Online course is designed to equip church leaders to support and advocate for migrants in their communities
by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary | Special to Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary through its World Mission Initiative is proud to announce the launch of its new Certificate in Migrant Ministries program, a six-month online non-credit course designed to equip church leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to support and advocate for migrants in their communities.
The program, which begins in October 2024, is a collaborative effort between PTS and several key partners, including the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Frontera de Cristo (Mexico), The Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA, in Guatemala), the Calvinist Reformed Church of El Salvador, and the Presbyterian Church of Honduras.
The Certificate in Migrant Ministries program will focus on three core areas:
- Intercultural Studies: Participants will explore intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and cultural humility, forming a decolonial community of learning.
- Migration and Theology of Migration: The program will provide a comprehensive analysis of contemporary migration, exploring the needs and capacities of migrants, and examining migration from a biblical-theological perspective.
- Accompaniment and Advocacy: Participants will learn strategies and skills for accompanying migrants in their communities, using case studies to explore church collaboration with social movements to advocate for the well-being and human rights of migrants.
The program aims to foster cross-cultural relationships and mutual learning among participants from the U.S., Central America and Mexico. Classes will be offered in both English and Spanish with simultaneous interpretation, allowing for real-time interaction among North and Central American leaders. Program Coordinator the Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell noted, “It’s a new day in theological education! It is exciting to see a seminary connect congregational mission leaders, immigration advocates, and migrants together in a multicultural community of mission practice.”
The first cohort, limited to 40 participants (20 from the U.S. and 20 from Mexico/Central America), will meet weekly from October to December 2024 and from February to April 2025. The cost of the program is $250, with scholarships available to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
Students who complete the program will be awarded the Seminary’s Certificate in Migrant Ministries and will be prepared to work with the Central American Migrant Mission Network to care for migrants and advocate for a more just future.
Applications are due by Sept. 18. For more information or to apply, visit the Seminary’s website or contact Farrell, senior research fellow for the World Mission Initiative, at hfarrell@pts.edu or 412-924-1402.
Rooted in the Reformed tradition and in relationship with Christ-followers from other traditions, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary forms and equips people for ministries familiar and yet to unfold and communities present and yet to be gathered.
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