ONE-MINUTE COMMENTARY
The new report on megachurches from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research includes some surprises -- for example, one third of these congregations (Protestant churches with more than 2,000 in attendance) are more than 60 years old, and most are not non-denominational. We shouldn't be surprised that most people start attending a megachurch for the same reason that people start attending any other congregation -- a personal invitation.
This makes me think, naturally, of the role of personal invitations in seminary recruiting. I'm grateful for innovative programs that help people explore their vocations -- like those funded by the Lilly Endowment and the Baptist programs summarized below. Many of these programs encourage personal connections between seminary leaders and potential students. Board members have even more opportunities to be ambassadors. Do your board members feel educated enough to answer basic questions posed by ministry-minded inquirers -- and empowered enough to invite prospective students to apply? A board member may, after all, be the only face of the seminary a potential student ever sees before arriving on campus.
--Jay Blossom
Editor, In Trust Now
CHANGING SCENES NOW
Six news items you may have missed
1. NEW STUDY REFUTES MEGACHURCH MYTHS
The Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford Seminary has released a major study on North American megachurches, refuting many myths and generalizations about the 1,210 Protestant congregations of more than 2,000 in attendance. The institute's Web site includes a searchable database of megachurches in the United States and Canada.
Download the summary report (PDF)...
Searchable database of megachurches...
2. JESUITS APPROVE MERGER OF WESTON AND BOSTON COLLEGE
In February, Jesuit provincial leaders voted to authorize the re-affiliation of Weston Jesuit School of Theology with Boston College. As part of the merger, the theological school will move to the university's campus. Weston was previously affiliated with Boston College from 1959 to 1974.
Straight to the source (PDF)...
More...
3. CENTRAL BAPTIST SEMINARY PLANS TO RELOCATE
In November, the board of Central Baptist Theological Seminary voted to move from the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, that it has occupied for more than 80 years. President Molly Marshall cited high operating costs and deferred maintenance at the school, which includes 15 buildings on 90 acres.
4. CHANGES AT THE TOP
Father John Canary, rector of the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, has been named vicar general of the archdiocese of Chicago. He will be the archdiocese's chief executive officer whenever Cardinal Francis George is absent.
The Rev. Carnegie Samuel Calian, longtime president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, retired in February. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published highlights of Calian's 25-year at the Presbyterian seminary in a long profile.
5. GETTING BAPTIST YOUNG PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT MINISTRY
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and other moderate Baptists in the South have launched the Shiloh Network, a cooperative network to encourage young people to consider entering pastoral ministry.
More than 1,100 college students attended a recent annual conference at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary designed to help them address questions about faith. Some of the past attendees are now enrolled at the school.
6. CHRISTIAN-JEWISH COOPERATION
Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts has been cooperating with the adjacent Hebrew College on a series of programs and lectures.
In December, the Jewish Theological Seminary hosted talks between Jewish and evangelical Protestant Christian leaders. The Jewish seminary has hosted dialogues with many religious groups, but never before with evangelical Protestants.
1. PRO TENNIS
Michael Chang, a 16-year fixture on the pro circuit, is now a seminarian at the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, California. But he still finds time to play tennis with other retired pros. He misses the competition, but not the long hours of grueling training.
2.COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Ben Kessler, an undergraduate seminarian who is also a defensive tackle for the University of St. Thomas, was given the university's Tommie Award after an election by students, staff, and faculty. A news item about Kessler appeared in the Autumn 2005 issue of In Trust.
FOCUS ON... IN TRUST GOVERNANCE MENTORS
Your board faces unique challenges, but you also enjoy unique strengths. An In Trust Governance Mentor can help you marshal your resources, rejuvenate your board, and face your challenges head-on. Our Governance Mentors have special expertise in the following areas:
For more information, and to read brief biographies of In Trust's Governance Mentors, visit www.intrust.org/mentors. Then take the next step: Write crklein@intrust.org or call In Trust President Christa Klein at 877-234-3895.
FROM THE ARCHIVE... THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP
In Trust examines the evolving relationships between seminaries, denominations, and congregations.
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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