In this ten-part recorded series, leaders within theological education share practical insights drawn from their lived experiences of collaboration. Each conversation explores a different dimension of “practicing collaboration,” offering valuable lessons, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas for those seeking to strengthen collaborative leadership and ministry.
Episode 1: Why Collaborate?
Dr. Michael Steiner, senior vice president of advancement and innovation at Southeastern University, reflects on the common catalysts for collaboration emerging through Southeastern University’s expansive network of partners. Drawing on these experiences, he shares practical insights into approaching collaboration as a mission-driven effort rather than a transactional exchange, while providing thoughtful advice for leaders seeking to take the first step toward meaningful collaborative relationships. If you are interested in learning more or would like to connect with Michael, please contact us at resources@intrust.org.
Episode 2 | Assessing Readiness for Collaboration
Ruth McGillivray, executive vice president of Northwest College and Seminary, shares the story of collaborative projects at Northwest, reflecting on the institution’s experiences and lessons learned. She explores the role of imagination in fostering meaningful collaboration, the importance of institutional humility as an indicator of readiness, and ways schools can assess their preparedness for collaborative work. The conversation also highlights the critical role of leadership support and institutional buy-in in sustaining collaborative initiatives.
Episode 3: The Importance of Internal Collaboration
Dr. Brent Sleasman, president of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, shares insights from leading a school through a structural transition, including a language shift and organizational reporting restructure, which ultimately laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration. The conversation also explores the role of information-sharing and power within collaboration and how these and other factors influence an institution’s capacity for external collaboration.
Episode 4 | Cultivating an Imagination for Collaboration
Drawing from her experience within the ATS community, Dr. Jo Ann Deasy, Director of Institutional Initiatives, sheds light on the various forms of collaboration being pursued across theological schools, with particular attention to initiatives emerging through the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. She reflects on both the challenges institutions are facing and the approaches and practices that stand out as especially promising, helping expand our imagination for what may be possible through collaboration.
Episode 5: Expanding Vocational Paths for
Undergraduate Students
Dr. Jeff Carter, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, describes the Brethren Higher Education Consortium and offers insight into how collaboration can begin to replace competition among institutions. He shares how the project came together, what challenge it seeks to address, and the opportunities it creates for participating schools. Along the way, the conversation highlights what is working well and lessons learned throughout the process.
Episode 6 | A Collaborative Vision for
Nazarene Theological Education
Dr. Jeren Rowell, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and Dr. Brent Peterson, dean of the College of Theology and Christian ministries of Northwest Nazarene University, speak with Dr. Greg Henson about an ambitious collaboration taking root within the Church of the Nazarene. Through a network of Nazarene universities, the collaborative initiative is focused on strengthening and reimagining graduate theological education. They share about the catalyst for the project, challenges they’ve encountered, and what they are learning in the process, including the importance of relationships.
Episode 7: A Collaborative Vision for Global Theological Education
Dr. Jo de-Blois, Chief Global Engagement Officer, and Dr. Adriaan Neele, President, of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, discuss their work in helping create a global network of theological schools. They share how the collaboration is structured, how they partner with institutions in ways that foster agency, and why decentralization and relational trust are essential to sustaining global collaboration. Along the way, they also share how they view power in these global partnerships and advice for those considering collaboration.
Episode 8 | Unexpected Collaborators
Mundelein Seminary has cultivated a remarkable network of collaborators—one that is far more diverse than many might expect. In this conversation, Dr. Greg Henson interviews Dr. Marie Pitt-Payne, Academic Dean of University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, and Executive Director of their Simulation Center, about the seminary’s innovative work in the areas of compassion and simulation labs. The discussion highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge when institutions engage partners beyond traditional theological circles.
Episode 9: Indigenous Collaboration
Dr. Julie Lytle, Director of Distributive and Lifelong Learning Initiatives at Bexley Seabury Seminary, and Dr. Christopher Hoklotubbe, NAIITS Director of Graduate Studies, introduce the Indigenous Theological Circle, a Pathways for Tomorrow collaborative initiative led by Bexley Seabury Seminary in partnership with NAIITS. It is an ecumenical network of denominational and ministry partners committed to flourishing indigenous communities. They discuss the vision shaping this work, the challenges it seeks to address for Indigenous congregations across North America, and what’s being discovered as theological education becomes more contextual, relational, and community grounded.
Episode 10 | Lessons from the Faith and Leadership Collaborative
Rev. Dr. Javier Viera, President of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Professor of Education and Leadership, reflects on the Faith and Leadership Collaborative, made possible through a Pathways for Tomorrow Large Scale Collaboration Grant. He shares how collaboration requires deep listening, willingness to change, clarity, and consistency, and surfaces key lessons about how collaboration works in practice across institutions.
