In recent conversations, the In Trust Center has seen a growing interest among theological schools in developing networks and partnerships with other schools. The reasons for this are complex: Resources at many schools are simply too tight, but schools and other ministries can thrive if they find the right partners and collaborations.

Collaboration?, not mergers

How should a school identify strategic partners? First, throw out the “M-word.” Mergers scare people, so most schools are approaching partnerships in terms of new models of collaboration. A merger gives people the perception that there are winners and losers, but collaborations open up space for creativity and exploration: “If we were to imagine a future together, what might that look like?” 

Partnerships don’t have to be limited to schools. More theological schools are looking to their communities and church-related associations to discover rich networks and new kinds of partnerships. They're asking questions like these:

• How can we use our facility for the good of the community? 
• How can we use our faculty better to prepare leaders for the church and world? 
• What assets do we bring to the table? 
• Which assets from outside the school might serve as a catalyst for expanding our mission?

There are many ways to test and discern whether a potential partner might be a good collaborator. The following resources may be helpful :

• A typology of partnerships. Robert E. Cooley's guide to the many forms that partnerships can take.
• Ten elements in successful collaborations. Also from Cooley -- lessons he learned from the partnership process.
• Stages in a collaboration study process. A road map of questions to consider as you engage in the process of developing partnerships.

If you are interested in further conversation about this topic, please contact our Resource Consultants at 302-654-7770 or resources@intrust.org.