World Mission Initiative

World Mission Initiative of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is dedicated to developing mission vision, nurturing missionary vocations, and cultivating missional congregations by equipping mission leaders to engage faithfully and effectively in God’s intercultural mission. WMI offers opportunities and resources to serve congregations and students. WMI is part of the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative. 

JOIN US FOR THE WMI CONFERENCE AND W. DON MCCLURE LECTURE

FRI., OCT. 16-SAT., OCT. 17, 2026

In a time marked by fear, division, and polarization, it can be easy to retreat into our own spaces—losing sight of how deeply our lives are connected. And yet, we are called to something more. We are called to show up for one another, to embrace a shared responsibility, and to consider what it truly means to love our neighbors in a complex and often fractured world.

This is why we are excited to gather for this year’s WMI Conference and W. Don McClure Lecture, centered on the theme “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The Cost of Being Neighborly in the 21^st Century.” Together, we will explore what it means to embody neighborly love today—and wrestle honestly with the cost of doing so faithfully.

Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst, a theologian, missiologist, and educator, will serve as our keynote speaker and deliver the annual W. Don McClure Lecture. Through her work in integral mission, theological education, and justice, she invites us to consider how we participate in God’s work of restoration in a divided world and how we might live out our faith in tangible, neighborly ways.

The conference will include the Friday evening lecture, along with workshops, worship, and a panel conversation on Saturday. Together, these spaces will foster thoughtful reflection and meaningful dialogue, engaging diverse perspectives from immigrant communities, young families, and the arts.

As we gather, we will also celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the World Mission Initiative, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness and looking ahead with hope as we continue to discern our call to love and serve our neighbors.

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the calling.

Stay tuned for additional details and registration information. Complete this form to be notified when registration opens later this summer. 

Download the Save the Date Flyer

 

Opportunities for Mission Leader Formation  

For Everyone

• Certificate in Migrant Ministries – The noncredit Certificate in Migrant Ministries program is offered occasionally and serves as a specialized program designed to equip faith leaders with the theological and practical skills necessary to support and advocate for immigrant and migrant communities. Stay tuned for future cohort.
• Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership – Mission leader cohort, four mission courses, and on-campus retreat. To stay up to date on the launch of future cohorts, sign up for the WMI newsletter. 
• WMI Conference – Stay tuned for details about this year's conference.
• W. Don McClure Lectures in World Mission and Evangelism – Don't miss this year's lecture by Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst. 

For Current PTS Students

• Intercultural Learning Trip
• Valentour Fellowship for Intercultural Learning
• Global Internships

Tools to Lead Your Congregation in Mission

• Intercultural Proficiency Resource List - Suggested resources for developing intercultural proficiency 
• Freeing Congregational Mission

Connect With Us

• Read our latest newsletter
  • March 2026 Includes information about connecting with and loving our neighbors, the 2026 J-Term Intercultural Learning trips, and McClure Lecture and WMI Conference this fall. 
• Sign up for our Newsletter
• E-mail us Click to view e-mail
• Call us at 412-924-1449

Support WMI

We appreciate your continued support through prayers and donations. Without you we would not be able to equip mission leaders for God's world. Donate here.