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
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Missio Events
March 18 Event: GSOC Open House
You are invited to the Missio Seminary Graduate School of Counseling Open House on March 18th from 6 to 8:30 pm.
March 23 Event: Money for Ministries
Thomas Skinner will provide expert advice on Money for Ministries: Creating a Culture of Generosity.
February 28 Event: Connection & Conversation Night
Join Dr. Todd Mangum, fellow alums, students and friends for some fun, laughter, learning, prayer and snacks.
Founders’ Day 2018
As the seminary moves forward in pursuit of God’s bold vision for our future we stand on the shoulders of our founders who launched this…
Teaching to Change Lives – 1 Credit Hour Seminar
Most of us go into ministry to see people transformed by the gospel. Sadly, the reality is that many people who come to Christian services…
October 16 Event: Blood Drive
Since 2010, Biblical has partnered with the American Red Cross by hosting regular blood drives. We invite you to join us for the upcoming…
October 6 Event: Founders’ Day Celebration & Open House
As BTS embarks on a new journey into the city of Philadelphia as Missio Seminary, we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of those who…
Faculty & Alumni Blog
Should You Get A Doctorate in Counseling or Psychology?
In recent weeks, I have had several students ask me about the pros/cons of doctoral programs in psychology. I would point those who know…
And Ain’t I a Woman
In February we honor African Americans and in March we honor women who have played important roles in history. I would like to combine…
Considering Systemic Abuse: Impact and Response
At the 2015 Community of Practice put on by the American Bible Society’s Trauma Healing Institute, Dr. Diane Langberg spoke about systemic…
Working with Chronic, Ongoing Trauma
Most trauma recovery interventions assume that the traumatic experience of a client is now over. But what of the person who continues to…
Participating in the #RubyWooPilgrimage
Thirty-five women from fifteen states, with a joint online reach of over ten million people, participated in a five day journey through our…
Regarding Jerry Sandusky, Institutions, and Hating the Right Thing
Jerry Sandusky: football hero. Jerry Sandusky: non-profit charity for troubled boys. Jerry Sandusky: pedophile.
Our Backwards Savior
The radical nature of Christianity is becoming more apparent to me as time goes by. It is my hope and prayer that this recognition is the…
The Spiritual Impact of Abuse
We know from both the literature and from experience that trauma and abuse violate every aspect of the child—their world, their self, their…
Making Barrios Beautiful
Every so often in my life, God has taken part of His Word and pushed me deeper into its meaning than ever before. He did that for me last…
Counseling a Dangerous Profession?
I wonder how many of us who are involved in counseling think of ourselves as engaging in a dangerous profession? After all, I am sitting in…
Happenings & News
July 15 & 16 Events: Virtual Open Houses
You are invited to virtual open houses for the Graduate School of Counseling and Bible/Theology programs.
Saying Farewell to Emeritus Professor George Clark
Rev. George S. Clark completed his earthly journey on May 23, 2020 at the age of 84.
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.
Journal of Urban Mission 6:1
Welcome to volume 6, issue 1 of the Journal of Urban Mission, which takes an honest look at the American system of justice.
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…
Dr. Lamb on Hezekiah
A couple of years ago I was invited by the two editors to participate in this two-part series of character studies in Samuel and Kings.
June 6: Missio Seminary’s 49th Commencement
Missio's 49th Commencement will be live-streamed from this page.
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…
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.
Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years
As of 2021, MISSIO is celebrating 50 years of faithful ministry to the Philadelphia region (1971-2021).
Arc of the Moral Universe
Perhaps my favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr. is this: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."
Exciting news from Dr. Larry Anderson
Congratulations to Dr. Larry L. Anderson Jr. who was elected the national president of the State Directors of Evangelism.
Virtual Campus Tours with Dr. James
You are invited to gather as alumni and ministry leaders for a virtual campus tour from our President, Dr. Frank James.
On the Tragic Events in Washington, DC
Please join us for prayer Wednesday, January 13th at 1 PM.
Christmas Message from Dr. James
A brief Christmas message from President James and thoughts on where Missio stands at the end of a year full of struggle.
CARES Act Student Portion Report
Missio Seminary received funds under the CARES Act, and intends to distribute more than half to federal aid-eligible students.
December 3 Webinar: Saving the Season
This conversation will explore ways to ways to bring meaning to this challenging season and facilitate excellence in worship of our savior.
December 2: Student Christmas Celebration
Put on your festive Christmas red and green and join us via Zoom for a time of Christmas joy and celebration!
November 16: PULPIT Clergy Celebration
PULPIT will kick-off our next retreat by honoring the Pastors/Mentors who have supported Cohort I in their ministries.
