News & Insights

Innovation is a buzzword for our current time. Everywhere you look, someone is writing about the need to be innovative, and organizations are bragging about how innovative they are.

 

 

But what does innovation look like? And how can leaders in theological education, an industry steeped in a long, rich history, be innovative while still focusing on mission?

 

I like the way our friends at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity talk about “Traditioned Innovation.” They describe it as “a way of thinking and being that holds the past and future in tension, not in opposition.” You can read more about this concept in Faith & Leadership.

 

The current issue of Trusteeship features a fascinating article, “The Innovation Imperative,” that includes excerpts from a recent panel discussion of innovative leaders. Although they are not theological school leaders, they raise issues that are relevant for all of higher education — student needs, including financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and problem solving; how to use knowledge in the 21st century; partnerships; global campuses; diversity; and the need for new innovation models.

 

The author suggests that sometimes a lack of innovation does not mean that schools don’t know how to be innovative, but that they don’t want to. Protecting tradition can sometimes prevent innovation. Creating a culture of innovation is challenging and requires fresh approaches and thinking as well as the engagement of the administration, board, and faculty. It requires letting go of some things and embracing others.

 

The Trusteeship article ends by suggesting that “we’re too boxed in to old buckets of education that don’t apply anymore.” In conversation with theological school presidents, this idea of the old model not fitting has surfaced many times. Finding innovative ways to fulfill mission and serve the church of today is needed.

 

You can read the full Trusteeship article online now.

 

Interested in discussing the topic of innovation? Contact us at resources@intrust.org

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us