Join Missio Seminary in Celebrating 50 Years |
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A Note from President Frank James |
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I look forward to this time of year, not just because of the spring season beckoning our focus to renewal, but because we are preparing to celebrate another graduating class at Missio. This will be our 51st Commencement and I am excited to return to an in-person ceremony. I am extremely proud of our students who continued to push ahead in their studies during a year filled with many challenges and changes caused by the pandemic. I am equally proud of our faculty who continuously provide excellent instruction in the virtual classroom and have worked diligently to begin hybrid learning this fall.
Commencement will take place this year on June 4 and we have the privilege of honoring this year’s speaker, Pastor Calvin Reed of Lebanon Fellowship Baptist Church, with an honorary doctorate. Cal previously served as a board chair and has been a regular champion of the seminary. If you would like to celebrate this special day with us, you are welcome to attend the ceremony. Graduation will begin promptly at 11:00am at Church of the Saviour at 651 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne PA or you may participate via livestream by visiting www.missio.edu/commencement2022.
Additional good news--the faculty approved a new MA program at Missio that will focus on church and non-profit administration. Our research shows that, while pastors are equipped to share the Gospel, some feel uncertain about the operational side of managing a church or non-profit. As a seminary that trains people with the goal of following Jesus into the world, we recognize that this also means effective leadership and management of church operations. More information on the new program will be forthcoming.
In closing, it saddens me deeply that we are seeing all too often the horrific mass shootings and violence across the country. Yet we must remain hopeful:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:23-24
Please pray for healing at home and abroad, and pray for the hearts of people everywhere, especially those who do not know the peace and joy of knowing our Lord, Jesus.
Frank A. James III, DPhil, PhD
President and Professor of Historical Theology
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Faculty Appreciation Month |
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Students contribute so much to Missio Seminary. Watch what our President and faculty have to say about some of those significant contributions. |
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Educating Urban Ministers After 2020
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Part 2 continues the discussion of training pastors to effectively manage and deal with the changes in the church after 2020. Across the country, we have seen racial justice protests, political polarization, rapid culture change and radically altered context for ministry. This colloquia, in part, seeks to find the answers to the question: How to educate and shape the education of urban ministers. Missio will make the findings available through a special edition of the Journal of Urban Mission.
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Save the Date - June 16th, 6:30pm
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Mark your calendar for an upcoming virtual open house. During this open house, you will have a front row seat as you hear about the academic programs and learn about some important changes and updates. Invite others to join you...and don't forget, new students referred by an alum get a 15% discount!
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- REALChange Campaign -
35 More Days to Participate in Making Real Change for Missio Students
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"Ministry is, first of all, receiving God’s blessing from those to whom we minister. What is this blessing? It is a glimpse of the face of God."
-Henri Nouwen, The Spirituality of Fundraising
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If you have not made a gift yet this year (by June 30, 2022), please consider making your gift today. Thank you! |
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When we launched the REALChange: The Campaign for Missio nearly five years ago, we set our sights on changing more lives and deepening the impact of our ministry. How? By becoming more accessible, better equipped to tackle pressing issues, and more deeply invested in bringing the Gospel to the Philadelphia region and around the world.
Record-setting generosity from alumni and friends has advanced these goals and changed the lives of hundreds of students. They, in turn, are touching thousands of lives through their respective ministries.
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David T. Lamb, MacRae Professor of Old Testament and Dean of the Faculty, lectures in a classroom equipped for hybrid learning.
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As we prepare to close this campaign on June 30, 2022, I want to invite you to make yet another investment in this great work.
With your gift to Missio, you’ll join a growing community of friends and alumni who recognize the importance of providing the best preparation possible for ministry here at home and around the globe. We must raise nearly $175,000 between now and when our campaign closes on June 30. Please join us and help close this critical gap in these remaining weeks!
Your choice to give is a vote of confidence in the call from God on our students, faculty, and leadership of Missio. Help others Follow Jesus into the World by making a gift at missio.edu/give/.
As we are defined by our unity, we are stronger with your generosity. Thank you for helping us prepare the next generation of ministry leaders through seminary training that challenges our students “to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with [our] God.”
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As you consider donating to the REALChange campaign, we recognize that donor participation comes in a variety of ways, including prayers, student referrals, and student sponsorships. We are truly blessed by and thank you for all you do. |
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Donor Event with President James |
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Missio recognizes friends of the Seminary with Commemorative 50th Anniversary Missio/Biblical Medallions |
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Recent, tragic events against the backdrop of a global pandemic have left many struggling with mental and emotional pain. Ten people were killed in a racially motivated hate crime in Buffalo, New York. Their friends, families, and extended communities are grieving the loss of innocent lives. Some are likely experiencing trauma symptoms, which could include fear, anxiety, helplessness, confusion, sadness, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, irritability, anger, and withdrawing or isolating.
In the past few months, five NCAA student-athletes—Katie Meyer, Jayden Hill, Robert Martin, Sarah Shulze, and Lauren Bernett—died by suicide, devastating their loved ones, teammates, and coaches. Sadly, they are not the only ones who have struggled to the point of thinking there was no other way to find relief as suicide is the second leading cause of death... Click Here to continue reading.
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The Diplomas have Arrived!
Dr. Colleen Willenbring, Registrar and Director of Academic Services, and Shaelagh Martin, Director of Library Services, prepare to review the diplomas for the graduating class of 2022! Judging by the smile below, it appears that Dr. Willenbring's hard work and attention to detail has created a worthy final product for our graduates!
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Dr. Willenbring plays a critical "behind-the-scenes" role in commencement. She has worked tirelessly to make this in-person ceremony special for our graduates. As everything comes together for the final day, we pray that she will relish in being used by God and enjoy all that the Lord has accomplished through her and her colleagues. We thank you for lovingly serving Missio students. |
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We are pleased to announce PULPIT (Program for Urban Leaders and Pastors in Transition) will graduate its second cohort on Saturday, June 4. Twelve program participants will participate in the graduation festivities, including a post-graduation celebration dinner, the graduation ceremony and receive their Certificate having completed the two-year program focused on helping clergy and leaders identify ways to thrive both personally and professionally. The third cohort began on May 15th at the Sandy Cove Ministries during our annual spring retreat.
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Join the growing family of entrepreneurs by enrolling in the online Certificate of Social Entrepreneurship. This program will take you from idea to startup and help you brand and build your business. |
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At the heart of every exceptional school are exceptional faculty and leaders with a loving heart for students. The Diploma Steering Committee met earlier this month to discuss program curriculum and enhancements for current and new students. |
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From Our Missio Community |
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The Lord is Working in and through
Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews
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The Reverend Dr. Valerie Andrews, PULPIT Program Director, graduated on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA., with her doctorate in Strategic Leadership Management. Her dissertation, “Developing a Program to Help Urban Pastors Cope with Compassion Stress”, focused on helping clergy effectively cope with and manage stressors of ministry that can lead to compassion stress, fatigue or vicarious trauma and other distress responses.
In addition, Dr. Andrews has been invited to serve on the Black Clergy Thriving In Ministry Panel at the 108th Hampton University Ministers’ Conference and the 88th Choir Directors’ and Organists’ Guild Workshop to be held June 6-8, 2022. The conference theme for the 2022 Hampton University Ministers’ Conference is “From Crisis to Opportunity.”
Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Andrews is participating in the Thriving in Ministry Black Clergy Working Group where she, along with her esteemed colleagues, discuss how Black pastors thrive in challeging times. Thriving in Ministry is managed by Leadership in Duke Divinity School and the Working Group is funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
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Brian Bae Serves as Interim Director of Admissions |
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Mr. Brian Bae has excitedly accepted to serve as the interim Director of Admissions. He has served in the Admissions Department for several years and brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, but most important, a willing spirit to help and support future and current students. |
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We'd love to hear from you! Join us on our Facebook Student and Alumni Group page and share with your fellow Missio Community!
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Graduates, don't forget your school gear from the Missio Store!
New items arrive regularly...take a look at the apparel, drinkware and many other items. Represent Missio this spring!
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Missio Seminary
421 N. 7th St., Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-368-5000
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We are a Christian seminary located in Philadelphia, PA. Our focus on missional theology and missional training will help prepare you for ministry no matter where you serve. |
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