Missio Seminary

-Following Jesus Into the World-

August 31, 2024

A Note from the President

I am delighted to share with you some exciting developments and recent highlights from our beloved institution. Our partnership with Kairos University continues to flourish, marking a significant step forward in our shared mission to prepare and equip the next generation of theologians and ministry leaders. 


We recently celebrated Missio's 53rd Commencement. The ceremony was a truly memorable event, made even more special as we celebrated this milestone together with Kairos University. It was a beautiful occasion where both Missio and Kairos students stood side by side, ready to embark on their respective callings. 


During the ceremony, we had the distinct honor of presenting Dr. Susan Baker with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering dedication to theological education and service. Additionally, Professor Steve Taylor was honored with Faculty Emeritus status, recognizing his many years of distinguished teaching and mentorship.


A highlight of the ceremony was the stirring commencement address delivered by Dr. Valerie Andrews. Her words were so powerful that they brought the audience and students to their feet, reminding us all of the vital importance of our mission.


As President, and as a graduate, I am grateful that we remain steadfast in producing well-equipped scholars and practitioners who are committed to following Jesus into the world. Our alumni continue to be a testament to the strength and faithfulness of our community.


Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we move forward together in this important work.


In Christ,

Dr. Clarence E. Wright

President and Clemens Professor of Missional Theology

President Dr. Clarence E. Wright offers opening remarks at Missio's 53rd Commencement.

Dean of Faculty, Dr. Dave Lamb, presents Professor Steve Taylor with the honor of Faculty Emeritus.

Dr. Kyuboem Lee presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Susan Baker.

Dr. Chang Hoon Oh prepares to present the Master of Theology Award.

Dr. Sue Baker, Dr. Chad Hinson, and Professor Steve Taylor (left to right).

Commencement Speaker Dr. Valerie Andrews.

Bishop Keith Reed, Pastor of Sharon Baptist Church.

Students get ready for their unforgettable commencement day.

Students cherish a heartfelt moment before graduation.

Student Bre DeBeauvernet is filled with overwhelming joy as she enjoys the rewards of her hard work.

WoonYong Park delivers a student testimony.

Willie Singletary shares a student testimony.

Students congratulate each other during their special day.

Doctor of Ministry Graduates.

Graduating Class of 2024!

Awards

Bre DeBeauvernet receives the President's Award.

Kevin Hardy receives the President's Award.

Bansug Kim receives the Biblical Language Award.

April Washington receives the Preaching Award.

Willie Singletary receives the Clayton and Ethel Zetty Award.

Marcus Ruffin receives Master of Divinity Award.

Kevin Pugh receives the Doctor of Ministry Award.

Stephanie Thomas-Gordon receives the Master of Arts Award.

James Churn Manuel Ortiz Urban Master of Divinity Award.

Jaejoon Han receives the Master of Theology Award.

New Opportunities: Celebrating Collaboration and Missio Seminary's Commitment to the Church

Missio Seminary has been richly blessed with remarkable opportunities as we follow Jesus into the world, and we are thrilled to share that even more promising possibilities are on the horizon! At its summer meeting, the Board of Trustees of Missio Seminary unanimously voted to deepen our collaboration with Kairos University. The vote highlights our commitment to the church, ministry, and discipleship. It also creates opportunities to deliver theological education in new and innovative ways while also making it more affordable and more accessible. 

 

Through this deepening relationship, students have access to programs and learning experiences provided by Kairos University, which include some of the most affordable accredited degree programs in the United States! This means students can take advantage of an affordable monthly tuition that is nearly 75% lower than Missio’s standard tuition. Students will also be supported by a mentor team throughout their program of study. We are excited about the doors God may open both in Philadelphia and globally. 

 

Alongside highlighting Missio’s commitment to the church, ministry, and discipleship, the Board of Trustees also moved to voluntarily surrender accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). As part of this process, the seminary was approved by the U.S. Department of Education to change its Title IV gatekeeper from Middle States to the Association of Theological Schools. Missio’s request to voluntarily surrender its accreditation and end membership with MSCHE is currently under review. The seminary will retain its accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the premier accrediting body for theological institutions in North America, as it has since becoming an associate member in 1992 and accredited member in 1996. The mission of ATS is “to promote the improvement and advancement of theological schools to benefit communities of faith and the broader public” which best aligns with our own Missional vision. The pending request with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education will not impact students or the benefits and services that Missio offers.

 

Missio Seminary students have the privilege to engage deeply in their studies, participate in transformative ministry work, and collaborate with a diverse array of partners who share our commitment to embodying and communicating the story of Jesus. As we continue on this journey, we eagerly look forward to sharing more about how future collaboration with Kairos University and our commitment to the church, ministry, and discipleship will enrich the mission of Missio Seminary and create even greater opportunities for our students and the broader community. We are filled with excitement and gratitude for what God has in store.

 

Over the course of the next several months, we will share more about this exciting development! Please stay tuned for updates, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at president@missio.edu.

 

Kairos University is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. To learn more about Kairos University’s unique approach to learning, you can read about it here.


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Missio Seminary
421 N. 7th St., Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-368-5000
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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