QS — History of Missional University in North Augusta, SC
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What is the history of Missional University that operates online from North Augusta, SC?
Missional University is a relatively new evangelical Christian institution that was created to serve the global missional movement through fully online education. Although it is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, its vision has been international from the outset, with faculty and students distributed around the world rather than centered on a physical campus.
Origins
The university was founded under the leadership of Dr. Curt Watke, a missiologist, seminary professor, and church-planting specialist. Before establishing Missional University, Watke served in a number of influential mission and theological education roles, including:
- Director of the Kim School of Intercultural Studies at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Leadership positions with the North American Mission Board.
- Founder of the Intercultural Institute for Contextual Ministry (IICM), which emphasized cross-cultural ministry and contextualized mission.
Missional University grew out of the conviction that many Christian leaders around the world—particularly pastors, missionaries, church planters, and community leaders—needed graduate-level theological education that was:
- affordable,
- accessible online,
- academically rigorous,
- and immediately applicable to ministry.
Rather than beginning with a residential campus and later adding online courses, the university was designed as an online institution from the beginning.
Educational philosophy
The school’s philosophy reflects developments in evangelical missiology over the past fifty years, especially the influence of:
- the Lausanne Movement,
- contextual theology,
- holistic mission,
- and the concept of the Missio Dei (“the mission of God”).
Its stated mission is to prepare “biblically grounded, missional leaders” who engage both evangelism and community transformation in culturally appropriate ways. It emphasizes experiential learning rather than purely classroom instruction.
This places it squarely within the stream of evangelical missiology shaped by figures such as:
- Lesslie Newbigin,
- John Stott,
- Ralph Winter,
- Christopher Wright,
- and the Lausanne Congresses.
As you know from our earlier discussions of Lesslie Newbigin, this “missional” emphasis sees the Church not simply as sending missionaries overseas, but as itself participating in God’s mission in every culture.
Theological orientation
Missional University identifies itself as:
- evangelical,
- interdenominational,
- globally focused,
- and committed to historic Christian orthodoxy.
Rather than adopting the doctrinal standards of one denomination, it explicitly affirms the Lausanne Covenant as its principal theological statement. It also cites the historic Serampore Covenant of William Carey and his colleagues as an ethical model for missionary life and cooperation.
Academic model
Unlike many traditional seminaries, the university is organized around broad schools that integrate theology with practical service. Current areas include:
- Theological Studies
- Missional Practice
- Community Ministry
- Ecological Mission
- Creative Expression
- Missional College (cross-cultural and global studies)
The curriculum intentionally combines biblical studies with subjects such as social work, healthcare, communication, urban ministry, environmental stewardship, and intercultural leadership.
International emphasis
One of its distinctive claims is that its faculty come from dozens of countries across six continents, with most holding doctoral degrees and many having substantial cross-cultural ministry experience. The university presents itself as serving students globally rather than primarily North American churches.
Accreditation
One point worth noting is that Missional University is not regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), the accrediting body that oversees most universities in the southeastern United States. Instead, it has pursued recognition through faith-based and ministry-oriented channels. Prospective students considering degrees for employment or transfer purposes should therefore examine carefully whether its accreditation meets their particular needs. (The university discusses its educational model and recognition on its admissions materials, but students should verify the current status independently.)
Overall assessment
Missional University is best understood as part of the broader evangelical Missional Church movement that emerged in the late twentieth century. Its purpose is not simply to train clergy, but to equip Christians in many professions to participate in God’s mission within their own cultural settings. In that respect, it reflects many of the themes championed by Lesslie Newbigin—namely, that the whole Church is sent into the world, and that theological education should prepare believers for faithful witness in every sphere of society.
Given your interest in Newbigin and the Missional Church movement, I think you would find it especially interesting to compare Missional University’s philosophy with Newbigin’s own writings. There are clear points of continuity, but there are also some significant differences in emphasis that are worth exploring.
Some links:
About Missional University | Undergraduate Catalogue @ Missional University
Dr. Curt Watke, University President | Undergraduate Catalogue @ Missional University
Dr. Curt Watke, University President | Graduate Catalogue @ Missional University
Missional Theology & History | Graduate Catalogue @ Missional University
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