People often step away from collaborative efforts because of branding concerns, financial disagreements, lack of imagination, or resistance to change. I’ve encountered all of these. Early in my career, the prevailing mindset was competitive: students chose one school, and that meant another school lost. This zero-sum thinking is reinforced by higher education rankings that reward exclusivity over access.
But God’s Kingdom is eternal, while our methods must be flexible and responsive. One small but important shift is reconsidering what we measure. Instead of asking “Who gets to ‘count’ the student?” we might ask, “How many collaborative partnerships are we cultivating?” or “How many of our students are taking classes elsewhere?” These questions prompt us to rethink outdated systems and metrics in favor of Kingdom-oriented values.
Collaboration also requires us to keep costs low and build adaptable structures that welcome innovation. Too often, theological disagreements result in combative “culture wars” that divide us. We need new metaphors – language rooted in ecosystems and mutual flourishing, not militaristic division.
Though many speak of collaboration, few practice it deeply. Yet Scripture invites us into hospitality, shared purpose, and Kingdom partnership. When we stop viewing each other as competitors and start seeing each other as co-laborers, new possibilities open up for impact and faithfulness.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President