A Transformative Path
A Pathways for Tomorrow grant brings schools together to focus on a raising new leaders in the Church
Issue
Autumn 2024
22 Articles
Feature Articles
Articles
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A Transformative Path
A Pathways for Tomorrow grant brings schools together to focus on a raising new leaders in the Church
Latinos comprise nearly one-half of Catholic parishioners in the United States today, a dramatic cultural shift in less than a generation. Supported by a Phase III Lilly Pathways grant, 18 Catholic universities are expanding graduate-level ministerial formation to support a changing Church.
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The Issue of Power
The shadow of abuse looms large in the Church today, a symptom of power dynamics between religious leaders and those they shepherd
There are any number of stories of prominent Christian leaders whose names have hit the headlines in recent years for all the wrong reasons. Few denominations, ministries, or institutions have been left untouched by scandal and tragedy. What is going on?
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Shared Governance is Smooth Like Jazz
Finding the right way forward in shared governance is like getting everyone on the same page of music
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or not, chances are that when you hear a jazz combo play, you know if it’s good. The musicians play in unison, each one proficient at their instrument. There’s an analogy in that for shared governance.
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Change Management
Am I the problem? Or is it me?
Communities that want to flourish must always grow and evolve. This requires a community willing to open itself up to change. And it begins with each individual.
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On Your Mind | Letters to the Editor
Your thoughts about theological education, including on exceptionalism, the podcast, and working online.
As of January 2024, the board of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies had not met in person since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 (“It’s More Than Unmuted,” Summer 2024).
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Into the Wild Country
Joanne Rodriguez on trailblazing, desolation, and defeating the scarcity mindset in theological education
A winner of the ATS Women in Leadership Trailblazer Award, the Rev. Dr. Joanne Rodriguez, executive director of the Hispanic Theological Initiative, provides several key points for what it takes to cut a new trail.
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Podcast picks | From our ears to yours
Common sense for leaders coping with change
These podcasts will help provide a way to work through change.
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Present Moment | A Duck-Billed Platypus
In praise of the embedded seminary
Dr. Andrew Wakefield says universities may not understand an embedded school, but the embedded schools have a great impact.
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Crafting Narratives, Shaping Futures
How storytelling by Lilly Pathways recipients is informing – and transforming – theological education
The In Trust Center’s website has a page of stories and links about Pathways for Tomorrow grantees that show the creativity in the field.
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Future Promise | Untapped Opportunity
For an embedded school, the sustaining power of diversity and interdisciplinary studies
The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Kleinhans on how embedded schools can provide a benefit to their institutions.
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A New Look at Boards
In Trust Center initiative provides the first study of boards in theological education in more than a decade
A new survey as part of the In Trust Center’s Governance Initiative provides a new look at the shape of advisory and governance boards.
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Remark(able) | For Board Reflections
“Trickle-down Academics and Theological Education”
Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, president of the Pacific School of Religion, considers the scope of theological schools.
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Memo to boards: It’s not about you
Today’s students have different needs. Wait-and-see is not a solution.
Rick Staisloff, a consultant with a long history in higher education, says that theological education are facing a “historic moment” and schools need to respond appropriately.
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Power Points | Board Orientation Essentials
Here are five keys to for bringing new members on board
Power Points are short observations and statements to help leaders consider and sharpen the work they’re doing. These are great tool for assessing work and for ongoing education.
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Relics | The Good Book(s)
The Studer Bible Collection at AMBS
With more than 5,000 items, the collection provides a wide range of interest.
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Books | The Courage to Quit
When tried-and-true practices no longer work, maybe it’s time for adaptive leadership.
Tod Bolsinger provides a series of short, accessible books to help leaders re-think the time and their work.
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How We Live | Priests and Beasts
The tradition of blessing animals is alive and kicking
Francis of Assisi arranged the first live nativity scene in 1223 in Greccio. As the patron saint of animals, his affection for animals lives on in the many pet blessings hosted by North American seminaries.
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Films | Two to Watch
There’s faith, of course, in chaplaincy, but also disco?
Two films – one about disco queen Gloria Gaynor and one about chaplaincy – are worth the time.
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Herding Cats, Wrangling Skunks
Feline Fine: A campus take a novel approach to curtailing pests
Way down in Texas, one campus’ beauty is occasionally spoiled by the stench of skunks. The answer? Send in the cats.
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A prayer of peace | Seeking shalom
In 2014, Pope Francis entertained world leaders and offered a prayer for peace.
In this time, a pope’s prayer seemed worthy of reflection.
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