-off that strikes some of us today as short-sighted, even though many of the medieval structures were themselves glorious.
Today, seminary buildings and property — especially those gothic fortresses found at many schools — can appear as permanent as the pyramids. But no uncared-for building is permanent, and stone castles can be torn down or sold so that more practical offices can take their place. Like the medieval Italians, we moderns have new needs that require new facilities. But I wonder if our descendents will question the trade-offs we made.
The only ancient Roman building saved from destruction during the Middle Ages was the Pantheon, preserved because it was consecrated as a church. Perhaps future generations will also thank us for preserving beautiful old buildings dedicated to holy purposes. They may also wonder about the treasures lost on our watch, speculating that it must have been great need that forced us at times to tear down or sell what was handed down to us by our ancestors.
—Jay Blossom
Editor, In Trust Now
BEST PRACTICES IN SEMINARY GOVERNANCE
November 10-12, 2005, Louisville, Kentucky
Every president and board, no matter their level of experience, deserves updated training in seminary governance.
In this Best Practices seminar, expert facilitators lead teams of four from each seminary (including board chair
and president). Topics include the board's role in enrollment management, academic programming, and resource development.
At the end of the seminar, each team leaves with an action plan for applying the lessons learned to the board's work
back home. More information: Click here or call
Dr. Christa R. Klein, president of In Trust Inc., at 877-234-3895.
CHANGING SCENES NOW
Six news items you may have missed
1. TRUSTEES' TIPPING POINT
Firing a president is the trustees' most unpleasant job. In May, the Chronicle of Higher Education examined recent cases of presidents who have been let go, and stories behind these difficult decisions.
Straight to the source...
2. THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND BUSINESS
Harvard Divinity School has a new class of students — business leaders who want to bring religious ethics and social responsibility to their work places. Initially skeptical, faculty are warming to the idea of CEOs like Tom Chappell (of Tom's of Maine) in the classroom.
Straight to the source...
Ethics at Tom's of Maine...
Meanwhile, newly ordained priests are finding that courses in parish administration and business practices are increasingly valuable to them. The priest shortage means that many young clergy have become pastors of large parishes fresh out of seminary.
Straight to the source...
3. CANADIAN SEMINARY LAUNCHES INTERNET-BASED DEGREE PROGRAM
The Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta, has launched an ATS-approved Internet-based curriculum that will allow students to earn an M.Div. with only two short on-campus visits per year. A new Web site, www.seminarylink.com, is serving not only as the home of online courses, but is also providing a location for counseling, mentoring, retreats, virtual chapel services, and student group meetings.
Straight to the source...
4. SEMINARIES CONSIDER SELLING RESIDENCE HALLS
Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Mo., is considering selling or leasing land and buildings to Webster University, which is adjacent to the theological school. Eden has empty dormitory rooms, while Webster is enjoying near-record enrollment and foresees a space crunch until new residence halls are finished next year.
Straight to the source...
The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York is considering selling two residence halls and one vacant lot of prime Upper West Side real estate. The school's director of communications said that the sale was being considered as part of a regular reassessment of seminary assets.
Straight to the source...
5. COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP FOLLOW-UP
At its general assembly in Grapevine, Texas, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship approved a restructuring plan for its relationship with partner agencies and seminaries. Critics charge that the plan helps the strongest CBF seminaries while harming the weakest. The CBF has 14 partner schools.
Straight to the source...
6. ROCHESTER SEMINARIES' LIBRARY MOVES TO UNIVERSITY
The combined library of St. Bernard's School of Theology, Bexley Hall, and Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School is moving to the University of Rochester this summer. Under the new arrangement, the university will continue to add to the collection and will grant perpetual access to students of the three seminaries. The move is being heralded as a way for the seminaries to cut costs while giving students longer opening hours and equal access to the rest of the university library's extensive holdings.
Straight to the source...
From the archives... One library under nine roofs
FOCUS ON...
IN TRUST'S BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT PACKAGE
Whether strong or struggling, boards can become more effective.
In Trust's Board Self-Assessment Package
helps a board confidentially examine its own strengths and weaknesses, and then it offers practical steps for
improvement. The assessment process can dramatically change how the board uses its time, interacts with the president,
and works together on critical issues facing the school. Charter members
of In Trust Inc. receive a 25 percent discount.
For more information, contact In Trust's President Christa R. Klein at 877-234-3895 or crklein@intrust.org.
FROM THE ARCHIVE...
Most boards have new members beginning service this fall. Here are four articles from In Trust's archives that can help you, and your new trustees, get ready for the new year.
SUGGEST A TRUSTEE TO PROFILE
In Trust magazine is planning to profile a theological school trustee who has been a leader in bringing fine architecture and visual arts to the seminary. Send a suggestion (explaining why your candidate would make an interesting subject) to jblossom@intrust.org.
FEEDBACK
Have a question or topic you would like us to address?
Interested in a retreat or mentoring services for your
board? Let us know by contacting President Christa Klein at
crklein@intrust.org.
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