Board Chair Newsletter: August 2024

Understanding our shared missions

In the most recent issue of In Trust magazine, Rod Wilson, a governance coach and retired college president, offers a provocative essay about the risk of exceptionalism. He writes this: Theological education is at a kairos moment where we must call out the risks of exceptionalism, move away from optimistic self-reliance and independence mixed with distinctive separateness, and embrace our interrelatedness for the common good and our shared envisioned future. There is quite a bit to consider in that statement, and I recommend you read the entire piece here. The issue that Rod brings to the forefront for me is a sense that sometimes by thinking we’re unique or exceptional, we miss the power of our shared experience. There is much that we can learn from one another in the field by understanding that – despite theological and regional differences – there is a considerable amount that we share. That type of thinking can lead to good conversations with others in the field, potential work together, and even new partnerships. The truth is that although our missions may be different, we can hone our missions by learning from others.Rod’s essay could be a good topic for board education or conversation. How might your school benefit from what it can learn from others in the field? And, how can the In Trust Center help you in those conversations? Our Resource Consulting team can help you find the right resources and connect with others who share similar experiences. You can reach our Resource Consulting team via email here.

With gratitude for all you do in theological education,

Amy Kardash
President