Lessons (being) learned
A maturing Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative offers ideas for the field
Issue
Autumn 2025
23 Articles
Feature Articles
Articles
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Lessons (being) learned
A maturing Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative offers ideas for the field
Since its start, the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative has spurred innovation and brought energy into the field. Here’s what we’re learning from it.
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Inspired by their language of faith
Three California schools are collaborating on an original curriculum entirely in Spanish, from certificates to doctoral degrees.
A Pathways for Tomorrow grant is bringing three California schools together to offer students a way to get everything from a certificate to a doctorate in Spanish.
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The richness of spiritual fundraising
Lessons learned from 42 years of “happy surprises” in theological education
David Heetland offers deep insights from a life of work raising money theological education.
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Awash in data
Boards need to set the stage for what really counts
There’s no shortage of information at our fingertips. Interpretation and discernment must be brought to bear.
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On Your Mind | Letters to the Editor
Your thoughts about theological education, including on chaplaincy innovation and simulator training for ministers
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Moving the pieces; changing the board
New law, federal regulations, and a shift in perspective have put increasing pressure on theological schools.
With turmoil swirling this year around higher education, we asked experts to help us think through what’s ahead.
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Podcast Picks
From our ears to yours
Every now and then we focus on fundraising podcasts we think can inspire schools in the never-ending task…
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Future Promise | Leading in an anxious time
David McAllister-Wilson on returning to foundational principles
What does it mean for the mission of a seminary when a small percentage of churches will be led by a fulltime pastor with an MDiv?
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From head and hands to heart
CBTE’s new model for ministry
Competency-based theological education continues to move in new ways to help ministers prepare in their contexts.
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New CFO On board
Elizabeth Palmer Bennett brings deep understanding, experience to the role
An experienced financial leader and administrator, Elizabeth Palmer Bennett named new vice president of operations/CFO of the In Trust Center
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Present Moment | Boards in a Shifting Landscape
The essential practices of board stewardship
As many seminary presidents think about the kind of truncation of ecclesial bodies, we always must ask the questions, “To whom are we accountable?” and “Who are we serving as theological schools?”
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When a change brings new focus
Renaming a school can help realign an institution to its mission and provide clarity to the public.
Why do schools change names? While there are a number of reasons, schools can take the opportunity to reinforce who they are.
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The Census | The Giving Report
New reports show giving trends in theological education and religion.
Giving trends show how people align – or don’t – with religious institutions.
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Small can be large
In board self-assessment, little changes and actions can create institutional momentum
It may seem counterintuitive, but boards can do small things to revitalize and change the culture of their institution.
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Remark(able) | A reminder from the past rings true
A reflection on theological schools from 1956
Use this reflection for discussion about your school and what may hold true about it.
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Power Points | Shared Governance
A reflection for boards to consider
Shared governance is an often misunderstood and criticized aspect of institutional life.
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The greatest story
Half a century after its debut, “Superstar” still stokes controversy
This summer “Jesus Christ Superstar” made a return to the stage and – once again – gained controversy.
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Books | Pilgrims’ progress
Reflections for the 2025 Jubilee Year celebration
A new book explores pilgrims’ thoughts and experiences about the Jubilee and crossing through Rome’s Holy Door.
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Film | Two to watch
These films provide new insight into the spiritual life
Two films provide different looks at the spiritual life: a retelling of Charles Dickens’ “The Life of Our Lord” and a movie about a new saint.
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Architecture | Sacred Stacks
The inimitable Eero Saarinen designed North Christian Church in Indiana with a focus on the sanctuary. Today it inspires devotion as a public library
An Indiana church designed by a famed architect gets a new life as a library.
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Turning tension into growth
Conflict is a normal part of life. Ann Garrido offers seven lessons to manage it productively.
Ann Garrido, D.Min., offers several critical ways we can turn conflict into a growth opportunity.
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Changing Scenes
Seven new leaders answer the call
These leaders have been called to their institutions.
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Every organization’s temptations
Matt Hufman on facing the two big questions that help frame an institution’s mission
The story of Adam and Eve provide a look at how organizations face and deal with temptation.
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