In Trust Monthly Newsletter: March 2025

THE MAGAZINE

Choose Your Path

Pacific School of Religion has a longstanding tradition of pioneering social change and innovation. Now, through its Lilly Pathways Phase III experiment in stackable credentials, it is expanding that legacy in bold new directions. Discover how a visionary board, a trailblazing president, and a diverse team of leaders are reshaping theological education and opening new pathways for ministry. Read the article here.

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

Also, in the Winter 2025 issue of In Trust:

• Mutual Trust: Retired president Nancy Claire Pittman, Ph.D., whose remarkable career at Phillips Theological Seminary culminated on Sept. 30, 2024, reflects on leadership, collaboration, and surprising discoveries. Pittman has set the standard for leadership as the seminary’s first female president and a dedicated faculty member since 2001 – including Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean and Director of the seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program. She shares some of her key insights in this article. You can also listen to Ep. 77 of the Good Governance podcast here.
• The Culture:  Engaging with books and films that explore theological themes enriches our understanding of faith, deepens our spiritual imagination, and inspires meaningful dialogue. Whether told through scholarly discourse or cinematic storytelling, these stories invite us to reflect on God’s presence in the world, wrestle with profound questions, and grow in wisdom. Each issue of In Trust magazine features cultural aspects that illuminate theology, and cultivate a more thoughtful, compassionate, and informed approach to our faith journey. Check out this issue’s recommendations to read and watch.
• 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.

LEARNING SPACE

Video series focused on building institutional capacity

David Rowe, Ph.D., Project Director and Senior Advisor for governance and strategy for the In Trust Center’s Governance Initiative, hosts this video series, “Strategic Shorts,” designed to strengthen institutional capacity in theological education. Each week, Rowe interviews industry experts on critical topics, including understanding the role of market research; repurposing property and facilities; turning capacity-building strategies into compelling grant proposals; involving faculty and staff during change; considering a merger; and incorporating student readiness into plans for growth. Click here to view current videos.

PODCAST

Rethinking Seminary Administration

As theological schools navigate the future, collaboration and shared services are becoming essential. Thanks to a Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant, AdminWise Shared Services is stepping in to provide much-needed administrative support.

On this podcast, Jeff Williams, Ph.D., president of AdminWise and director of the grant program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, shares how this initiative provides strategic direction and expertise – allowing schools to strengthen their mission while streamlining operations. He notes that by working together, schools can share resources, lighten administrative burdens, and sustain their impact. Listen to Episode 88, A Shared Future: Rethinking Seminary Administration here.

Other recent episodes include:

• What does it take to move an institution forward? Auburn Seminary is relaunching Auburn Studies, beginning with a valuable report on executive leadership and the burden leaders face. In this episode, the Rev. Patrick Reyes, Ph.D., dean of Auburn Seminary, shares key trends in the field, and study author, the Very Rev. Michael DeLashmutt, Ph.D., of General Theological Seminary, explains what his research uncovered and how schools can move forward. Listen to Episode 87 here.
• Rebekah Burch Basinger recently explained her perspective on fundraising, challenging us to break free from a scarcity mindset and embrace God’s abundant provision. She offers practical wisdom for boards, presidents, and leaders – reminding us that fundraising can and should be an expression of faith. Click here to listen to Ep. 86, Cultivating Generosity in Givers and Theological Education.
• The Rev. Frank Yamada, Ph.D., executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, and Amy Kardash, president of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, discuss both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of theological education. Click here to listen to Ep. 85 of the Good Governance podcast.

WEBINAR

How do you choose to redeem conflict?

Conflict is inevitable in any community – including our seminaries and churches. The way we engage these tensions can either fragment our communities or help them grow stronger in their mission.

On April 3 at 1 PM (ET),  join Dr. Ann Garrido, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Aquinas Institute of Theology, as she shares a practical framework for understanding institutional tensions and offers three concrete strategies for navigating difficult conversations with wisdom and grace in the live webinar, “Redeeming Conflict: One Tough Conversation at a Time.” Learn more and register here.

NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Resource Grants provide opportunity

The In Trust Center offers Resource Grants of up to $15,000 to support eligible members in pursuing innovative solutions or opportunities within their institutions. Through this program, schools can engage external resources to advance their mission. The grant cycle opens March 3, 2025. You can learn more on the Resource Grants webpage here.

Announcing the 2025 Reflective Leadership Grants

Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School is now accepting applications for its 2025 Reflective Leadership Grant, designed to provide Christian leaders with essential “balcony time” for structured reflection. These grants, up to $15,000, support leaders in stepping back to assess their work, broaden perspectives, and discern next steps in their ministry and organizational leadership.

Ideal for lay and clergy leaders across Christian organizations – including congregations, denominations, seminaries, nonprofits, and social enterprises – this grant helps leaders navigate complex challenges and opportunities. The application deadline is May 2, 2025. Learn more and sign up for a Q&A session here.

PATHWAYS INITIATIVE

Lilly Endowment Inc. offers new funding