Theological education is built on centuries of tradition, but leadership expert the Rev. Tod Bolsinger, Ph.D., says the models that served institutions well in the past may not be enough for the world ahead. In this episode of the Good Governance Podcast, Bolsinger explores what adaptive leadership means for theological schools, churches, senior leaders, and governing boards navigating profound change.
Rather than relying on visionary leaders with ready-made solutions, Bolsinger argues that institutions need leaders willing to admit what they do not know, learn through experimentation, and distinguish between what is truly essential and what is simply familiar.
Bolsinger brings well-rounded and deep experience as a professor, researcher, seminary administrator, author, consultant, and pastor. He suggests that the first task is not predicting the future but clarifying identity: What must an institution preserve? What is its distinctive “charism” or gift? And what problem in the world is calling for that gift?
For governing boards, that requires more than reviewing reports and dashboards. Bolsinger describes discernment as “the spiritual practice of governance,” helping boards understand what should remain, what must change, and what may need to be left behind.
The conversation offers a hopeful but challenging message: Institutions cannot control the changing landscape, but they can build the adaptive capacity to faithfully navigate it. You can find out more about Tod Bolsinger here. You can find books here.
