August 18, 2017—Vol. 11, No. 34 This week I’ve invited my friend Dr. Brent Sleasman, President of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, to share important information about the news that WTS plans to sell their Findlay Campus to The University of Findlay. Christ’s Peace, Lance |
We, at Winebrenner, are blessed to have proactive leaders who are constantly identifying ways to ensure that our seminary can thrive in the present and the future. Recently, The University of Findlay (UF) made an offer to purchase Winebrenner’s facility at 950 North Main Street in Findlay, Ohio. After giving full consideration to that offer, the Board voted to sell the building to UF to free up financial resources to invest in our mission, while at the same time maintaining our independence and identity.
As many of you well know, institutions of higher education are being challenged in ways unlike any in our nation’s history. Winebrenner’s Board of Trustees continually seeks the best ways to serve our students and honor the historical relationship with the Churches of God, General Conference. Winebrenner Theological Seminary began in 1942 as the Graduate School of Theology within Findlay College. Throughout the 75 years of Winebrenner’s existence, many things have remained constant including our commitment to equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom. But as much as we have remained true to our mission, the climate in which we have carried it out has greatly evolved over the past few decades.
Higher education institutions everywhere, including seminaries, are confronting a significant array of challenges and opportunities today. The Board of Trustees has determined that now is the time to take steps in order to remain strong for generations to come. It is a privilege for Winebrenner to sit adjacent to the campus of The University of Findlay and we are looking forward to a new season of partnership and collaboration.
Along with our Board members, it is my belief that this agreement will help Winebrenner rise to meet the financial and missional challenges we are facing. As news of the sale of the building has begun to circulate, we have received several questions and I want to take a moment and answer many of these so that you have a better understanding of what this does and doesn’t mean for Winebrenner’s present and future.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Does the sale of the building mean that the Winebrenner’s offices and classrooms will be moving?
- No. Winebrenner will sign a 10-year lease that will allow all administration, faculty and staff offices to co-locate on the second floor of the current facility. The lease agreement also provides an opportunity for Winebrenner to continue utilizing the current building for classrooms and meetings. In other words, we will continue to use the building in a very similar manner as we are now; only, we will be leasing space as opposed to serving as owner and occupier.
Does the sale of the building mean that The University of Findlay will take over operations of Winebrenner?
- No. While the two schools will collaborate on some operational functions, Winebrenner will continue to be independent and autonomous in terms of governance, finances, and day-to-day work.
Does the sale of the building mean that Winebrenner is merging with The University of Findlay?
- No. Winebrenner will continue to be independent and oversee its own governance, mission, and financial strength.
Will groups within the Churches of God, General Conference still be able to utilize Winebrenner’s building for events?
- Yes. Although, we are still working out some details such as what the cost will be to lease the space, the scheduling process will remain similar to how it is now.
Where will the money from the sale of the building go?
- The funds from the sale of the building will be used to pay off existing debt and meet the expectations of our main accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, related to upcoming financial reports that we will need to submit. The funds will also provide the financial margin for continuing to build the necessary infrastructure to fulfill our mission of equipping leaders for service in God’s kingdom.
What is the decision timeline?
- The Winebrenner Board of Trustees voted on July 26, 2017, to accept the offer made by The University of Findlay (who subsequently affirmed this decision on July 27, 2017). Because both schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission we are awaiting their final approval of the transaction and anticipate that this will be received no later than April 2018.
Will this agreement lead to academic collaboration between Winebrenner and The University of Findlay?
- There are many collaborative opportunities yet to be discovered and we desire to see this transaction propel conversations leading to events for dual alumni, the focused recruitment of undergraduate students at The University of Findlay who arrive on that campus with an awareness and desire to pursue a graduate degree offered by Winebrenner, and the discovery of avenues in which new donors can contribute to the Christian Heritage that is so vital to both campuses.
Is Winebrenner the only seminary facing financial challenges?
- No. Across the country, many seminaries have sought various options to address similar obstacles. Some have sold their campuses and relocated; others have merged with nearby universities. Winebrenner is pursuing a creative third option: neither the sell-and-vacate strategy nor the merger strategy, but rather an agreement that protects the Seminary’s independence and ability to reside on campus for years to come, while at the same time freeing up resources to invest in the core of our educational mission. Although creative, Winebrenner and The University of Findlay are not the only institutions to explore this option. In fact, much of the language and structure of this FAQ section is borrowed (with permission) from Christian Theological Seminary and Butler University as they explore a similar solution to the current challenges of higher education.
Many hours have been spent in prayerful conversations and meetings seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance throughout this process. As with the Scotland Campus decision, I recognize that not everyone will agree that this is the best course of action. As with that resolution, I can affirm that those who have arrived at the conclusion that selling the building to The University of Findlay is the best option for this time in Winebrenner’s history have done their best to consider all sides of the issue and work through as many questions and concerns as possible.
In closing, I’m reminded of Psalm 127:1, that “unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” This decision isn’t guided by personal legacies or a desire to serve human purposes. The goal is to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) as we seek to equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns about any information contained in this post (my email address is [email protected] and Winebrenner’s phone number is 1.800.992.4987). I welcome the opportunity to discuss the future of Winebrenner Theological Seminary with you.
It’s a privilege to work alongside you as we serve God together.
Brent C. Sleasman, Ph.D.
President, Winebrenner Theological Seminary