EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
In Trust Center Seeks Program Director
The In Trust Center for Theological Schools seeks a full-time program director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Center’s coordination work related to the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative, with a focus on supporting grantees, strengthening learning communities, developing resources, coordinating consultants, tracking outcomes, and ensuring grant deliverables are met. The position collaborates with In Trust Center staff and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to advance the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative, support Resource Consulting, and contribute to broader organizational projects that fulfill the institutional mission and strategic plan. Click here to apply online.
MAGAZINE
Peace, love, unity, respect
This innovative ministry is using electronic dance music to share the gospel with a new generation.
Catholic priest Guilherme Peixoto is using electronic dance music to share the gospel with a new generation. After returning to music to raise funds for his parish in Portugal, Peixoto discovered Electronic Dance Music’s potential for evangelization. Today, the priest-DJ has millions of followers and performs sets that blend electronic beats with hymns, church bells, and messages of faith. Read the full article here.
What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Spring 2026 issue of In Trust:
- Surveying the field. The In Trust Center had a record year in 2025, making connections, finding themes, and helping leaders understand the field and create mission vitality. View the statistics here.
- Holy Bricks. A University of Notre Dame alumnus is embracing LEGO replicas of his alma mater by transforming his childhood pastime into a creative way to celebrate institutional heritage. 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 Spring 2026 issue of the magazine on the website here.
PODCAST
Ep. 107: Creating a different future
The future of theological education will require more than incremental change.
In the latest episode of the Good Governance podcast, higher education strategist Rick Staisloff, senior partner, rpk GROUP, draws on decades of experience helping colleges and seminaries navigate financial, demographic, and cultural shifts. Staisloff explains why today’s challenges stem from changing markets rather than marketing and why boards must honestly assess long-term sustainability. He explores how strategic partnerships and shared services can strengthen mission, not signal failure. Listeners will gain practical guidance on evaluating business models, identifying the right partners, and pursuing long-term transformation before crisis forces change. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to guide theological schools with clarity, courage, and a renewed focus on mission. Listen to Ep. 107: Creating a different future here.
Other recent episodes include:
- Rethinking board governance in theological education. Drawing on the most extensive governance study of ATS-accredited schools to date, In Trust Center President Amy Kardash and Governance Initiative Project Director David Rowe examine how leadership stability, clear board roles, and intentional board development contribute to institutional effectiveness. They challenges boards to think more deeply about mission stewardship, presidential support, and the evolving realities facing theological education today. Listen to Ep. 106: Rethinking board governance in theological education here.
- Finishing faithfully – leadership lessons on closing a school. The Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr reflects on one of leadership’s most difficult responsibilities: knowing when, and how, to finish well. As a former seminary president, Derr shares the realities of financial distress, the weight of inherited decisions, and the emotional and spiritual complexity of guiding a beloved institution to its end. She highlights the importance of mission clarity, courageous leadership, and honoring people over place. Listen to Ep. 105: Finishing faithfully – leadership lessons on closing a school here.
- Faith and formation in the AI age. Drawing on new work funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., Dr. Meghan Sullivan of the University of Notre Dame introduces the DELTA framework, highlighting the risks of outsourcing human formation to technology while also pointing to new opportunities for theological education to meet a growing cultural hunger for meaning, purpose, and spiritual depth. Listen to Ep. 104: Faith and formation in the AI age here.
NEWS & INSIGHTS
Collaborative Transformation across Theological Education
Rick Staisloff, senior partner at rpk GROUP, met with Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools; Frank Yamada, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools; and Greg Henson, president of Kairos University (pictured left to right), during a panel discussion at the 2026 P3EDU MAP Summit. The leaders discussed how strategic partnerships are reshaping theological education, emphasizing that collaboration should be driven by mission, innovation, and student needs rather than cost savings alone. They also highlighted the importance of long-term leadership, cultural change, and strong institutional alignment in sustaining transformation. Participants agreed that successful partnerships can strengthen stewardship, expand opportunities for students, and help theological schools move beyond operating in isolation. Read the full conversation here.
NEW VIDEO SERIES
Practicing Collaboration Video Series
In this 10-part recorded series, leaders within theological education share practical insights drawn from their lived experiences of collaboration. Each conversation explores a different dimension of “practicing collaboration,” offering valuable lessons, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas for those seeking to strengthen collaborative leadership and ministry.
- Video 1: Why Collaborate? Dr. Michael Steiner, senior vice president of advancement and innovation at Southeastern University, reflects on the common catalysts for collaboration emerging through the university’s expansive network of partners. He shares practical insights into approaching collaboration as a mission-driven effort and provides thoughtful advice for leaders seeking to take the first step toward meaningful collaborative relationships. Watch “Practicing Collaboration: Why Collaborate?” here.
- Video 2: Assessing Readiness for Collaboration.Ruth McGillivray, executive vice president of Northwest College and Seminary, explores the role of imagination in fostering meaningful collaboration, the importance of institutional humility, ways to assess preparedness for collaborative work, the critical role of leadership support, and institutional buy-in in sustaining collaborative initiatives. Watch “Assessing Readiness for Collaboration” here.
SPONSORED
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.
