Core Essential 2-Diversity in the Boardroom
Rather than a checkbox, diversity should be viewed as a divine gift that enriches leadership and broadens perspectives.
Core Essential 2: Our Board at its best
The leadership of theological schools views their boards as trustworthy, honest, and embodying numerous other positive qualities.
Core Essential 4: The Boards Role in Fundraising
There are two key components to a board's role in fundraising: Collective governance and individual involvement.
Core Essential 6: A short apologetic for Board Self-assessment
Board self-assessment often reveals mixed reactions, with some members valuing its insights whole others dismiss it as unnecessary.
Videos & Webinars
I See That Hand
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.
Videos & Webinars
Seminaries Are People Too
Seminaries are People Too: Mindsets that make or break institutional change
Podcast
Ep. 77: What a president needs to know
The Rev. Nancy Claire Pittman, Ph.D., is retiring as president of Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a long career in both the church and theological education. She reflects on the changes at Phillips and the transformation that has taken place there, including how the school uses the city as a place to learn. She also considers what she wished she knew about shared governance, working with a board, and the role of president.
Podcast
Ep. 76: Creating a new ecosystem in theological education
The Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, president of the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, discusses how the school is using its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant to create a new ecosystem that includes not just technology but also efforts to reconsider educational modes and methods. The school's programming includes a stackable curriculum and challenges traditional standards.
Guide
Executive Sessions
If your board is not holding an executive session during every board meeting, maybe it should.
Videos & Webinars
Who's Next? Succession Planning for Boards
Planning for board officers vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.
Podcast
Ep. 73: Overcoming scarcity to blaze a trail
The Rev. Dr. Joanne Rodriguez, executive director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, was honored with the 2024 Women in Leadership Trailblazer Award by the Association of Theological Schools. She didn't intend to go into theological education, but for a quarter of a century has helped create pathways for others in the field. She shared about dealing with a scarcity mindset, making room for others, and leading through difficult times.
Podcast
Ep. 72: Rooted in Hope - How the Pathways project is growing
The Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative was designed by Lilly Endowment Inc. to create ways for theological schools in North America to train and support ministers for Christian churches. The Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Deasy, director of institutional initiatives of the Association of Theological Schools, and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, discuss key findings and themes. ATS and the In Trust Center are co-coordinating the initiative.