In Trust Center Newsletter, News & Insights

In Trust Monthly Newsletter: December 2024

A collaboration to transform Latino theological education in U.S., new In Trust Center board members, new board development grant, and much more.

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Happy Holidays from the In Trust Center

Wishing you a blessed and joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

The In Trust Center’s offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 24, through Wednesday, January 1. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

We look forward to continuing to serve you in the New Year!

THE MAGAZINE

A Transformative Path

Haciendo Caminos, a collaborative initiative led by Catholic institutions and funded by the Lilly Endowment, is transforming Latino theological education and ministry leadership in the U.S. Catholic Church. By addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latino Catholics – who make up a significant and growing portion of the Church – this program empowers young leaders like Fatima Vazquez-Molina and Rafael Quevedo to pursue advanced theological studies and leadership roles. It highlights the importance of embracing cultural diversity, fostering intergenerational engagement, and building sustainable networks for the future vitality of the Church. Read the article here.

What do you think? Email us here with your thoughts.
Also, in the Autumn issue of In Trust:

A Duck-billed Platypus: Dr. David Wakefield, dean and professor of New Testament and Greek at Campbell University Divinity School, believes embedded seminaries face unique challenges and opportunities as they navigate their roles within universities and the evolving needs of their students. Read his essay here.
Herding Cats, Wrangling Skunks: The Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, is a serene campus with green spaces, gardens, and walking paths that attract students, seminarians, and pilgrims to its adjacent grotto. And a colony of feral cats, established with expert guidance, patrols the grounds to keep skunks away. Read about this unconventional approach 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. Look for the winter issue in mailboxes soon.

BOARD ELECTION

Four re-elected to the In Trust Center Board

Four members of the In Trust Center’s Board of Directors were re-elected to three-year terms during November’s election, in which 90 voting members – 53% of eligible voters – cast ballots. Those re-elected were: Bryan Blankenship, the Rev. Dr. Kah-Jim Jeffrey Kuan, the Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III, and Dr. Luis R. Rivera.

Learn more about the election here.

NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Board Development Grant

Through the support of Lilly Endowment Inc., the In Trust Center is offering grants of up to $10,000 to support institutional boards’ strategic growth. These action-oriented grants are designed to help governing and advisory boards tackle key challenges, seize opportunities, or address critical issues. With a focus on learning and development, these funds can be used for projects like creating or revising governance documents and policies, ensuring your board has the tools it needs to thrive.

You can learn more on the Board Development Grants webpage here.

PATHWAYS INITATIVE

Lilly Endowment Inc. offers new funding

Lilly Endowment Inc. is offering up to $325 million in an expansion of its Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative to help accredited theological schools in the U.S., its territories, and Canada. The funding aims to strengthen financial operations, educational programs, and the preparation of leaders for Christian churches.

More information about the funding can be found here. Information about the Pathways coordination program can be found here.

NEW LILLY FUNDING

National Storytelling Initiative

Lilly Endowment Inc. announces the National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life, aimed at sharing inspiring stories of vibrant Christian faith to help people from diverse backgrounds connect with God. Charitable organizations are invited to submit concept papers for projects that:

Identify examples of authentic Christian faith and life.
Produce compelling stories in various media formats.
Share these stories broadly across diverse contexts.

The Endowment plans to award up to 30 grants, each up to $5 million, for high-quality storytelling projects.

You can learn more here.

PODCAST

What a president needs to know

In Episode 77 of the Good Governance podcast, the Rev. Dr. Nancy Claire Pittman, retiring president of Phillips Theological Seminary, shares insights from her years of leadership. With a background in church service, international teaching, and a Ph.D. in Christian education, Pittman has guided Phillips since 2019, fostering financial stability, diversity, and inclusive theological education. She reflects on the seminary’s growth, governance, board relations, and the role of the presidency, offering four key lessons. Listen to her takeaways here.

You can find more episodes on the In Trust Center's website.

Explore Our Resource Center

In Trust Magazine Articles

Explore Our Resource Center

Upcoming & Recent Webinars

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming and recent ones below.

Videos & Webinars

Strategic Shorts

Video Series for Building Institutional Capacity The Rev. David Rowe, Ph.D., Project Director for the Governance Initiative and…

Videos & Webinars

Strategic Shorts: Large-scale Collaboration and the Role of Boards

Focus on the critical role boards play in large-scale collaborations

Videos & Webinars

Strategic Shorts: Large-scale Collaboration and Difficult Personnel Decisions

How theological schools can navigate complex personnel decisions during large-scale collaborations.

Videos & Webinars

Large-scale Collaboration and Change of Control

The formal process of transferring control between institutional boards

View All

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.