October 31, 2025
Help us improve our communications
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MAGAZINE
Lessons (being) Learned
Since 2021, the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, coordinated by the Association of Theological Schools and the In Trust Center, has sparked new energy and innovation across theological education.
Schools are creating fresh models, forming new partnerships, and re-examining how mission and sustainability align. Leaders note that institutions are “hitting their stride,” finding both successes and tensions as they adapt to changing contexts. From reimagined programs to renewed collaboration, Pathways schools are not just innovating for today but shaping the future of ministry and theological formation. Read the full article, Lessons (being) Learned, here.
What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Autumn 2025 issue of In Trust:
- Moving the Pieces; Changing the Board. In a year of sweeping changes to U.S. higher education policy, including new endowment taxes, loan limits, and the proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged schools to adopt a “civilization-centered” model of leadership and curriculum. Her speech sparked debate over academic freedom and institutional autonomy. In a Good Governance podcast, Peter Lake, a higher education expert, and the Rev. Dr. David Rowe, former theological education president and consultant, discussed the implications for theological education, emphasizing financial adaptation, clarifying mission, and reaffirming theological convictions. Read the full article to explore their insights in depth here.
- When a Change Brings New Focus. Renaming a theological school is more than rebranding; it’s a reflection of evolving mission, identity, and hope. More than 40 ATSmember schools have changed names in the past 25 years, signaling shifts in demographics, denominational ties, and educational vision. From Missio Seminaryand Kairos University to BSK and Berkeley School of Theology, name changes reflect broader reach, missional clarity, and renewed relevance. Read the full article to explore why names matter.
- 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 Autumn 2025 issue of the magazine on the website here.
PODCAST
Ep. 97: Co-creating the Church of Tomorrow
Catholic Theological Union in Chicago is shaping a vibrant approach to theological education to help shape the Catholic Church.
Dr. Karen Ross discusses how the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative has helped create a living-learning community that empowers young adults—especially from marginalized backgrounds—to co-create the Church of tomorrow. Through scholarships, housing, and leadership opportunities, CTU is forming a new generation of lay leaders whose ministries extend beyond traditional church roles into social justice, education, and community life. Learn about CTU’s program on its website here. Listen to Ep. 97: Co-creating the Church of Tomorrow here.
Other recent episodes include:
- Navigating new realities: Policy shifts and theological education. What do shifting policies in Washington mean for theological schools? Episode 96 of the Good Governance Podcast dives into the fast-changing landscape of higher education with expert voices, Peter Lake (law professor and higher education policy specialist) and Rev. Dr. David Rowe(experienced president and consultant in higher ed and theological education). Together with host Matt Hufman, they unpack the implications of student loan and endowment tax changes; cultural and curricular pressures from federal policy; the evolving role of religious liberty in higher education; and how leaders can stay rooted in mission while adapting to new realities. Listen to Ep. 96: Navigating new realities: policy shifts and theological education here.
- Forming leaders inside and out, exploring CBTE’s potential. Competency-based theological education (CBTE) integrates academic learning, mentorship, character formation, and spiritual growth to prepare ministry leaders through demonstrated skills and relational, contextual learning. Host Matt Hufman speaks with Dr. Susan Reese (Kairos University) and Dr. Nathan Hitchcock (CBTE consultant) about how CBTE shifts focus from traditional classroom measures to demonstrated competencies, integrating academic learning with mentorship, character formation, and spiritual growth. They highlight how CBTE is rigorous in new ways, shaping both skills and heart formation for ministry leaders. Listen to Ep. 95: Forming leaders inside and out, exploring CBTE’s potential here.
WEBINARS
From Confusion to Clarity: Strengthening Your School’s Brand
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 1 pm (ET)
Facilitator: Dan Kennedy, VP of Marketing Services, The FOCUS Group
Many theological institutions are facing mounting pressure regarding enrollment and raising funds. While the symptoms are obvious, the root issue is often overlooked: brand clarity.
Dan Kennedy, vice president of marketing services, The FOCUS Group, will unpack the five most common branding mistakes that limit growth, confuse donors, and weaken mission effectiveness, especially in schools preparing for strategic change, a leadership transition, or a major campaign. Topics include diagnosing where your brand is weak; moving from outdated assumptions to audience insight; equipping your board and leadership with shared language and actionable next steps; and avoiding costly mistakes before your next initiative begins. Register here.
VIDEOS
Practicing Innovation Video Series
Real Stories, Practical Insights
The Relationship between Structures, Place, and Innovation. In this recording, Dr. Angela D. Sims, president of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, explores how institutional structures and assumptions about “place” shape or stifle innovation. This conversation challenges approaches to innovation that simply add new “content” to the same containers and emphasizes the role of structures and transparency in reimagining theological education from the ground up. Click here to watch the video.
Navigating Governance and Innovation. Dr. Felix Theonugraha, president of Western Theological Seminary, shares insights from leading institutional transition, emphasizing that faithful innovation requires alignment between governance and mission. Click here to watch the video.
Organizational Development, Culture, and Innovation. In the fourth video of the series, Dr. Tammy Donahoo, executive dean of Portland Seminary of George Fox University, speaks of innovation as a way of being shaped by people and organizational culture. This conversation focuses on building consensus and trust, aligning practices with espoused values, and fostering a resilient community capable of ongoing transformation rather than chasing short-term solutions. Click here to watch the video.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
President, Wesley Theological Seminary
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (Wesley DC), is seeking a visionary and transformative leader to serve as its next president. Affiliated with The United Methodist Church and a member of the Washington Theological Consortium, Wesley DC is renowned for preparing individuals for Christian ministry through rigorous, socially responsive theological education. The search follows the announced retirement of the Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, who will conclude 24 years as president and 40 years of service to the seminary at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. The next president will lead a financially stable institution poised for growth, with new real estate development and expanding global programs that extend Wesley DC’s reach across continents. Candidates should be strategic, inclusive, and visionary leaders who can guide the seminary’s mission with theological depth, business acumen, and a commitment to innovation in theological education. More information is available here.
President for the Center of Congregations
The Center for Congregations invites nominations and applications for its next president. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic, mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening Christian congregations across Indiana. With generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Center partners with congregations to address challenges, discover resources, and enhance vitality, while also contributing to national conversations through publications and online tools. The president will oversee a team of 30, manage an annual budget of $19M, and guide approximately $3.5M in annual grant making. Screening of applications is underway. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be submitted 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.
