THE MAGAZINE

The pendulum swings broadly

Diversity in North America is expanding in many dimensions — from race and ethnicity to language, gender, and faith. Theological schools have long engaged with this reality, and today, they are finding fresh ways to define and embody it.

At Berkeley School of Theology, intercultural competency shapes everything from curriculum to leadership training, while a new Spanish-language program expands access. Tyndale Seminary’s Intercultural Ministries Centre equips leaders in one of the world’s most diverse cities, fostering shared spaces of belonging. NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community emphasizes relationship over tokenism, creating a global learning environment rooted in Indigenous leadership. And Pacific School of Religion advances what it calls “DEI 2.0,” ensuring diversity not only in its classrooms but also in its endowment management and institutional partnerships. Though their contexts differ, these schools share a conviction: diversity is more than a cultural trend — it is a Christian value and a vital competency for ministry and leadership today. Read the full article here.

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

Also, in the Summer 2025 issue of In Trust:

• A New Direction. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), founded in 1897, has been a major force in American evangelical scholarship. Earlier this year, TEDS announced its plans to relocate from its longtime Chicago-area campus to Canada after the 2025-26 academic year, joining Trinity Western University (TWU) in British Columbia. Facing enrollment and financial challenges, TEDS will be acquired by TWU, Canada’s largest private Christian university, strengthening TWU’s theological influence in North America. Both institutions share ties to the Evangelical Free Church of America. Read more about the historic move here. Read the full article.
• 'Da Pope' gets a baseball card. On May 8, the world was stunned when Chicago native Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, was chosen as Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States. Media quickly spotlighted his Chicago roots, turning his election into a pop-culture moment with memes and merchandise. The Archdiocese of Chicago later celebrated him with a massive Mass at the White Sox’s Rate Field, featuring reflections from former professors and classmates. They described him as a thoughtful, pastoral leader shaped by Vatican II theology and grounded in humility and prayer. Read of the new pope's wild welcome and the novelty of the first North American pontiff. Read how the world welcomed the new pontiff 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 96: Navigating new realities: Policy shifts and theological education

What do shifting policies in Washington mean for theological schools? Episode 96 of the Good Governance Podcast dives into the fast-changing landscape of higher education with expert voices, Peter Lake (law professor and higher education policy specialist) and Rev. Dr. David Rowe (experienced president and consultant in higher ed and theological education). Together with host Matt Hufman, they unpack the implications of student loan and endowment tax changes; cultural and curricular pressures from federal policy; the evolving role of religious liberty in higher education; and how leaders can stay rooted in mission while adapting to new realities. Listen to Ep. 96: Navigating new realities: policy shifts and theological education here.Other recent episodes include: 

• Navigating new realities: policy shifts and theological education. Competency-based theological education (CBTE) integrates academic learning, mentorship, character formation, and spiritual growth to prepare ministry leaders through demonstrated skills and relational, contextual learning. Host Matt Hufman speaks with Dr. Susan Reese (Kairos University) and Dr. Nathan Hitchcock (CBTE consultant) about how CBTE shifts focus from traditional classroom measures to demonstrated competencies, integrating academic learning with mentorship, character formation, and spiritual growth. They highlight how CBTE equips students through relational and contextual learning, bridging gaps between seminaries and churches. The conversation emphasizes that CBTE is rigorous in new ways, shaping both skills and heart formation for ministry leaders. Listen to Ep. 95: Forming leaders inside and out, exploring CBTE's potential here.
   
• Lessons to Learn from the Pathways Initiative. As theological schools reach the midpoint of Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Pathways for Tomorrow initiative, launched in 2021, the conversation around innovation, mission, and sustainability is evolving. In this episode, Rev. Jo Ann Deasy, Ph.D., director of institutional initiatives at the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center, reflect on what's emerging from this transformative initiative. What's clear is this: Schools that are thriving aren't just launching projects — they're learning communities, rooted in mission and driven by responsiveness. The Pathways Initiative is not just funding innovation; it's prompting deep institutional reflection. Listen to Ep. 94: Lessons to Learn from the Pathways Initiative here.

WEBINARS

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.

From Confusion to Clarity: Strengthening Your School's Brand

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 1 pm (ET)
Facilitator: Dan Kennedy, Vice President, The FOCUS Group

Many theological institutions are facing mounting pressure regarding enrollment and raising funds. While the symptoms are obvious, the root issue is often overlooked: brand clarity.

Dan Kennedy, vice president, The FOCUS Group, will unpack the five most common branding mistakes that limit growth, confuse donors, and weaken mission effectiveness, especially in schools preparing for strategic change, a leadership transition, or a major campaign. Topics include diagnosing where your brand is weak; moving from outdated assumptions to audience insight; equipping your board and leadership with shared language and actionable next steps; and avoiding costly mistakes before your next initiative begins. Register here.

VIDEOS

NEW VIDEO SERIES: Practicing Innovation

Real Stories, Practical Insights

Leaders from across theological education share real stories and practical insights from their own journeys of innovation. Greg Henson, DMin, president of Kairos University, leads each conversation, exploring a unique aspect of “practicing innovation,” offering fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to inspire your work.

The series opens with “Introduction to Practicing Innovation in Community” featuring Dr. David Williams, president of Taylor College and Seminary. Drawing on a six-year institutional journey, Williams explores how innovation can serve as a form of communal formation. His reflections highlight the need to dismantle silos, address power dynamics, and cultivate a shared understanding of reality among faculty, staff, board members, and denominational partners.Click here to watch the video.

RESOURCE GRANTS

The Presbyterian College's French Language Degree

The Presbyterian College in Montreal has launched a new French-language Master of Theology program, supported by an In Trust Center Resource Grant. The grant helped provide essential French-language resources and technology, equipping students to serve churches in Quebec’s unique religious landscape. With enrollment growing, the College hopes to become a hub for ATS-accredited French-language theological education. Learn more about this grant here.
Learn more about Resource Grants here.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

President of the Center for Congregations

The Center for Congregations invites nominations and applications for its next president. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic, mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening Christian congrgations across Indiana. With generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Center partners with congregations to address challenges, discover resources, and enhance vitality, while also contributing to national conversations through publications and online tools. The president will overss a team of 30, manage ann annual budget of $19M, and guide approximately $3.5M in annual grant making. Screening of applcations is underway. Inquiries, nominations, and applications can be submitted here.
 

AD: HEALTH CARE

Introducing the ACEO Health Plan

AdminWise Shared Services is pleased to introduce the Association of Church Educational Organizations (ACEO) Health Plan, an exclusive health insurance option for ATS seminaries and church-related colleges. This sustainable, cost-effective solution helps institutions address rising employee health insurance costs while continuing to offer competitive benefits. Participants benefit from greater flexibility, reduced regulatory burden, subsidies, enhanced bargaining power, and shared governance to ensure institutional needs are met. Learn more at www.adminwise.org or contact ron.ringenberg@adminwise.org | 574-370-0345.