WMI Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
JOIN US FOR THE WMI CONFERENCE and W. DON MCCLURE LECTURE
Join us Friday, October 16 through Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the WMI Conference and W. Don McClure Lecture, centered on the theme “Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The Cost of Being Neighborly in the 21st Century.” In a time marked by division and disconnection, this gathering invites us to reflect on what it means to love our neighbors with courage and faithfulness. Keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst will offer insight from her work in mission, justice, and theological education, challenging us to participate in God’s work of restoration. The conference will include a Friday evening lecture, along with Saturday workshops, worship, and a panel conversation, as well as a celebration of the World Mission Initiative’s 30th anniversary. Be part of the conversation, stay tuned for registration details coming later this summer.
J-Term Intercultural Learning Trips
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative organize intercultural trips each January to help participants see their own ministry with new eyes by stepping outside your context. These trips are part of a required Intercultural/Experiential Learning course (MI-310) that will be offered by the Seminary every January Term. This course will provide pre-experience orientation in cultural competence and anti-racism, intercultural communication, a theology of short-term mission engagement, area studies for the specific context to be studied, and spiritual practices for mission. J-Term Intercultural Learning Trip
Recent Events
What Kenneth Bailey Taught Us About Mission—And What’s Next
Oct. 21, 2025
Dr. Michael Parker presented the lecture “The Life and Thought of Presbyterian Missionary and New Testament Scholar Kenneth E. Bailey” ahead of the panel discussion focusing on “The End of Mission? What’s Next for U.S. Denominations in a Post-colonial World”.
In the McClure Lecture this year, historian Michael Parker discussed Bailey's life as a Presbyterian missionary in the Middle East and the key ideas that marked his scholarly contribution. Parker then noted the ways in which Bailey's unique insights into the New Testament were only possible because of his work as a missionary.
Panelists included:
Dr. Scott Hagley, W. Don McClure Associate Professor of World Mission and Evangelism, PTS
The Rev. Ellen Sherby, Manager, Global Ecumenical Liaisons, Interim United Agency; Former Mission Co-worker
The Rev. Cheryl Barnes, Manager, Global Ecumenical Liaisons, Interim United Agency
Dr. Michael Parker, Mission Professor, Author Through Middle Eastern Eyes: A Life of Kenneth E. Bailey
Dr. Victor Aguilan, Church History and Ethics Professor and Former Dean, Silliman University Divinity School, Philippines
Mission in the Margins: Lessons and Practices from the Global Church
2024 W. DON MCCLURE LECTURE IN WORLD MISSION AND EVANGELISM
Oct. 11, 2024
We were grateful to have had Dr. Harvey Kwiyani, present the lecture,“Mission in the Margins: Lessons and Practices from the Global Church.”
This lecture offers an account of the emerging landscape of mission, refugees, migrants, and the church in the Global South—traditionally viewed as recipients of mission goods and services—have become a major source of innovation and leadership in the founding of new worshiping communities, the provision of community services, and the work of advocacy for justice around the world.
Additional Events
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