We are pleased to announce ATS staff members have published research in Christian Higher Education, a highly respected, international, interdenominational, peer-reviewed journal.

While this publication primarily focuses on undergraduate theological education, the most recent issue (Volume 24, Issue 2) is a special edition dedicated to graduate theological education. In addition to articles by ATS staff members, this issue features contributions from researchers at ATS member schools Dallas Theological Seminary, Kairos University, Liberty Theological Seminary, McMaster Divinity College, Providence Theological Seminary, as well as scholars from other schools and organizations.

Open Access for Two ATS Articles

Typically, Christian Higher Education articles require purchase for access. However, recognizing the immense value of the data and interpretation, we have arranged for the two ATS articles to be available at no cost. These works draw from more than 80 years of exclusive ATS-collected data and are essential resources to support the missions of member schools.

Article 1: Mission, Models, and Money: An Empirical Analysis of Graduate Theological Education

Authors

• Chris A. Meinzer, ATS Senior Director and COO
• Deborah H.C. Gin, ATS Director of Research and Faculty Development

This article evaluates the state of graduate theological education using ATS data, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and financial sustainability. It highlights successes in expanding access through distance learning and serving diverse student populations, but also notes ongoing challenges with flat enrollment and financial strain. The authors provide practical strategies to help schools align their models and resources with their mission.

Key Takeaways

• Distance education now accounts for the majority of enrollment but has not increased overall headcount.

• Nearly 40 percent of students identify as people of color, reflecting steady demographic diversification.

• Increasing tuition discounts does not necessarily increase enrollment or decrease student educational debt incurred in seminary.

• Around 50 percent of freestanding schools experience annual operating deficits.

• Institutions must critically adapt their models and resource strategies to remain mission-driven and sustainable.

Article 2: Reimagining the Role of Graduate Theological Education in Clergy Formation

Authors

• Deborah H.C. Gin, ATS Director of Research and Faculty Development
• Jo Ann Deasy, ATS Director of Institutional Initiatives
• Grego Pena-Camprubí, ATS research consultant

This article examines how well theological education prepares graduates for ministry. Drawing from the 2022 ATS Alum/Mapping the Workforce Survey, MDiv curricula, and teaching areas of theological school faculty, the authors highlight a disconnect between what schools teach and what clergy actually use in their work—especially in areas like leadership, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. The study urges schools to transform traditional academic structures to become driven by more relevant applied approaches.

Key Takeaways

• Preaching, administration, and pastoral care rank among the most-used competencies by alums in ministry roles.

• Curricular offerings often do not align with the practical competencies graduates rely on in their work.

• Many theological programs are still shaped predominantly by academic disciplines rather than ministry realities.

• Innovative models emerging from the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative demonstrate promising alternatives.

• An increasing number of alums value spiritual formation, soft skills, and leadership development as essential to their vocational effectiveness.

We are pleased to share the valuable contributions of ATS staff members with you. Their research not only enhances understanding of theological education but also underscores the dedication and expertise within the organization.

If you would like to learn more about how you can draw from ATS data and expertise to improve your operations, please contact the respective lead authors of these works: Chris Meinzer at meinzer@ats.edu or Debbie Gin at gin@ats.edu. Together, we can continue to enhance theological schools to the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public.

The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS) is a membership organization of graduate theological schools. ATS Programs and Services offers educational events and resources to assist member schools with the development of best practices, peer networks, research, and data exploration. The Commission on Accrediting of ATS accredits the schools and approves the degree programs.