The International Bulletin of Mission Research (IBMR), one of the most respected journals in the field of World Christianity and mission studies, is pleased to announce that beginning in 2027 it will be published by the University of Pennsylvania Press. The first issue under the new partnership is anticipated in March 2027.
Founded in 1950, IBMR has been a flagship journal for rigorous, globally engaged scholarship on Christian mission and World Christianity for nearly seventy‑five years. Over the course of its history, its editors have remained committed to maintaining the highest possible academic editorial standards. IBMR provides an editorial voice that is dispassionate, analytical, fair minded, and nonpartisan. Its move to Penn Press marks a significant milestone that reflects both the journal’s distinguished legacy and its commitment to a strong future.
“We are thrilled to partner with Penn Press as IBMR enters a new chapter of growth and global engagement. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to innovative and inclusive scholarship and positions the journal for a growing field of World Christianity while maintaining IBMR’s legacy in Mission Studies,” said editor Soojin Chung.
Kyama Mugambi and Deanna Ferree Womack will join Soojin Chung as co‑editors with the 2027 volume, bringing scholarly distinction and global perspective to the next chapter of IBMR’s work. Chung is Director of the Overseas Ministries Study Center at Princeton Theological Seminary. Mugambi is Assistant Professor of World Christianity at Yale Divinity School. Womack is Associate Professor of History of Religions and Interfaith Studies at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
Sponsored by the Overseas Ministries Study Center at Princeton Theological Seminary, IBMR has long been recognized for its broad international reach and scholarly impact. The journal is guided by a diverse editorial board and is distinguished by its longstanding commitment to amplifying voices, including a robust translation initiative that ensures scholarship by non‑English‑speaking authors is accessible to a global readership.
IBMR publishes in‑depth analyses of worldwide Christianity, mission‑focused book reviews, and regularly featured columns that have become touchstones in the field. These include the “Legacy” series on influential mission figures, “My Pilgrimage in Mission,” regional surveys, and the annual “Ten Outstanding Books for Mission Studies.”
“Over its long history, IBMR has distinguished itself as a leading resource for scholars of World Christianity. We’re pleased to add the title to Penn Press’ growing list of religious studies journals,” said Jocelyn Dawson, Director of Journals for Penn Press.
This new partnership with Penn Press affirms IBMR’s standing as a leading forum for mission research and underscores its enduring contribution to the study of Christianity as a worldwide, historically rooted, and dynamically evolving tradition.
The International Bulletin of Mission Research is currently accepting submissions. Submission guidelines may be found at:
https://app.scholasticahq.com/submissions/ibmr/new
