2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting Highlights

2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting Highlights

Nurturing Vital Ecosystems to Serve Our World

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Shaping the Future of Theological Education, Together

More than 440 theological education leaders gathered this June — not simply to attend sessions, but to practice, in real time, what it means to belong to a shared ecosystem. Grounded in the theme Nurturing Vital Ecosystems to Serve Our World, the 2026 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting wove learning, conversation, and governance into a vivid demonstration of what member schools can accomplish when they move as one collaborative community.

“No school exists alone. No denomination or theological tradition exists alone. No educational model is created ex nihilo,” said Executive Director Frank M. Yamada when he gave his report at the Closing Plenary. “Our flourishing depends upon the health of this ecology we inhabit and contribute to together.”

Program Highlights and Participant Experiences 

From plenaries to workshops, the Biennial created space for insight, connection, and innovation. Conversations extended beyond sessions into hallways, meals, and gathering spaces, reflecting the strength of ATS as a learning community.

Plenaries: Framing Urgent Questions and Shared Vision 

Plenary sessions grounded the Biennial in big-picture reflection, inviting leaders to engage key challenges and opportunities shaping theological education today. 

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Religion in the U.S. and Canada: Trends and Implications 

The opening plenary brought together researchers from ATS, Pew Research Center, Duke University, and Crandall University to examine the state of religion across North America. Presenters explored shifting patterns in religious affiliation, attendance, demographics, and theological education enrollment, helping participants better understand the changing contexts in which schools prepare leaders and serve communities. The session also highlighted differences and common challenges facing theological education in both countries.

Executive Director’s Report

In his Executive Director's Report, Frank Yamada reflected on the Biennial theme of nurturing vital ecosystems. Drawing on ecological models, theological reflection, and the mission and vision of ATS/COA, he challenged members to consider how schools can adapt faithfully amid disruption. His remarks emphasized collaboration, stewardship, interdependence, and the collective responsibility of ATS schools to serve God's mission in a changing world.

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In the fall of 2026, look out for specific webinars and in-person events that will go into more detail about Missional and Financial Vitality.

Mission and Financial Vitality in a Changing Landscape 

ATS Senior Director and Chief Operations Officer Chris Meinzer’s closing plenary explored the relationship between mission and financial vitality. Framing ATS as a shared ecosystem rather than a collection of individual institutions, he encouraged schools to move from scarcity toward abundance, cooperation, and mutual flourishing. Drawing on ATS data, he highlighted changing enrollment patterns, demographic shifts, and emerging opportunities while challenging participants to consider how collective wisdom, shared resources, and strategic collaboration can strengthen theological education for the years ahead.


In the fall of 2026, look out for specific webinars and in-person events that will go into more detail about Missional and Financial Vitality.

Networks of Learning and Support

The Biennial extended beyond presentations and reports to create space for practical learning and authentic connection. Through workshops, gathering spaces, and the Resource Expo, participants shared expertise, built relationships, and discovered new opportunities for collaboration across the ATS community.

Workshops: Practical Tools for Complex Challenges 

More than 40 workshops provided actionable insights for leaders navigating change, equipping schools with strategies for adaptation, innovation, and faithful stewardship.

Topics ranged from AI and theological formation to global and diverse futures in theological education.

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Resource Expo

The Resource Expo connected participants with organizations, services, and tools that support theological education.

Exhibitors and partners showcased resources, shared expertise, and engaged in conversations that sparked new ideas and possibilities for institutional growth and innovation.

 

Gathering Spaces

Gathering spaces provided dedicated opportunities for colleagues to connect across institutions, denominations, and professional roles.

These informal conversations fostered relationship-building, peer learning, and the exchange of experiences that strengthen the ATS community.

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Business Sessions: Decisions Shaping the Future 

The Biennial included essential governance work, where member schools engaged in discussion, voting, and shared decision-making. With representatives from 179 member schools participating, the business sessions were a prime example of the shared stewardship, accountability, and governance that are hallmarks of ATS membership.

Congratulations to New Associate Members !
Eleven schools were approved for Associate Membership, expanding the ATS community and strengthening its shared mission and future. ATS is now comprised of 290 schools.

Standards of Accreditation Updates

One of the most significant pieces of Biennial business was the approval of updates to the ATS Standards of Accreditation. These revisions represent the culmination of a multi-year process involving extensive consultation, research, feedback from the full membership, and deliberation by the Board of Commissioners. The approved changes are intended to strengthen the Standards while ensuring they remain responsive to the evolving realities of theological education.

 

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A fuller overview of the revisions and their implications will appear in the September issue of Colloquy.

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Key Votes and Governance Actions 

In addition to the vote on the Standards of Accreditation, member schools carried out the essential governance work of the Association through discussion, voting, and shared decision-making. Actions included the election of new members to the Board of Directors and Board of Commissioners, revisions to Bylaws and governing documents, and consideration of matters that will shape the future direction of ATS and the Commission on Accrediting.

Awards Honoring Leadership and Impact 

The Biennial celebrated leaders whose service, scholarship, and vision have significantly shaped theological education across contexts. 

2026 Women in Leadership Trailblazer Award

Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes
Executive Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Professor of Religion & Black Studies, Boston University School of Theology

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2026 Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Janet Clark
Dean Emerita, Tyndale Seminary and Former President of The Association of Theological Schools

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2026 Distinguished Service Award

Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke
President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary



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Save the Date
2028 ATS/COA Biennial Meeting
June 21-22, 2028

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Registration is by invite only. Questions can be directed to biennial@ats.edu.

© 2026 The Association of Theological Schools, All Rights Reserved
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