In Trust Monthly Newsletter: August 2025

THE MAGAZINE

“We have to Reframe the Situation”

Deferred maintenance is a perennial concern for leaders in theological education, even in an era of remote instruction and learning.

In Trust contributing writer Gregg Brekke explores how theological schools are tackling deferred maintenance, a challenge now influenced by technology, space utilization, and mission alignment. He cites an ATS survey that revealed millions in needed repairs, prompting some institutions to downsize, form partnerships, or adopt new operational models. Featured examples include Saint Paul, which operates without owning buildings; Church Divinity School of the Pacific, transitioning to a fully hybrid model; Pacific School of Religion, repurposing space through partnerships; Yale Divinity School, investing in campus renewal and sustainable housing; and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, planning long-term upgrades. Across the board, leaders emphasize that aligning facilities with mission begins with honest assessment and strategic planning. Read the full article here.

What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.

Also, in the Summer 2025 issue of In Trust:

• Big Ideas Start Small. Since 2018, the In Trust Center’s $15,000 matching Resource Grants — funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. — have helped theological schools launch bold initiatives in marketing, governance, technology, and course development. More than financial aid, the grants spark reflection, collaboration, and lasting change. As In Trust Center’s Vice President for Programs Ann Marie Glanden notes, these modest grants show that meaningful transformation begins with reflection, courage, and the right support. Read the full article. 
• Preparing for Greatness. The Rev. Dr. William Lee, board chair of Lexington Theological Seminary, reflects on the essential practices of board stewardship. He notes that good board stewardship means valuing what’s entrusted to you, building strong relationships, and preparing diligently so the mission is passed on stronger than before. Read the full article 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.

Full issue: You can read the magazine on the In Trust Center website.

PODCAST

Episode 95: 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 equips students through relational and contextual learning, bridging gaps between seminaries and churches. The conversation emphasizes that 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.

Other recent episodes include:

• Lessons to Learn from the Pathways Initiative. As theological schools reach the midpoint of Lilly Endowment Inc.‘s Pathways for Tomorrow initiative, launched in 2021, the conversation around innovation, mission, and sustainability is evolving. In this episode, Rev. Jo Ann Deasy, Ph.D., director of institutional initiatives at the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center, reflect on what’s emerging from this transformative initiative. What’s clear is this: Schools that are thriving aren’t just launching projects — they’re learning communities, rooted in mission and driven by responsiveness. The Pathways Initiative is not just funding innovation; it’s prompting deep institutional reflection. Listen to Ep. 94: Lessons to Learn from the Pathways Initiative here.
• Staying Ahead of the Evolving World of AI in Theological Education. What does it take to be human in an AI-driven world? That question – and so many others – is at the heart of this podcast with the Rev. Tay Moss, a leading voice on the use of AI in theological education, ministry, and learning environments. The discussion focuses on whether students and educators should use AI. However, the reality is clear: nearly everyone is using AI in some form. The real question, according to Moss, is how do we use AI meaningfully and responsibly. Listen to Ep. 93: Staying Ahead of the Evolving World of AI in Theological Education here.

VIDEOS

Strategic Shorts

3 questions, 2 experts, 1 timely conversation

Large-scale Collaboration and the Role of Boards: The Rev. David Rowe, Ph.D., speaks with Dr. Byron Klaus, consultant and Wise Stewards Initiative faculty coach, and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center, about the critical role boards play in large-scale collaborations, emphasizing the need for alignment between the executive leader and board chair, honesty, clarity, and ongoing communication, while offering insights and practical tips for schools considering collaborative opportunities to advance their mission and long-term goals. Watch the video here.

WEBINAR

Boards on a Tight Rope: Navigating the Power Differential in Shared Governance

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 1 pm (ET)
Facilitator: Rebekah Basinger, Ed.D., Wise Stewards Project Manager

The power dynamics within shared governance are unmistakable – boards are continually reminded that the proverbial bucks stops with them. Yet long before final decisions are made, many individuals and groups speak into, hold responsibility for, or make decisions about most issues addressed by the board, including the big ones. It’s no surprise that board members often feel as though they’re walking on a tightrope.

Join Wise Stewards Project Director Rebekah Basinger, Ed.D., for an exploration of attitudes about power, types of power at play within shared governance, and strategies for mediating power-based tensions in institutional governance. Register here.