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ATS announces two new staff transitions
The Association of Theological Schools is pleased to announce two new staff transitions, further strengthening the organization and better positioning it to fulfill the mission and strategic priorities set by the ATS Board of Directors. Read more. Listen here.
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Director of accreditation position open at ATS
An effective director of accreditation has the heart of a pastor, the commitment of a teacher, the organizational skills of an academic dean, the intellectual curiosity of a scholar, and the delight of a discoverer in the rich variety of the “long pew” of The Association of Theological Schools membership. Read more. Listen here.
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Annual data tables show notable enrollment changes across ATS schools
Reversing a decade-long trend, more schools grew in enrollment this year than declined. This is according to the new ATS Annual Data Tables, published in March using data collected from the ATS membership in fall 2024. Read more. Listen here.
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ATS study on contingent faculty: update on the faculty model
ATS conducted surveys about contingent faculty in 2023, one to deans and the other to the faculty themselves. Several surprises emerged that were confirmed by a larger fielding of the survey, including who ATS schools employ and purposes for using the part-time faculty model. Read more. Listen here.
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Science for future religious leaders: principles, practices, and possibilities of the Science for Seminaries program
How can we better prepare seminary graduates to engage with critical issues of science and society in their ministry and communities? The Science for Seminaries program provides a successful framework for bringing science engagement into theological education to help students lead their communities in addressing critical questions in an age of rapid scientific and technological advancement. Read more. Listen here.
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Inside the Standards
of Accreditation
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Governance and administration:
reviewing ATS Standard 9
“Theological schools are communities of faith and learning governed by those with authority to ensure schools meet their missions with educational quality and financial sustainability.” (Standard 9, Opening Paragraph). Read more. Listen here.
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ATS Member School Spotlight
Denver Seminary
| Ministry leaders today are increasingly called to serve in spaces shaped by suffering and unhealed wounds. Recognizing this, Denver Seminary is launching a groundbreaking Trauma-Informed Ministry track within its Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program, beginning in fall 2025. Read more. Listen here. | |
Open positions
The Association of Theological Schools believes in the power of people working together for a greater purpose. Every member of the ATS team plays a vital role in promoting the improvement and enhancement of theological schools to the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public. There are currently two open positions. If you or someone you know would be a good fit, please apply or share.
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Pathways Individual School
Implementation Grant Proposal deadline is May 15
ATS-accredited theological schools in the United States and Canada that did not receive a Phase 2 grant in the previous Pathways for Tomorrow cycle may apply for an Individual School Implementation grant of up to $1 million. Made possible by the Lilly Endowment, these competitive grants support schools as they administer plans to address leadership needs, clarify their mission, assess financial and educational strategies, and implement projects that strengthen their capacity to serve pastoral leaders and lay ministers. Visit the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative 2025 website to learn about eligibility, selection criteria, and proposal submission requirements. For guidance on writing your proposal, watch the ATS webinar, Grant Writing Support for Schools Proposing Pathways Individual Implementation Projects.
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ATS research featured in top academic journal
The highly respected academic journal, Christian Higher Education, has published two research articles by ATS staff members. This special edition, focusing on graduate theological education, also includes contributions from ATS member schools and other institutions. Available to you at no cost, the first ATS article, “Mission, Models, and Money: An Empirical Analysis of Graduate Theological Education” by Chris Meinzer and Deborah Gin, analyzes the state of graduate theological education, highlighting successes in distance learning and demographic diversification, but also noting challenges like flat enrollment and financial strain. Also available at no cost, the second article, “Reimagining the Role of Graduate Theological Education in Clergy Formation” by Deborah Gin, Jo Ann Deasy, and Grego Pena-Camprubí, examines the disconnect between what schools teach and what clergy actually use in their work, urging schools to adopt more relevant applied approaches. 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 Deborah Gin at gin@ats.edu.
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Student Data and Resources Consultation; be a part of the next steps
ATS recently hosted a Student Data and Resources Consultation forum to learn how schools understand and measure student formation. Supported by the New Century Fund, this session brought together more than 20 administrators, researchers, and practitioners at the ATS office in Pittsburgh. Discussions focused on how schools conceptualize and promote the well-being and ministerial readiness of students at ATS member schools. Participants shared diverse approaches to student formation assessment, drawing on insights from recent research projects and efforts supported by three major theological education initiatives: Educational Models and Practices in Theological Education (ATS: 2015–2020); Organizational and Educational Models in Theological Education (ATS: 2019–2025); and Pathways for Tomorrow (Lilly Endowment: 2021–27).
Add your insights to the Student Data and Resources Advisory Committee overseeing the redevelopment of the ATS Student Questionnaires (Qs) by posting your thoughts here. And make plans to join the ATS Student Data Services staff at an upcoming virtual town hall on:
- Friday, May 30, 12–1 p.m. ET
- Friday, August 15, 12–1 p.m. ET
Register for either session here. Find more information on these sessions on Engage ATS. The next iterations of the Qs are scheduled to be implemented by late summer 2027.
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Remember to order Graduating Student Questionnaires (GSQ)
It is time to order and administer the GSQ to your graduating students. As a member benefit, the spring 2025 GSQ is provided as part of the ATS Organizational and Educational Models initiative, funded by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. To get started, book a Student Data orientation call with the ATS Student Data Support staff. Order the GSQ using this form. And visit the ATS website for more details. For questions, contact qmail@ats.edu.
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Good Governance podcast: Rooted and Ready: Strengthening Theological Schools Amid Regulatory Upheaval
Presented by the In Trust Center for Theological Schools, this episode of Good Governance identifies how theological school leaders can best respond to political shifts and regulatory uncertainty. Governance expert the Rev. Dr. David Rowe and higher education policy expert Peter Lake discuss how to react with clarity and authority. They shed light on changes to federal education policy, including impacts on Title IV, Title IX, and accreditation. They offer practical guidance for boards and presidents — emphasizing mission alignment, shared governance, and measured leadership. This is essential listening for those guiding faith-based institutions through complex and fast-changing landscapes. Access the podcast here.
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National Survey on Religious Leaders: New Clergy in America report discloses clergy education levels and more
A new report from the National Survey of Religious Leaders (NSRL) sheds light on the current state of congregational leaders, including their education levels. For example, almost half of all primary congregational leaders have a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or equivalent ministerial degree. But that percentage is highly variable across religious groups. Roman Catholic congregations have the most highly educated congregational leaders (90% with an MDiv or equivalent), closely followed by mainline Protestant congregations (84%). Leaders of black Protestant and white evangelical congregations, by comparison, are less likely to have an MDiv or equivalent degree (39% and 38%, respectively). Mark Chaves, professor of religious studies and divinity at ATS member Duke Divinity School, is also director of the NSRL. Access the complete report here.
Chaves will be joining an ATS-hosted webinar about this research on May 22. You may register for this free online event here.
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