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What does faithful leadership look like for theological schools in 2026? In this forward-looking conversation, Frank Yamada, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, and Amy Kardash, the president of the In Trust Center, reflect on a season marked by both turbulence and possibility. In conversation with host Matt Hufman, they examine how creativity is emerging amid regulatory uncertainty, financial pressure, and leadership transition – and why collaboration across institutions has become one of the field’s greatest strengths. Drawing on recent data, grant initiatives, and board research, the discussion highlights reasons for cautious optimism, including enrollment growth and new approaches to theological formation. The episode concludes with a thoughtful look at artificial intelligence, inviting leaders to engage both the theological questions and the practical realities of a technology already reshaping higher education. The conversation frames several timely questions for school leaders and board of directors as they plan for the year ahead.

This episode includes discussion about several resources. Those include:

Out of Chaos Comes Creativity — a discussion with Frank Yamada

Notre Dame University’s DELTA framework for considering artificial intelligence

Considering the value proposition of theological education from the winter 2026 In Trust magazine.

A piece about executive turnover in ATS-accredited schools by Frank Yamada.

The December 2025 issue of the ATS newsletter Colloquy, which includes information about enrollment increases.

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What are the trends in governance – the new ways to make things work? First, look to the past. Governance expert Rebekah Basinger, Ed.D., reflects on what theological schools can learn by revisiting enduring principles of board leadership. Drawing on decades of experience, the conversation explores why good governance wisdom remains remarkably consistent – even as pressures from finances, regulation, and post-COVID realities intensify. Basinger names challenges such as executive turnover, shrinking and fatigued boards, and the lingering effects of “long COVID” on board culture and engagement. At the same time, she offers a hopeful vision: boards that reclaim their fiduciary role, invest in meaningful relationships, and approach governance as shared stewardship of mission. The episode invites board members and leaders alike to slow down, ask better questions, and rediscover why their work – and their presence – truly matters.

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In this episode, the Rev. Dr. David Rowe reflects on the sweeping changes affecting higher education and how these pressures are reshaping theological schools. Demographic decline, reduced church demand, and shrinking revenue streams have created intense competition among an oversupply of institutions. Rowe argues that schools must clarify their value proposition by understanding what students actually need and are willing to pay for. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between service, experience, and transformational educational models and aligning each with sustainable economics. He encourages boards to rethink mission, foster experimentation, and explore new audiences to meet today’s real ministry and societal needs.

You can find David Rowe at Windermere Consulting here.

Daniel O. Aleshire's book mentioned in the podcast is here.

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How do you create a community online, particularly among the shifting landscape of theological education? Pacific School of Religion has been working to answer that with Kwaray, an online learning platform that creates a virtual “neighborhood.” PSR President David Vasquez-Levy and Vice President Byron Chung discuss the distributed learning network, created with funding through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. The platform gives schools and groups a way to create their own communities and join others through an innovative platform that can be “white labeled” for school use. PSR has worked to pair technology with deep community engagement as well as stackable credentials and a “zero-entry” approach that lowers barriers to participation. The discussion also explores how schools use adaptive strategies for the shifting educational landscape. You can find out more at Kwaray here and at PSR’s Kwaray website here.

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Catholic Theological Union in Chicago is shaping a vibrant approach to theological education to help shape the Catholic Church. Dr. Karen Ross discusses how the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative has helped create a living-learning community that empowers young adults—especially from marginalized backgrounds—to co-create the Church of tomorrow. Through scholarships, housing, and leadership opportunities, CTU is forming a new generation of lay leaders whose ministries extend beyond traditional church roles into social justice, education, and community life. Learn about CTU's program on its website here.

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Federal policy shifts are reshaping higher education, and as details are still being understood, Peter Lake and David Rowe discuss what they mean for theological schools and how leaders can prepare. They explore new regulatory pressures, financial strains, and cultural changes affecting governance and mission. They offer leaders practical insight and encouragement to stay rooted in their theological convictions while navigating uncertain times.

Text of Education Secretary Linda McMahon's Sept. 8, 2025, speech at Hillsdale College can be found here.

The U.S. Supreme Court case "Sweezy v. New Hampshire" can be found here.

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Competency-based theological education (CBTE) is reshaping how future church leaders are formed – and it’s more than just skills training. In this episode, Dr. Susan Reese of Kairos University and Dr. Nathan Hitchcock, CBTE consultant, discuss how this approach emphasizes character, spiritual formation, and lived practice alongside academics. From mentoring and integration with local churches to assessing “heart” competencies like friendship, rest, and resilience, They also discuss issues like assessment and rigor and offer reasons why schools may consider CBTE.

The CBTE 2025 conference (in November 2025) was referenced in the show. You can find out more here.

The book "Theological Education: Principles and Practices of a Competency-Based Approach" was also mentioned. It can be found on Amazon here. (The In Trust Center does not earn any compensation from the link.)

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As the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative reaches its midpoint, theological schools are navigating both promising innovations and growing tensions. In this episode, Matt Hufman speaks with Jo Ann Deasy of ATS and Amy Kardash of the In Trust Center about how schools are reassessing mission, sustainability, and alignment. With new programs, nontraditional students, and expanded collaborations, institutions are rethinking everything from board engagement to what success really means. While some schools are thriving through strategic alignment, others face challenges in leadership turnover, funding models, and adapting to shifting demands. The conversation underscores a growing shift from competition to collaboration, and a recognition that long-term vitality requires deep listening, experimentation, and clarity about mission.