THE MAGAZINE
How do we really see ourselves? 

Rod Wilson, Ph.D., spent a lifetime in education and served as a college president for years. He has seen theological education through various roles and says it is now at a critical point, given how we see ourselves. He writes, "Theological education is at a kairos moment where we must call out the risks of exceptionalism, move away from optimistic self-reliance and independence mixed with distinctive separateness, and embrace our interrelatedness for the common good and shared vision of the future." In his essay in In Trust magazine, Wilson also provides questions for reflection, helpful for a conversation in a board room or a faculty lounge. Read more here.  Also in the Summer issue of In Trust:

• Better together: Three schools in Chicago found a way to partner – they moved into one building – and are discovering ways to be together without losing their own identities. They realize they are better together. Read more about the new campus in Chicago here. 
• Standing for what's right: Sixty years ago, seminarians from diverse backgrounds stood together for an around-the-clock vigil in Washington, D.C. They were part of an effort to support the passage of the historic Civil Rights Act. Read more about their efforts here. 
• Did you get your magazine?: If you've moved or don't receive In Trust magazine (a magazine subscription comes with your membership to the In Trust Center for Theological Schools), you can update your information or ask to be placed on the magazine list by sending us an email here.

Future-proofing theological schools? 

Calling this a historic time that calls for courage in leadership, Rick Staisloff, a consultant with a long history in higher education, explores how theological institutions can thrive amid change by embracing strategic partnerships, shared services, and other work. He stresses the importance of aligning with student needs and maintaining a mission-driven approach. Listen to Episode 75 of the Good Governance podcast here. Other recent episodes include:

• Shared governance: The Rev. Heather Campain Hartung, Th.D., has experienced it as a faculty member, dean, a member of a theological school board, and now as a director of accreditation for ATS. In Episode 74 of the Good Governance podcast, she discusses how shared governance works and offers ways people can look at it and how it can help an institution. 
• A new ecosystem: The Pacific School of Religion is using a Pathways for Tomorrow grant to create a new ecosystem that includes technology as well as reconsidered educational modes and methods. The school's programming includes a stackable curriculum and challenges traditional standards. Listen to Episode 76 here. 
• Rooted in hope: After the recent Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative gathering, the Rev. Jo Ann Deasy, Ph.D., the ATS Director of Institutional Initiatives, and In Trust Center President Amy Kardash consider the big themes and the lessons schools are learning at the halfway point of the initiative. Listen to what schools are learning in Episode 72.