Course of Study School
July 8-Aug. 17, 2018
Perkins Regional Course of Study School is a program of The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church in partnership with and administered by Perkins School of Theology. It provides a basic theological education, as prescribed by the United Methodist Book of Discipline (par. 1421.3d), to licensed local pastors. It also provides Advanced Course of Study. For more information, visit smu.edu/coss
Certification in Spiritual Direction Application Deadline
Aug. 1, 2018
The Perkins Certification in Spiritual Direction Program is devoted to training participants to serve as mentors in the Christian way of life. This three-year, noncredit adult and continuing education training program is held during weekend sessions in the months of April, August and December. For more information, call 214-768-3664 or visit smu.edu/Perkins/PublicPrograms/CSD
Houston Lay School of Theology
Aug. 25, 2018
A daylong seminar at St. Paul’s UMC, “Keeping Faith in a Multifaith Society,” will feature an excellent cadre of multifaith speakers, including Robert Hunt of Perkins, Rev. Gregory Han of Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and local representatives from four different religions. Learn together with multifaith neighbors how to build healthy relations across religious boundaries while maintaining your own religious identity and faith. Request email updates for this program at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates
An Interdisciplinary Dialogue
Oct. 15, 2018
The ABC’s of Theology and Criminal Justice Reform on the Lives of School Children of Color. Theology shapes the ethical practices of its religious institutions working for cultural, economic and social change for the common good. Criminal Justice Reform shapes how our society’s institutions uphold the protections to all of its citizens promised in the U.S. Constitution. How do theology and criminal justice reform influence the systemic conditions that set a path from school to prison for many children of color today? Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions/Perkins School of Theology-SMU. For more information, contact Isabel Docampo at idocampo@smu.edu
The Second Annual ArkLaTex Lecture
Oct. 22, 2018
The lecture is cosponsored by The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence and Williams Memorial United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Tex. This year’s speaker is renowned preacher and author Rev. Frank A. Thomas.
Rev. Thomas currently serves as the director of the Ph.D. Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. He authored the classic preaching book They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God: The Role of Celebration In Preaching. For more information, please contact the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at shulem@smu.edu.
Perkins Fall Convocation: “JustWorship”
Nov. 12-13, 2018
Come to this two-day event featuring author, speaker, activist and public theologian Brian McLaren along with Sandra Maria Van Opstal. A second-generation Latina, Van Opstal is a liturgist and activist dedicated to re-imagining worship that mobilizes for reconciliation and justice. The two keynoter speakers will be joined by additional workshop leaders, panelists and musicians addressing the intersection of worship and justice. To receive email updates about this event, please visit smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates and click on “Fall Convocation for Church Leaders” after completing the registration form.
2018 Annual Advent Worship Service
Dec. 6, 2018
An Advent Service will be held Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at 4 and 8 p.m. in Perkins Chapel, 6001 Bishop Boulevard, on the Southern Methodist University campus. The event is free and open to the public.
United Methodist Studies
Hybrid Course
Jan. 3-5, 2019
This hybrid course is geared for a wide audience — confirmation class leaders, new and longtime United Methodist church members and United Methodist certification students. Featuring Perkins faculty, it will cover the basics of United Methodist History, Theology. Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates
United Methodist Children’s Ministry and Christian Education Certification Program
Jan. 5-11, 2019
This program is open to laity and church professionals seeking United Methodist Certification in Christian Education and/or Children’s Ministry through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates
Perkins School of Youth Ministry
Jan. 7-10, 2019
Youth ministry has a rhythm. Find yours at PSYM 2019. Visit smu.edu/perkinsyouth for more information.
United Methodist Church Youth Ministry Certification Program
Jan. 6-11, 2019
Certification applications will open August 1. Early Registration for PSYM and Certification will open August 22. For more information, visit smu.edu/perkinsyouth
The Bolin Family 2019 Public Life Personal Faith Scholarship Luncheon
Feb. 8, 2019
Featured guest Judy Woodruff, anchor of PBS NewsHour, will be interviewed by Peggy Wehmeyer, former national news religion reporter for ABC’s World News Tonight. For table sponsorship, information and registration contact, John Martin at johnma@smu.edu or 214-768-2026.
Houston Lay School of Theology
Feb. 16, 2019
“Praying with the Desert Fathers and Mothers,” a day-long course, will be taught by Tamara Lewis, assistant professor of the history of Christianity, Perkins School of Theology. Request email updates for this program at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates
Perkins Theological School for the Laity
March 28-30, 2019
Join us for three days of study focusing on the Bible, theology and spirituality with Perkins faculty and guest speakers. Request email updates at smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates
2019 Commencement and Conferral of Degrees
May 18, 2019
Perkins School of Theology will honor graduating seniors during the University-wide Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in Moody Coliseum. Following Commencement, Perkins will hold its annual Celebration of Degrees and Academic Achievements at 2 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
Perkins Fall Convocation
Save the Date: Nov. 12-13, 2018
The next Fall Convocation, focused on the theme of creative worship, will feature Brian McLaren, an internationally known author, speaker and public theologian; and Sandra Maria Van Opstal, a liturgist and advocate of worship forms that promote reconciliation and social justice.
For email updates about the 2018 Convocation, visit smu.edu/perkins/oepupdates and check “2018 Fall Convocation for Church Leaders” after completing the registration form. (While there, check out the many other informative Perkins email lists for which you can sign up.)