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. 

What Kenneth Bailey Taught Us About Mission—And What's Next

French novelist George Sand wrote, "Every historian discloses a new horizon." This year, we will have the chance to hear from a historian and reflect on the faithful leadership of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey '55. Soon after he passed away in 2016 at the age of 85, the title of his obituary in Christianity Today captured the significance of his life in a few words: "The Scholar Who Made Jesus Middle Eastern Again." During the McClure Lecture this year, historian Michael Parker will discuss Bailey's life as a Presbyterian missionary in the Middle East and the key ideas that marked his scholarly contribution. 

Following the lecture, we will gather with mission leaders and mission scholars for a panel discussion: "The End of Mission? What’s Next for U.S. Denominations in a Post-colonial World." In March, the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced the closing of its world mission program after nearly two centuries of work in more than 80 countries.

Click here to learn more and to register!

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 next year's conference.
• W. Don McClure Lectures in World Mission and Evangelism – Don't miss this year's lecture by Dr. Michael Parker. 

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
• 7 practical tools for congregational mission leaders

Connect With Us

• Read our latest newsletter
  • August 2025 Includes information about the upcoming W. Don McClure Lecture, upcoming J-Term trips, and other news. 
• 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.