News & Insights

Robert S. Landrebe, who has just retired as senior vice president at Asbury Theological Seminary, offered advice for finding clarity in your school’s future in the Spring 2014 issue of In Trust. In his article titled “To create the future, selectively abandon the past,” Landrebe offers blunt but empathic advice to schools facing shrinking enrollment (in other words, most schools): “Let me describe theological education as an ‘industry.’ We are part of an industry that has a vital mission that serves the church. But, over the last decade, our student market has been in decline. During this decade we haven’t adjusted our expenses in response to a shrinking market. Rather, expenses have risen even faster than the consumer price index." 

Landrebe says the key to successful adjustment during a time of shrinking enrollment is to focus on the future rather than being overwhelmed by the immediate needs of the present. Begin with an honest – even if painful – look at your school’s data. If the status quo is not sustainable, trustees need to take action. Landrebe counsels: “Businesses often have a difficult time realizing when their economic models are unsustainable. How much more difficult is it for leaders of theological schools!”

Vijay Govindarajan, a professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, offers a method for dealing with unsustainable economic models, and Landrebe recommends his model. It involves writing the name of every initiative that the school is currently pursuing on a business card. Then drop each card into one of three boxes:

  • Box 1: Manage the Present

  • Box 2: Selectively Abandon the Past

  • Box 3: Create the Future

Landrebe notes that most institutions spend too much time managing the present, which is understandable but unfortunate. Schools and individuals are reluctant to abandon the past, but need to realize that “A school cannot create the future if it won’t selectively abandon the past.” 

The article goes on to provide valuable information about tools for strategic thinking about the future, practical advice about how to use the “four-action framework” to address issues related to the past and the future, and an explanation of how this model for change has been used at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Difficult decisions must be made, Landrebe counsels. But in the end, “our brands, like promises, must grow stronger, and theological schools must be capable to deliver on those promises. The church needs us. So, with God’s help, let the innovation begin!”

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.

Called to the Chair: Board Leadership for Unsettled Times

ON DEMAND

Dr. Rebekah Basinger addresses the opportunities and challenges that come with chairing the board of a theological school, which include how to design effective board meetings, enhance board member engagement, and develop the board for long-term effectiveness, while giving attention to the board chair and president partnership and the critical importance of call in both roles.

Stakeholder Management Planning

ON DEMAND

Every organization should be prepared with a plan that establishes specific communication goals for key stakeholders in order to ensure the success of its programs, initiatives, or ongoing communication strategy. In this webinar, Josh Peskin, Ph.D., an expert in organizational communications, will walk through the elements of developing a stakeholder management plan to help you engage with your audiences in a more effective way. Click to view.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals Part 1

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.

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