February 24, 2025
by Greg Henson, CEO Kairos University
Working Together in the Vineyard is the name of a large-scale collaborative project led by Kairos University. We are seeing God move in and through theological education and ministry development through innovative, collaborative approaches. As we complete the second year of this initiative, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment, we celebrate extraordinary growth, deepened partnerships, and the work God is doing in and through the lives of pastoral leaders, students, and institutions across Kairos’ expanding network.
Strengthening the Kairos Network
A key goal of this project is to foster collaboration among a wide array of kingdom-minded organizations to cultivate an educational ecosystem that is affordable, accessible, relevant, and faithful. After two years, we have made significant strides toward this goal.
Increasing Enrollment, Reducing Costs, Enhancing Sustainability
These collaborative efforts have led to a profound increase in enrollment. In fact, since 2019, the total number of students has nearly doubled. During that same period of time, we have decreased total expenses by 25%, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of a decentralized operational model and a competency-based educational philosophy. These savings continue to be passed on to students through affordable tuition. For more than a decade now, Kairos has not raised the price of its tuition.
Expanding Contextualized Learning and Resource Development
To support the growing network of students and faculty, we have invested heavily in enhancing our competency-based theological education (CBTE) infrastructure. With a new mentor training process and the addition of a team of faculty mentor support liaisons, we have begun to strengthen the mentor teams across the community. We have also created a new processes and documentation for partner organizations so that they can more effectively implement their partnership with Kairos University. Advancements such as these and others continue to make it possible for students to learn in their own communities, apply their education in real time, and develop skills that are deeply relevant to their local context.
Multiplying Impact Through Regional and Global Partnerships
One of the most exciting aspects of year two has been watching our partners flourish. Several partners have begun developing their own learning hubs to serve students in their regions. As a result, we have hosted several regional gatherings for Kairos students in places like Phoenix, Tacoma, Boise, Cleveland, Berlin, Cologne, and Edmonton. These gathering opportunities for students, mentors, and faculty to engage in collaborative learning. In addition, members of our team have helped schools such as Southeastern University, Kingswood University, Bexley Seabury, Calvin Seminary, and Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary develop their own CBTE programs. Our approach to theological education is not just growing—it is being replicated and adapted by other theological institutions.
Stories of Transformation: Faculty, Students, and Partners
While numbers provide a measurable picture of our progress, the real impact of this project is found in the lives of those God places in our care. A faculty member at one of our partner institutions noted, “For the first time in nearly a decade, I am not the only biblical studies scholar at my school. I have a team!” Students across North America are engaging in local learning communities, which provide mentorship, peer support, and hands-on ministry experience. A pastor in North Carolina remarked, “The Kairos community challenges me to grow beyond my comfort zone in ministry, learning, and relationships.” One of our partners noted, “Through our partnership we are developing pastoral leaders who are not only growing in their understanding of scripture, theology, and pastoral practice, but also maturing in their faith as disciples of Jesus!”
Looking Ahead
Over the coming year of this project, we will finalize the integration of our legacy partners, continue to develop tools to support mentors and partners, find ways to foster even greater levels of collaboration and community among our staff and faculty, and begin to consider new methods for supporting a growing number of students and programs. What began as a small group of people focused on developing pastoral leaders has grown into an expansive community of Christ followers serving students in a wide array of contexts, vocations, and Christian traditions.
Conclusion: A Thriving, Sustainable Future
The Working Together in the Vineyard project is exceeding expectations, not only in numerical growth but in spiritual and community transformation. As enrollment continues to rise and costs remain low, we are seeing a sustainable, scalable model of theological education take root—one that is equipping faithful leaders without burdening them with debt.
At the heart of it all is a deep trust in God’s providence, a commitment to collaboration, and a belief that theological education should be affordable, accessible, relevant and faithful. This only happens in the context of community. We give thanks for the Spirit’s work and look forward to what God has in store for the future.