50th Anniversary Celebration
Missio has reason to celebrate—and celebrate all year long. As of 2021, MISSIO is celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry to the Philadelphia region (1971-2021). The Holy Spirit is alive and well and will not be quarantined.
Our celebration will look back but also look forward. We will recognize the foundation that was laid by our two founders: Dr. Allan MacRae and Dr. Jack Murray—one was a scholar and the other an evangelist. Together they embodied a spirit that joined serious Bible study a with a missionary’s zeal to share the Gospel—but always with a gracious and respectful understanding of the cultural context—”theirs was a Gospel with legs.”
One of the signs of a healthy organization is growth. I am not talking about numerical growth (although that has happened). I am talking about spiritual growth. We have grown in our self-understanding; we have grown in our understanding of Scripture; and we have grown in compassion, grace, and love of God and neighbor. We have recommitted ourselves to metro Philadelphia—urban and suburban.
Nothing demonstrates that growth better than the missional turn nearly 20 years ago. Dr. David Dunbar led what was then Biblical Seminary to become one of the first seminaries in the US to embrace a full throttled missional theology. It has been my privilege to continue the missional emphasis by changing our name to reflect better our missional commitment and then to move into the city to live out God’s mission. We have tried our best to be strategic, wise, and faithful to the original vision of MacRae and Murray as we seek to serve Philadelphia and the North East corridor from New York City to Washington DC. It has been quite a ride even if it has been bumpy at times. Today, we still stand on the shoulders of remarkable leaders. And we intend to celebrate.
Join me in celebrating God’s blessings upon MISSIO Seminary for the last 50 years with a view to how He will bless in the next 50 years.
Frank A. James III, DPhil, PhD
President and Professor of Historical Theology
Missio Seminary
Introducing the Diploma Program
We are pleased to announce the launch of our Diploma Program starting September 2, 2021. This is a non-degree program oriented to those…
May 13 Webinar: Participating with Our Missional God
The purpose for this webinar is to pause, recognize, and celebrate the ways in which God has and is working through Missio counseling…
Stories from Our Korean Alumni
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, we hear memories and inspiration from Rev. Kang (MDiv '86, ThM '87) and Rev.…
Biblical Seminary Memories with Rev. Pakala
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Rev. Jim Pakala shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
April 15: Missio Seminary Presidents Unite
Dr. David Dunbar and Dr. Frank James join together to discuss the changes in the church, culture and the seminary.
Matt Millen on why Missio is Important
We asked Matt Millen to tell us why he and his wife Pat are committed to the mission of the seminary.
Arthur R. White Scholarship
As a seminary with a missional commitment, we are honored to join in aiding African American students in receiving the education they…
Feb 25 Webinar: We’ve Come This Far By Faith
Contributions of Missio's black students, alumni, staff, faculty and board members will be highlighted for Black History Month.
Feb 11 Webinar: The Meaning of Missional
It has been nearly 20 years since Biblical Seminary took the missional turn and reconfigured its identity and curriculum.
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years
As of 2021, MISSIO is celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry to the Philadelphia region (1971-2021).
Webinars
August 20 Webinar: Sexism and Racism
Join us as we continue our discussion on racism, with an emphasis on sexism as manifested in the workplace and the church.
July 30 Webinar: Racism and the American Church
On Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 7:30-9 PM, Missio Seminary will foster authentic discussion on the history of racism within American…
July 9 Webinar: African Americans and Asians Together
This forum seeks to explore how the two branches of the church can speak the truth in love for the sake of a common work of shalom in the…
June 25 Webinar: Becoming an Authentic Ally
This panel will explore this critical issue at the heart of what it means for us to be one body in Christ at this time in our history.
June 11 Town Hall: Courageous Conversations on Race Relations
On Thursday, June 11, 2020 from 7-8:30 PM, Missio Seminary will foster authentic discussion on racial reconciliation.
June 18: Faith & Leadership When Lives Are on the Line
On June 18, 7-8:30 PM Major Marcus Millen of the United States Army will share helpful strategies to navigate through this season and…
Faith in the Marketplace 2020: Faith & Work During COVID-19
In this online Faith in the Marketplace Conference, local business professionals & leaders talk about the integration of faith & work…
Missio Events
Biblical Seminary Memories with Dr. Newman
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Dr. Bob Newman shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
Gracious Hospitality: Welcoming My New Neighbor
To understand the history, culture, current context, and how Christians can be neighbors of the Afghan refugees.
Nov. 18: Faith and the Justice System
Discussion of current & potential relationships between communities & police officers motivated by a desire to be good citizens creating…
October 21: Writers Coffeehouse
This will be an informal discussion about writing, the writing process and getting published. President Frank James and his wife, Carolyn…
Class of 1972 Virtual Reunion: Celebrating The First Graduating Class
As a part of our 50th anniversary celebration, Missio was blessed to celebrate honor and thank our first graduating class of 1972.
June 17: 2021 Korean Missional Conference
In this Korean-language webinar, Rev. Lee highlights the importance of missional churches becoming engaged in the local community.
June 11: Faith in the Marketplace 2021
Hear from Dr. R. Todd Mangum and local business leaders as they discuss how to build upon our faith to move forward from crises, including…
June 5: Missio Seminary’s 50th Commencement
Missio's 50th Commencement will be live-streamed from this page.
May 13 Webinar: Participating with Our Missional God
The purpose for this webinar is to pause, recognize, and celebrate the ways in which God has and is working through Missio counseling…
April 15: Missio Seminary Presidents Unite
Dr. David Dunbar and Dr. Frank James join together to discuss the changes in the church, culture and the seminary.
Faculty & Alumni Blog
MISSIO on MISSION to Share Some Good News
Enjoy anecdotes from our amazing alums, new & exciting stories from current students, and experience the passion that goes into teaching…
Interview: Former Missio Board Chair Richard Yeskoo
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Former Missio Board Chair (1992-1999), Richard Yeskoo shares historical…
Journal of Urban Mission 7:1
Volume 7 Issue 1 is dedicated to the theme of #churchtoo. Abuse of power and leadership failures may be nothing new in churches, but that…
Recognition of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a recognition of Black American life and resilience, and honors the contributions of Black Americans to this country.
Dr. Heath on Self-Care
Rev. Dr. Heath reminds us that self-care is not selfish, but important for our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional care so we can…
Statement on the Chauvin Verdict
The video of the death of George Floyd still haunts us today. Seeing George Floyd slowly and painfully lose his life, has left us…
Stories from Our Korean Alumni
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, we hear memories and inspiration from Rev. Kang (MDiv '86, ThM '87) and Rev.…
Biblical Seminary Memories with Rev. Pakala
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Rev. Jim Pakala shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
Statement Against Anti-Asian Racism
As followers of Jesus we are deeply troubled by the murderous attacks in Atlanta.
Matt Millen on why Missio is Important
We asked Matt Millen to tell us why he and his wife Pat are committed to the mission of the seminary.
Happenings & News
March 24 Event: Virtual Open House
You are invited to a March 24th virtual open house for Doctor of Ministry Program.
PULPIT Virtual Open Houses
You are invited to virtual open houses for the PULPIT programs
The Polis Institute
Missio Seminary receives its second $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment. This will be used to empower church and lay leaders.
A Catalyst for Senior Pastoral Leadership
An excerpt on Senior Leadership from Pastor Keon Gerow and Dr. Sean Wise
WHY WE LOVE MISSIO
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, we hear from our students and alumni on why they love Missio. #ILOVEMISSIO
Biblical Seminary Memories with Dr. Newman
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, Dr. Bob Newman shares stories of the BTS/Missio younger years.
Gracious Hospitality: Welcoming My New Neighbor
To understand the history, culture, current context, and how Christians can be neighbors of the Afghan refugees.
Nov. 18: Faith and the Justice System
Discussion of current & potential relationships between communities & police officers motivated by a desire to be good citizens creating…
October 21: Writers Coffeehouse
This will be an informal discussion about writing, the writing process and getting published. President Frank James and his wife, Carolyn…
Missio Around The World
As Missio continues celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry, we hear from from our students and alumni from around the world.
Newsletter Archive
New Opportunities for the Missio Community: Highlighting Collaboration and Our 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. Read More.
Spring 2025
Summer 2024
Summer 2023
Winter 2021
- February 22 – Missio Update
- January 25 – 50th Anniversary Announcement
- January 7 – Message from Dr. James
Fall 2020
- December 22 – Missio Update & Christmas Message from Dr. James
- November 24 – Missio Update
- October 22 – Missio Update
- September 2 – Missio Update
Summer 2020
- August 19 – Missio Update
- August 5 – Missio Update
- July 22 – Missio Update
- July 8 – Missio Update
- June 24 – Missio Update and Letter from the President
- June 17 – Missio Update
- June 9 – Missio Update
- June 3 – Missio Update and Letter from the President
Spring 2020
- May 27 – Missio Update
- May 20 – Missio Update
- May 13 – Missio Update
- May 7 – Video Message
- April 29 – Video Message
- April 22 – Video Message and News
- April 21 – COVID-19 Update from Missio
- April 16 – Video Message from President Frank James
- April 8 – Update from Missio
- April 1 – Update from Missio
Blog Landing Page
What's Happening at Missio
Join us as we follow Jesus into the world through the many happenings at Missio as our community of missional leaders bring the Gospel to life. Navigate with the links below and sign up for the convenience of a monthly newsletter to update you by email.
Lamenting in Seasons of Suffering
One helpful practice when walking through a season of suffering is writing a lament or a series of laments
Sunday’s Sermon
We share in the grief of friends and family who lost loved ones to the unspeakable violence in Buffalo
June 4: Missio Seminary’s 51st Commencement
Missio's 51st Commencement will be live-streamed from this page.
March 24 Event: Virtual Open House
You are invited to a March 24th virtual open house for Doctor of Ministry Program.
PULPIT Virtual Open Houses
You are invited to virtual open houses for the PULPIT programs
Hands on the Gospel Plow Webinar
Take an insightful journey with us as we delve into the missional history of the Black church moderated by Missio’s Assistant Professor of…
Black History Month Video Message
As we celebrate Black History Month at Missio Seminary, President Frank James shares the impact Black missional leaders have had on him and…
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
A Heartfelt Discussion with Sister Thelma White and Pastor Kevin Haynesworth
The Polis Institute
Missio Seminary receives its second $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment. This will be used to empower church and lay leaders.
When Moderation and Justice Collide
Somehow justice, mercy, and humility belong together in a Christian social ethic. I think that is at least part of what MLK was telling us.
