With Gratitude and with Prayer
We are pleased to announce the launch of our Diploma Program September 2, 2021. This is a non-degree program oriented to those without a college degree, particularly those seeking to establish academic equivalency criteria for potential admission to our Master’s degree programs.
We want to thank Rev. Dr. Phil Ginyard, especially, for his vision and leadership in helping get the diploma program started. As a young man, Pastor Ginyard enrolled in a diploma program in the city of Philadelphia that paved the way for his academic career, which eventually led to his obtaining a Master of Divinity degree from Missio Seminary in 2011, and then a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2016. What started as an undergraduate diploma eventuated into a doctorate!
Rev. Dr. Ginyard was the original director of Missio’s Diploma program, but, unfortunately, was diagnosed with ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”) in the summer of 2019 and had to step out of this leadership role. Nevertheless, he left a lasting influence on the goals and structure and curriculum of the program; and he continues to offer support and affirmation of the personnel and program even to this day. We pray for Phil, his family, and for the congregation and leadership of the First Baptist Church of Swedesboro, NJ, where Rev. Dr. Ginyard served as pastor until having to step out of that role, too.
We are very pleased to have Rev. Dr. Chad Hinson (DMin, 2020) serving as the director of the Diploma program. Dr. Hinson has a passion for serving the often-overlooked-and-under-served populations of Bible-believing, Christ-following leaders and students of Scripture in the city of Philadelphia, as well as the urban centers of Delaware and New Jersey. His leadership skill, pastoral care expertise, passion for providing paths forward for gifted people denied opportunity, and his well-connectedness in the urban centers of the tristate area, have truly been a godsend. We truly thank God for Rev. Dr. Hinson.
Professor R. Todd Mangum, PhD
Clemens Professor of Missional Theology
Director of Master of Theology Program
Rev. Dr. Ginyard
Rev. Dr. Hinson
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”  – James 1:25
I blew it! Teaching a bible class at my church, I realized that an answer I gave to a question about post-exilic Israel was totally wrong! This recognition of my insufficient theological knowledge; along with various other contributing factors prompted by the Holy Spirit, was the motivation for my decision to pursue seminary education.
My journey began with enrollment in a seminary diploma program, which allowed me, as a working professional, to attend classes in the evenings. The diploma program also afforded me an entry level path to performing the demands of coursework, especially after being out of the academic environment for a number of years.
My desire to pursue seminary education was set aflame by the diploma program and resulted in the continuation of my educational journey with enrollment in the Master of Divinity and, subsequently, the Doctor of Ministry program at Missio Seminary. Missio provided an encouraging and nurturing atmosphere to learn and firmly develop in my ministry, through their emphasis on teaching missional theology.
So, if you’re considering attending an academic program to advance your biblical and theological knowledge, I would wholly endorse the Missio Seminary Diploma Program. You may find yourself set on the path of unimagined achievement – so you don’t blow it!
Rev. Dr. Philip J. Ginyard
Missio Graduate
MDiv (2011); DMin (2016)
