In Trust Center Ep. 101 - Regulation, Resilience, and Renewal: A 2026 Outlook for Theological Education
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.