Missio Seminary
ďťżFollowing Jesus into the World
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Continue to Press
-A letter from the Editor-
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"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14
As I scribe this letter, bittersweet is one word that continues to come to mind. As President Dr. Frank A. James passes the proverbial torch to President-elect Dr. Clarence E. Wright tomorrow, July 1, 2023, I cannot help but reflect on these two giants on whose shoulders I stand.
Dr. J, as he is affectionately known, is as grounded and humble as it gets. He is a strategic visionary and is passionate about getting to know students, teaching, working hard for the Lord, and enjoying his family. I experienced Dr. J as a student in the classroom where he taught World Christian History. I also got to know him as a staff member where I served as the Director of Events and Communication.
He was consistently the same no matter what scenario brought us together. One of the things I appreciated the most was his attention and dedication to the students. Before Zoom and COVID, I would wear a baseball cap to every class at Missio and I remember there was just one time I did not. As I headed to the classroom of another professor, I ran into Dr. J and he looked at me quizzically and asked, âNicole, where is your hat?â I thought, â...wow, he doesnât miss a thing! How could someone so busy and focused on running the seminary recognize a student missing her cap?' It really meant a lot to me that he was so keenly aware of the students and it also spoke volumes to how much he cares.
Dr. Wright is an emblazoned leader in and out of the classroom. Even on Zoom, he commands the audience. I experienced Dr. Wright as a colleague and professor and quickly learned of the burning fire that was shut up in his bones. I remember sitting in class wanting to know everything he knew and wondering if I ever could. He brought gifts out of me that I didnât know I had and made me feel confident in my ability to share Godâs Word.
In Dr. Wright's classroom, we embraced topics that would help us not just be better preachers and pastors, but better human beings. He was a stickler for following protocols, and we needed him to be. Dr. Wright took us to new levelsâŚinto areas that had previously been unknown and opened our eyes to the truth. I am a better theologian and person because of him.
Collectively, Drs. James and Wright prompted me to always remember humility and authenticity. The love they both demonstrated at all times and for all people revealed a very critical leadership quality and, as a staff member, it made Missio one of the best places to work. In addition, they are absolute experts in their respective areas and that translated to students being beyond prepared for life after seminary. Last but not least, they were both deliberate in their commitment to be an advocate for social justice which encouraged me to use every opportunity available to follow Jesus into the world and create positive change.
Thank you so very much for making such a profound difference in my life as well as every single person who crossed both of your paths. Farewell President James and welcome President Wright...I love you both dearly.
Continue to press,
Nicole
Nicole Showell, MA, MDiv
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Watch Missio's 52nd Commencement Ceremony |
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(In case you missed it or want to watch it again...click image below) |
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Missio Seminary Award Ceremony
Congratulations!
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Join us for a preview session to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with Missio! This is an opportunity for you to talk with and meet our new President, Dr. Clarence E. Wright, along with faculty and staff.
The Preview is a time just for you to ask questions about our programs, application process, tuition and fees, and more. So save July 24th at 6:00pm for a virtual meet and greet. We can't wait to see you!
We welcome you to join us via Zoom using this link or pasting the link below in your browser.
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Dr. Todd Mangum, the longest serving professor at Missio Seminary. |
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As a Missio trilogy student (MAC '07, MDiv '22, and current DMin 2024), I had the amazing pleasure of learning from one of the most respected and brilliant theologians and scholars of our time. To experience Dr. Mangum meant to know rigorous academics; it meant to know a man who was eager to teach but just as eager to learn; it meant knowing that when you completed his course, your capacity to engage in thoughtful and meaningful discussions would be elevated tenfold; it meant knowing more of Jesus.
There will never be another like this man. His heightened expectations of his students were slightly massaged by his engaging personality. He brought a harmonious balance to class by integrating humor, intellectually stimulating lectures, the occasional pop quiz, and a natural gift of authenticity...even with all of his accolades and accomplishments, he was never too big to serve and care for us.
He would regularly remind his students that family comes first and not to neglect family for the sake of an 'A'...take the grade of 'B' or 'C' if it meant honoring the family. And while I could not allow a B or C đ, it was reassuring to know that he was aware of the hierarchy of priorities and he cared enough to make sure we knew them too.
Dr. Mangum, as I complete my last year in my DMin program, and you move on to becoming the next President/Head of School at Phil-Mont Christian Academy, I will forever cherish you and your gentle and loving spirit that has blessed me more than you will know. Phil-Mont is going to another level with you at the helm. I love you Dr. Mangum. đ
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As Director of Events and Communications at Missio, creating the Missio Update newsletter for your review and enjoyment was one of my favorite tasks because it allowed me to share all of the great things God was doing in and through the Missio family: our alum, supporters, students, staff and faculty.
Helping you stay connected was very important to our leadership and to me. We kept you apprised of what our community was doing locally as well as abroad. We shared stories from India, Korea, France, Africa and more. In every issue, you could look forward to a personal note from President Frank James where he shared information that was meaningful and encouraging. The Update also kept you current with our remarkable faculty and the trails they were blazing following Jesus into the world.
My time as Director ends today and this is the last Missio Update I will create for your viewing pleasure. It is my true hope that the love poured into each edition made you feel proud of and connected to your Missio family.
Iâd like to give a special thanks to the incredible people I worked with along the way who regularly contributed to the Missio Update, as follows:
Dr. David Lamb â you are a true inspiration and the work you do is such a blessing to the Kingdom. I am grateful that the Lord allowed me the opportunity to know you. It was an absolute honor and privilege to be taught by and work alongside someone in your ranks! You are a reflection of the caliber of faculty at MissioâŚthey hire and retain the best so students could be their best.
Dr. Kyuboem Lee â I am excited to continue learning from you in the final year of my DMin. Your knowledge and expertise in missiology, culture and community have really enriched my ability to serve and love others...and this is critical for all pastors and people in ministry. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and dedication.
Wendy Walters â a true Missio ambassador. You worked tirelessly for our supporters, our students and alumâŚyou are a Kingdom treasure. I miss you already! May His light continue to shine through you.
Dr. Todd Mangum â I believe I said it already!
To the staff, faculty, and board, thank you and Godâs continued blessings upon you.
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Wrapping Up Another Edifying Season of Breakfast with Missio |
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We praise God for your faithfulness in supporting Breakfast with Missio for another season. To be able to start our morning with the Bible, breakfast and the brightest theologians in Pennsylvania was a true blessing and we could not have done it without you. You came from near and far to learn, to fellowship and to support our beloved Missio community and for that, we are grateful.
If you would like additional information or have questions about Breakfast with Missio, please contact Bob Thompson.
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Pastoral Health with PULPIT
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" -Matthew 11:28
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On May 22, the PULPIT Program sponsored a one-day conference that focused on pastoral health. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight and Dr. E. Dewey Smith shared messages that truly resonated with the audience and renewed a fresh fire in their spirit. We are grateful for Drs. Chad Hinson and Clarence Wright for making this an amazing event and prioritizing the health of pastors in Philadelphia and beyond.
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From Our Missio Community |
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Dr. Phil Ginyard earned a DMin at Missio after completing his MDiv degree through the Urban Lead program. He had a vision for starting a Diploma program at Missio and it is because of his vision and faithfulness that Missio celebrated the first graduating class of the Diploma Program during our 52nd Commencement on June 3.
Dr. Ginyard went to be with the Lord on May 5, but his legacy continues. I encourage you to visit the Disabled Disciple website and blog he founded during his illness.
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Our Alum are Doing Great Things! |
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We are praying for Monica as she prepares to pastor and teach in her new church home. God is faithful and we are proud of you Monica!
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A Favorite Missio Moment Revisited |
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Whether it's for the first time or the second, enjoy this heartening video montage of "Why Missio". |
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Follow Us on Social Media |
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We'd love for you to like our pages and keep up with Missio Seminary! Follow us today and support what God is doing in and through Missio. |
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We are a Christian seminary located in Philadelphia, PA. Our focus is missional theology and missional training to prepare you for ministry no matter where you serve. |
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Missio Seminary
421 N. 7th St., Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-368-5000
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