Strategic Plan
CTS 2030: Project Transformation
“What is God inviting us to consider?”
The future of CTS starts with our planning now. We met with hundreds of stakeholders—thought leaders in theological education, alumni, church, and community leaders in Indianapolis—to find answers to one critical question: What is God inviting us to consider? We knew we had to be deliberate and thoughtful in our approach in order to create a forward-looking plan that embodies a persuasive and hopeful image of the future and a credible path toward achievement of this vision. After many discussions, our planning culminated in CTS 2030: Project Transformation—a vision for where we want to be in less than a decade, as well as our path toward that destination.
Key things to know about 2030 Project Transformation:
- It emphasizes CTS’ role as a seminary, a place of scholarship and spiritual formation.
- It recognizes the central role of the church in impacting community and public life.
- It focuses on preparing learners for real world leadership.
- It solidifies our commitment to work through the church—congregations and denominations, clergy and lay leaders—with liberative and life-affirming action, restoring individuals and communities to wholeness.
Goal #1
Increase Enrollment
Increasing enrollment is a prioritized goal, not only because it is a general indicator of health for an academic community, but also because it is a measure of relevance and quality. When individuals, congregations, or denominations seek enrollment at CTS they are affirming the programs and experiences offered by the institution.
2021-2022 Highlights
- Developed enrollment metrics for each degree program
- Piloted a digital marketing campaign
- Revised a strategy for the Doctor of Ministry program
2022-2023 Focus
- Engage in an Enrollment-based Market Research Project
- Develop a segmented marketing strategy for various degree programs
- Review and update the degree program application process
2023-2024 Focus
Goal #2
Provide a Lifelong Learning Approach to Educate Church and Community Leaders
2021-2022 Highlights
- Redesigned the MDiv degree program for greater accessibility
- Developed Advisory Councils (Interfaith, Theological Education, Judicatory)
- Designed a Micro-Credentialing Program
2022-2023 Focus
- Review and revise the MTS degree program
- Launch Promotion for New Programs
- Launch Micro-Credentialing and Public Course Programs
2023-2024 Focus
Goal #3
Establish Justice Resources for the Church
2021-2022 Highlights
- Completed a Needs Assessment for a Justice Center
- Completed a True Justice Discussion Guide through the Faith & Action Project
- Established a Capacity Study for the Justice Resource Center
2022-2023 Focus
- Complete Racial Bias Audit of the Institution
- Discern how to connect the Faith & Action Project with Congregational Justice Resource Needs
- Analyze Needs Assessment Data to inform Justice Resource Needs
2023-2024 Focus
Goal #4
Establish Excellence in Institutional Infrastructure
Establishing excellence in institutional infrastructure is a critical step to support the desired experience and activities of learners, staff, faculty and others with whom CTS engages, as well as those with whom we desire to work.
2021-2022 Highlights
- Hired a full-time Director of Human Resources
- Created and launched a New Website
- Created an internal Racial Bias Audit Committee
- Completed a Fundraising Campaign Assessment
2022-2023 Focus
- Create a Long Range Institutional Financial Plan
- Establish an Enterprise Risk Management Process
- Track Key Metrics for the Strategic Plan
- Participate in Change Initiative Grant
- Complete Campaign Preparedness Workplan