News & Insights

The Newsletter for Chairs of Theological School Boards
Vol. 2 No. 9

Finding ways to better engage your board

In governance, one of the things that we should be aware of is board engagement. A good board is well-engaged. However, given the demands and increasing complexity of board work, board engagement can be difficult to build.
 
Over the years, the In Trust Center has worked with coaches and consultants to help institutions improve board work and engagement.
 
Dr. Rebekah Burch Basinger, the Wise Stewards Initiative project director, has explored the issue for years. In the webinar “Maximizing Your Board’s Potential,” she considers strategies and resources to help mine what your board members have to offer and what they want to offer. You can watch it here.
 
On the Good Governance podcast, Lynette M. Brown-Sow and the Rev. Dr. Byron Klaus, both coaches in the Wise Stewards Initiative, explore ways institutions can further engage their boards, including through well-crafted agendas, feedback, and bringing together diverse perspectives. You can listen to it here.
 
You can share these two resources with your board to start discussions about board engagement and how your board can further develop. As a member of the In Trust Center, you can also access Resource Consulting, through which our team can point you to more specific resources for you and your board. You can reach our team via email here
 
On another note, let me ask for your help. We've undertaken the first survey of theological school governance in over a decade, and we’ve sent surveys to executive leaders and board members of every ATS-accredited school. If you or your team haven’t done so already, would you take a few minutes and complete it, and would you encourage your board and your executive leader to do so as well? You can find our webpage and pick the appropriate survey here.

With gratitude for all you do in theological education,

Amy Kardash
President

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Upcoming Events

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

Who's Next? Succession Planning for Boards

UPCOMING WEBINAR: OCT. 24, 1 PM (ET)

Planning for board officers vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.

Seminaries are people too: Mindsets that make or break institutional change

ON DEMAND:

Theological schools are launching innovative projects to reshape education, but many struggle to achieve transformational change despite strong grant funding. Human nature, organizational culture, and governance practices often hinder progress. In this webinar, Drs. Aaron Einfeld and David Rowe provide tools to identify/overcome hidden barriers to change, offer practical steps for institutional leadership to move their institutions forward

I See That Hand

ON DEMAND

Board members are typically recruited for their leadership, business acumen, and networks. Dr. Rebekah Basinger, project director of the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, will discuss how strategic questioning and interrogation skills are essential for effective board stewardship.

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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.

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