There are big changes at Missio Seminary. After 10 years of ministry at Missio, the time has come for me to enter the ranks of the retired. When I arrived from Boston in 2013, my mantra was “reimagining seminary education,” and together I think we have made real progress. And now with the prospect of the Kairos partnership, there will be new global and local opportunities for Missio to “follow Jesus into the world”.  I will officially step down on 1 July 2023.

But that is not all. The board has voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Clarence E. Wright as the next president of Missio Seminary. Clarence is well known to the Missio community. He has both an MA and an MDIV from Missio and his DMIN is from the historic Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY. He currently serves as Professor of Practical Theology at Missio. Clarence “practices” his missional theology in a variety of ways. He is Senior Pastor of the Love Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia and is active in the Philadelphia community where he serves as the Pennsylvania State President in the Progressive National Baptist Convention; President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and as the board chair for Chosen 300 Ministries (an international missions organization with more than 20 locations worldwide).  As pastor of Love Zion, he founded the Center for Economic Empowerment, a subsidiary nonprofit organization focused on wholistic financial wellness for residents of North Philadelphia and beyond. Outside of the pulpit he is a published author and poet, and an accomplished gospel organist. Clarence is married to Corinne R. Wright, a software engineer, and the proud father of Clover, Lael and Elliott. Clarence will officially take the helm of Missio Seminary on 1 July 2023.

The last 10 years of ministry at Missio Seminary have been the highlight of my nearly 40 years in higher education. Together we have endured challenges and enjoyed many blessings from the Lord. As I take my leave, I am especially gratified that Clarence Wright will continue to advance the missional heritage in Philadelphia. I know of no one who better exemplifies our core values (Charity, Humility, Integrity, Mutual Respect and Excellence). Those core values are not just institutional standards but transformative kingdom ethics.

I want to express my deep gratitude to the board, faculty, staff, students and donors who have been such a blessing to me over the last decade. I will depart from Missio with a heart full of gratitude.

Your Brother,

FAJ