Innovation is something everyone seems to be discussing right now. When it comes to innovation in theological education, I believe the advancement/development office is uniquely positioned to play an important role. This presentation was part of a workshop that invited senior development officers to think about why innovation is important, why they should be part…
The ESQ and GSQ are invaluable resources that can inform administrators and boards. If interpreted wisely, they can offer… (Read more…)
Change is inevitable, and the pace of change continues to accelerate. Based on research and personal experience, this presentation builds a picture of a culture of communication that is inherently multi-channel, social, connected, and mobile. It also covers recent research from the Next Generation of American Giving study. Date first Presented: February 20, 2014 Event:…
What do we do with all the information we see about changes in communication and marketing? In this interactive workshop which was co-led by Shanda Stricherz and me, we walked through a few concepts related to integrated communication campaigns. The last part was a hands on activity where we built a campaign plan. Date first…
Financial support is an important aspect of institutional support. While is not a dominant revenue source at most institutions, it is vital to the work we do. In many ways, it bridges the gap and enables institutions to pursue their missions. In addition, it is a great way for people to participate in the work…
We are facing unprecedented change in theological education. Enrollment is declining, financial models are being challenged, and longtime assumptions are no longer true. Students, accreditors, the federal government, and local ministries are all demanding more from seminaries and the system of theological education. What are we to do? I say it is time to learn…
The primary “competition” for seminaries is simply the decision not to go to seminary. Most data shows that seminaries don’t compete too much with each other. Rather, our primary competition is the option of not going to seminary. I think it is a result of the fact that our “because” is broken. Let’s look at…
Two-thirds of all incoming MDiv students at ATS seminaries commute to class – regardless of their size, all seminaries seem to be regional schools. 78% of all incoming part-time MDiv students work more than 20 hours per week. 81% of ALL incoming MDiv students work while attending school. During the 2011-2012 academic year (the most…
The world is changing and the rate of change is only going to increase. I believe there are 5 “steps” which we need to take in order to be properly equipped to engage all those in our constituency base. The steps are based on a few shifts we are seeing in the world around us….
By 2017, the Millennial generation will have the most buying power. The Millennial generation’s economic value goes beyond current giving levels and can be higher than other generations. Fundraising is profoundly multichannel and the Millennial generation is not loyal to any one giving channel. Direct mail did not register as a way in which members…