Speaking on behalf of its membership, ATS periodically provides data and insights to various media sources interested in current trends in theological education. See highlights below:
The Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2013 . . . For Second Careers, A Leap of Faith
Growing numbers of people see retirement as a chance to “do good” and are turning to divinity schools and a more spiritual life. Personal accounts and statistics tell the story. (Viewable only by WSJ subscribers.)
Inside Higher Ed, March 29, 2013 . . . The Struggling Seminaries
With declining enrollments, rising costs, and ballooning student debt, seminaries face continued challenges. Inside Higher Ed cites the recent experience at one school as well as the overall trends across all ATS member schools.
The Christian Century, October 31, 2011 . . . US Seminaries consider radical changes
For more than 200 years, Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) has trained future pastors to have expertise in biblical studies, pastoral care, and preaching. But in today's world, the nation's oldest school of theology has decided that's no longer enough, and other schools are starting to agree.
Inside Higher Ed, October 25, 2011 . . . Pastors and Rabbis and Imams
Eventually, the borders of the 16-acre California campus of Claremont Lincoln University will be marked by the architectural features of the world's religions, with a cross next to a minaret next to a Buddhist pagoda. At the heart of campus, students of all faiths will gather in one space for prayer and meditation.
The Baptist Standard, August 11, 2011 . . . Seminaries adapt to changing religious landscape
Students take a major portion of their courses online and complete residency requirements by attending weekend classes . . .
CTV News British Columbia, July 22, 2011 . . . Students follow a divine calling at midlife
Baby boomers return to school after accomplished careers not only to study ministry but also to find a higher meaning to their lives. Many discover, however, that they are forced to reformulate their views of the world and some struggle with the challenge of unmaking a view of God that had sustained them for many years.
Lancaster Online, June 21, 2011 . . . Top educator to lead Lancaster Seminary
Carol Lytch, ATS assistant executive director, has been named the eleventh president of Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Time, January 31, 2011 . . . Holy Enrollers
Baby boomers are the fastest-growing demographic at theological schools in the United States and Canada.
Time, August 22, 2010 . . . Training pastors, rabbis, and imams together
When low enrollment and books in the red threatened to close Claremont School of Theology, the school established a "theological university" to train future pastors, imams, and rabbis under one roof.
The Christian Century, May 18, 2010 . . . Seminaries see no 'hard times' uptick
The notion that enrollments at theological schools rise in tough economic times did not hold true for Protestant and Catholic seminaries in North America this academic year.
Christianity Today, April 23, 2010 . . .The iSeminary cometh
Online education is jolting seminaries with rapid enrollment growth at rates far in excess of the total higher education student population, with the most recent data demonstrating no signs of slowing.
LifeWay, March 22, 2010 . . . Pastors continue to value, use seminary education
LifeWay Research surveyed more than 1,000 Protestant pastors regarding the value of a seminary education.
The Christian Century, February 23, 2010 . . . Seminaries under pressure
The editors of the magazine determine that change is coming to seminaries whether they want it or not.
Christianity Today, October 2009 . . . Why we need seminary
Daniel Aleshire discusses the relevance of graduate theological education and the challenges confronting seminaries and graduate schools.
Inside Higher Ed, July 27, 2009 . . . Light collection plates
Elizabeth Redden adds yet another voice and more stories from the field about collaborations, separations, and "re-envisioning" theological schools in the face of continued economic crisis.
The Christian Century, July 14, 2009 . . . Recession may pull seminaries apart or together
John Dart tells how the economy is forcing seminaries to make decisions they may not have otherwise considered.
The Boston Globe, May 29, 2009 . . . Theological schools pursue economies of consolidation
Michael Paulson looks at how small, freestanding theological schools are pursuing consolidation as one innovative response to financial and enrollment pressures.
The New York Times, May 15, 2009 (print May 16) . . . Economy intrudes on a haven of faith
Samuel Freedman examines the challenges faced by graduating seminarians in a shrinking job market.
USA Today, March 17, 2009 . . . Seminaries face financial woes
G. Jeffrey MacDonald looks at how seminaries are scrambling to adapt to sagging endowments and other shrinking revenue streams through mergers, property sales, and online studies.
Pennlive.com (blog), March 7, 2009 . . . Enrollment at seminaries surges during trying times
T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News blogs about the positive impact difficult times can have on applications and enrollment at theological schools.
Newsweek, February 7, 2009 (print Feb. 16) . . . Divine Refuge in the Storm
Lisa Miller writes about theological school as a "Plan B" for those seeking alternative careers during tough times.
The Christian Century, December 16, 2008 . . . Seminaries tighten their belts
John Dart looks at "conundrums bedeviling finance officers" at many North American seminaries.