THE MAGAZINE

The New Town Square: Collaborations, Shared Services Create Opportunities

Three years ago, Union Theological Seminary, along with several of its partners, drew inspiration from the Gospel story in Mark 2, where faithful followers lowered a paralyzed man through the roof so he could be healed by Jesus. This powerful image became the inspiration for Union’s Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Phase III initiative titled, “Taking off the Roof: Cultivating Collaboration and Ministerial Ingenuity.”

This initiative seeks to develop innovative, collaborative models for managing campus operations, enhancing student success, broadening academic offerings, and advancing technological innovation. A key component is the creation of a design thinking-based technology lab, where theological educators, artists, social justice advocates, and pastoral leaders can collaborate to reimagine the future of theological education and ministry. Read the full story in the Spring issue of In Trust magazine here.

What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.

Also, in the Spring 2025 issue of In Trust:

• Planting Seeds of Generosity: Rebekah Burch Basinger, Ed.D., and the late Thomas Jeavons, Ph.D., published a research study on faith-based giving, advocating for generosity as a regular expression of discipleship. Their findings highlight several key insights: consider giving as an opportunity rather than an obligation; help constituents see the spiritual value in releasing their resources; communicate that the institution needs support to continue doing God’s work; and prioritize intentional, ongoing communication. You can read the full article here or listen to the podcast here.
• Boards and Libraries: How essential is a library to the mission of a theological school or seminary? Kris Veldheer, director of the Paul Bechtold Library at Catholic Theological Union and a board member of Atla, offers a unique perspective shaped by her roles in both library leadership and governance. In this article, she highlights the critical impact that strong, collaborative relationships between boards and libraries can have on institutional effectiveness. Veldheer advocates for direct communication, strategic engagement, and active advocacy to position libraries as central academic resources. When boards intentionally include libraries in innovation and planning, she notes, they unlock the library’s full potential as a hub for scholarship, teaching, and long-term institutional vitality. Read the full article 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 emailing us.

Full issue: You can read the magazine on the In Trust Center website.

PODCAST

Episode 92: Faith, law, and the future: Governance in a shifting regulatroy environment

How can theological schools navigate rapid policy shifts and uncertain regulatory waters? Governance expert the Rev. David Rowe, Ph.D., and higher education law expert Peter Lake address the current challenges facing theological education leaders. From immigration policy to accreditation reform, they explore how institutions can prepare for – and respond to – changing expectations without losing sight of mission. This episode is a must-listen for presidents, board members, and anyone concerned with long-term vitality of theological education. Listen to Ep. 92: Faith, law, and the future: Governance in a shifting regulatory environment here.

Other recent episodes include: 

• Coworkers in the Vineyard: Adaptive change and the future of theological collaboration. In this episode, Greg Henson, D.Min., president of Kairos University, and Tony Blair, Ph.D., president of Evangelical Seminary (Kairos executive partner), call for trust-based collaboration and adaptive change, offering fresh insights for boards and leaders navigating today’s shifting landscape. Listen to Episode 91: Coworkers in the Vineyard here.
• Rethinking Ministry Formation: Diaconal Studies and the Future of Theological Education:Darryl Stephens, Ph.D., discusses the significance of diaconal studies in contemporary ministry formation. Stephens emphasizes preparing deacons for roles beyond traditional preaching, focusing on community engagement and service. Drawing from global models and his open-access book, Diaconal Studies: Lived Theology for the Church in North America, Stephens encourages theological schools to broaden their missions and equip leaders for the diverse needs of today’s church. Listen to Episode 90, Rethinking Ministry Formation: Diaconal Studies and the Future of Theological Education here.

VIDEOS

Large-scale Collaboration and Merging Multiple Brands

3 questions, 2 experts, 1 timely conversation

This next episode in the Strategic Shorts series is a must-watch designed to strengthen institutional capacity in theological education. Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson (founder and chair of the higher ed branding and marketing agency, SimpsonScarborough) and Paige Booth (principal at Marketing Wayfinder) delve into how to communicate an institution's brand value to potential collaborators and how to build an integrated identity for a new entity formed by multiple institutions. Watch here.
 

WEBINAR

Boards on a Tight Rope: Navigating the Power Differential in Shared Governance

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 1 pm (ET)
Facilitator: Rebekah Basinger, Ed.D., Wise Stewards Project Manager

The power dynamics within shared governance are unmistakable – boards are continually reminded that the proverbial bucks stops with them. Yet long before final decisions are made, many individuals and groups speak into, hold responsibility for, or make decisions about most issues addressed by the board, including the big ones. It's no surprise that board members often feel as though they're walking on a tightrope.

Join Wise Stewards Project Director Rebekah Basinger, Ed.D., for an exploration of attitudes about power, types of power at play within shared governance, and strategies for mediating power-based tensions in institutional governance. Register here.