SEASONAL BLESSING
Holiday greetings to all who faithfully serve theological education
In this holiday season, all of us at the In Trust Center pray that you and your communities will find rest, joy, and renewed hope. May you find blessings in the year to come. Our office will be closed for the holidays starting Wednesday, December 24, and will reopen on Monday, January 5. We look forward to serving you in 2026!
NEW FUNDING ANNOUNCED
New Pathways for Tomorrow initiative launched
In Trust Center has received a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to continue co-coordinating the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative through 2030. Launched in 2021, Pathways for Tomorrow supports theological schools across the United States and Canada as they respond to pressing challenges in preparing pastoral leaders for religious congregations. This new funding extends the Center’s work as the Endowment has announced two additional rounds of Pathways grants supporting 103 projects across North America over the next five years. The Center will continue to support grantees through resources, learning spaces, consultations, and field-wide insights. Read the full details here.
MAGAZINE
David Heetland, senior vice president for planned giving at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, reflects on “happy surprises” that reveal fundraising as a profound ministry.
In this thoughtful essay, David Heetland shares lessons learned from 42 years of development work at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, reminding us that fundraising in theological education is not merely about dollars but about people, relationships, and shared vision. He describes fundraising as an invitation into God’s work, a spiritual practice that deepens faith for donors and fundraisers alike. Through stories of unexpected generosity and transformative relationships, Heetland highlights three keys to success — passion, persistence, and patience — and the power of nurturing long-term partnerships. Ultimately, he affirms that when we faithfully plant and tend seeds of mission, God meets us with joyful and grace-filled surprises along the way. Read “The Richness of Spiritual Fundraising” here.
What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Autumn 2025 issue of In Trust:
- When a change brings focus. Renaming a theological school is far more than a marketing update; it’s a strategic and spiritual realignment that reflects evolving mission, broader student reach, and changing public expectations. With more than 40 ATS schools adopting new names in the past 25 years, leaders point to four common motivations: clarifying theological identity; expanding beyond regional or denominational boundaries; addressing confusion or outdated perceptions; and better reflecting ecumenical commitments. Whether shifting from Biblical Theological Seminary to Missio Seminary, Sioux Falls Seminary to Kairos University, or American Baptist Seminary of the West to Berkeley School of Theology, these changes signal hope, relevance, and a renewed focus on welcoming diverse communities into the work of theological education. Read the article here
- The greatest story. The star-studded production of Jesus Christ Superstar reignited interest — and debate — in the iconic rock opera more than 50 years after its debut, driving a surge in streaming of earlier recordings and prompting fresh cultural reflection. The renewed interest can be attributed to enthusiasm not only to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enduring score and a blockbuster cast, but also to the show’s unique ability to blend ancient story with contemporary sensibilities, something that resonated amid today’s social turbulence much as it did in the 1970s. Contributing writer Heather Grennan Gary notes that it appeals to both nostalgic Boomers and younger generations seeking meaning beyond digital noise, and an ongoing longing for community, love, and deeper spiritual conversation serving to help bridge divides and invite a more grounded exploration of faith. Read the full commentary 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.
PODCAST
Ep. 100: What decades of governance still have to teach us.
This episode marks a major milestone for our listeners – Episode #100 of the Good Governance podcast.
To understand new governance trends, look to enduring wisdom. Governance expert Rebekah Basinger reflects on what theological schools can learn from lasting board leadership principles, even amid financial, regulatory, and post-COVID pressures. She names challenges like executive turnover and fatigued boards, while offering a hopeful vision of governance rooted in fiduciary responsibility, strong relationships, and shared stewardship of mission. Listen to Ep. 100: What decades of governance still have to teach us here.
Other recent episodes include:
- Rethinking value: How theological schools can thrive in a changing world. host Matt Hufman sits down with the Rev. Dr. David Rowe to unpack the sweeping shifts impacting higher education and what they mean for theological schools navigating demographic decline, reduced church demand, and tightening revenue streams. Rowe makes a compelling case: schools can’t afford to rely on legacy assumptions. They must clearly clarify their value proposition by understanding what students truly need and are willing to invest in. He breaks down the difference between service, experience, and transformational models of education and why each requires its own economic strategy. Listen to Ep. 99: Rethinking Value: How theological schools can thrive in a changing world here.
- Creating a virtual neighborhood through an innovative approach to distributed learning. Host Matt Hufman talks with Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy and Byron Chung of Pacific School of Religion about Kwaray, a digital platform created through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow initiative. Inspired by PSR’s tech-forward, hybrid approach to theological education, Kwaray is a white-label, community-focused ecosystem where schools and faith organizations can offer training, enrichment, and stackable non-degree programs. With integrated LMS and CRM functions, it supports learner pathways, tracks engagement and credentials, and helps presidents and boards reach new audiences, collaborate across institutions, and test more sustainable educational and financial models. Listen to Ep. 98: Creating a virtual neighborhood through an innovative approach to distributed learning here.
VIDEOS
Learning in Minutes
Strategic Shorts: Bite-sized videos available on demand
The In Trust Center’s Strategic Shorts video series are designed to spark insight, strengthen leadership practices, and help boards and senior leaders grow with ease. In just a few minutes, viewers gain practical guidance on issues like board effectiveness, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and navigating change, all delivered by experienced practitioners who understand the unique dynamics of theological education.
We invite you to watch, share, and learn. Explore the growing library of Strategic Shorts and discover ideas you can put to work today. Each video is a reminder that big change often begins with one focused conversation, even one that only takes a few minutes. Visit the Strategic Shorts webpage here.
CORE ESSENTIALS
Core Essential #6 Resource: Ending Well
For three decades, the In Trust Center has walked alongside boards and leaders in theological education. Through this work, we have identified six essentials for wise board leadership, developed in partnership with the Wise Stewards Initiative, led by program director Rebekah Burch Basinger. Core Essential 6, “Implementation of Planning & Assessment,” highlights how strong boards cultivate collaborative goal setting, continuous planning, and honest evaluation.
One Core Essential 6 resource, “Ending Well,” examines how many theological schools face financial and enrollment pressures that make “business as usual” unsustainable. Chronic deficits, declining enrollment, and costly maintenance reveal that many institutions fall short of economic equilibrium, even as boards struggle to acknowledge the seriousness of their situation. Out of loyalty to a school’s history and mission, trustees may avoid naming the crisis, normalizing gradual decline.
View full list of Core Essentials here.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Board Development Grants: Supporting action-oriented initiatives
Board Development Grants provide up to $10,000 USD to support action-oriented board development initiatives that advance your governing or advisory board’s strategic priorities. These grants are designed to serve as a catalyst for meaningful growth and help propel your board forward in its work. Applications for the next grant cycle will be accepted from February 2, 2026, through March 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
To learn more about grant details, eligible projects, and how to apply, view the informational video and visit the Board Development Grant webpage. Questions can be directed to boardgrants@intrust.org.
Resource Grants: Turning ideas into action
The In Trust Center will open its next Resource Grant cycle in March 2026. These matching grants of up to $15,000 help member schools engage external expertise to address strategic challenges and pursue innovative opportunities. Specifically, they target supporting projects that strengthen a school’s mission, encourage new thinking, and invest in adaptive change, from strategic planning and enrollment initiatives to curricular innovation and new educational models. All current member schools are eligible, except those that received a Resource Grant in 2025. Grantees complete a mid-year update and a final report. Full details are available 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.
