Over the past several weeks, we’ve been exploring questions about the future of theological education and Winebrenner’s participation in what God is doing (Part One, Part Two, Part Three). We began by imagining possibilities beyond our current circumstances. We then considered what we might discover by listening to young adults and recognizing how God is already at work in their lives. Both reflections lead to a third question:
In order to participate in what God is doing, who are we becoming?
This question shaped our September gathering of Winebrenner’s Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, where we focused on organizing and reorganizing around mission and strategy. Winebrenner’s mission remains unchanged: equipping leaders for service in God’s kingdom. However, remaining faithful to that mission does not necessarily mean maintaining the same organizational structures or responsibilities.
Every three years, Winebrenner conducts an organizational workload study to evaluate how our people, responsibilities, and resources align with our mission. Rather than assuming existing structures should remain unchanged, we consider what work is necessary, how it might best be organized, and where our people can contribute most effectively. Our organizational structures exist to serve our mission, not the other way around. This process reflects our commitment to Stewardship, one of three priorities in Winebrenner’s 2023–2028 Strategic Direction document, alongside Discipleship and Collaboration.
Alongside this organizational work, several personnel transitions have occurred. These transitions were not initiated as a staffing reduction or a response to budgetary constraints. They do, however, provide opportunities to consider how we organize responsibilities and support our mission.
- After more than ten years of service, Tom Weaver concluded his full-time responsibilities as Director of Finance in September. We are grateful for Tom’s faithful financial stewardship and his assistance with our current audit.
- David Bumgardner has also concluded his service as part-time Assistant for Stewardship and Marketing. We appreciate his contributions to Winebrenner’s development and communication efforts.
- In accreditation and assessment, we’ll soon be announcing a Coordinator of Accreditation and Assessment who will be working alongside Dr. Kathryn Helleman as she remains Director during this transitional season. This arrangement supports mentoring and continuity while Kathryn continues directing our growing Doctor of Ministry program and serving as Associate Professor of Christian Thought.
- Dr. Andrew Draper will also be stepping out of his role as Executive Director in early 2027. During our September meeting, the Board approved a new Distinguished Visiting Faculty designation and named Andrew its first recipient. Andrew and I have worked together to develop policies, procedures, processes, and an organizational dashboard that have strengthened our operations. His new designation provides opportunities for continued contributions through teaching, mentoring, and advising.
These transitions reflect our commitment to recognizing faithful service, developing people, and preserving historical knowledge.
Our organizational work extends beyond personnel. New relationships with bookkeeping and payroll companies provide additional administrative support and strengthen our financial processes. Winebrenner also continues adapting its educational work through curricular improvements, our first Spanish-language course, and ongoing education in five Ohio correctional settings. Together, these developments reflect our commitment to serving students and strengthening our capacity to fulfill our mission.
Organizational formation involves more than budgets, structures, and personnel decisions. It invites us to consider how our shared life reflects the character of Christ. Are we demonstrating humility in our decisions, wisdom in our stewardship, and generosity in our relationships?
Imagining possibilities opens us to new futures. Discernment invites us to listen for God’s leading. Faithful action translates what we’re learning into decisions about how we live and work together. The future of Winebrenner is not simply about what we will do. It is about who we are becoming as we participate in what God is already doing. May we continue becoming an organization characterized by trust, humility, courage, and a deep commitment to following Jesus.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President