Category: News

Bryan P. Stone, an innovative educator, researcher and bridge-builder, will be the new Leighton K. Farrell Dean of SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. He joins SMU from the Boston University School of Theology where he is associate dean for academic affairs and the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism. A 1992 SMU Ph.D. graduate in Religious Studies, Stone is returning to SMU to lead his alma mater June 1. Read the announcement of Stone’s appointment here.

To learn more his vision for Perkins, Nakoya Loucks, Assistant Dean of Marketing and Communications, asked Stone a series of questions. Here are his answers:

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to theological education?

I grew up very active in the church and was a religion major and philosophy minor in college. I went on to seminary where I was drawn both to philosophical questions about religion and theologies of social justice and liberation. Those might seem like two very different and separate intellectual paths, but for me they came together at every turn, and I read everything I could get my hands on in philosophical theology and liberationist and feminist theologies. What I love about theology is its capacity to point, however falteringly, to God as the mystery of the universe while at the same time inspiring and undergirding liberative action and loving communities that have the capacity to change the world.

What drew you to Perkins School of Theology, and what excites you most about joining this community?

I was drawn to the Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU because of Dr. Schubert Ogden, who became my advisor. I only ever applied to one school because of him. I had fallen in love with Wesleyan and Process theologies and wanted to study with Ogden and in a school that had a notable strength in Wesleyan studies. Originally, I did not understand that all my classes and professors would be Perkins classes and faculty, but once I was in the GPRS program, I got fully immersed in the Perkins community.

What made you want to come back?

My decision to come back is a confluence of several factors. I was not looking to become a dean, but I am currently ending 15 years as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Boston University School of Theology. I found myself contemplating next steps in my career and my life when the Perkins search team came knocking. What I love most about returning to my alma mater is that Perkins is embedded as a progressive Mainline Protestant seminary in a major research university, is an important center for Wesleyan studies and is deeply committed to serving the United Methodist Church. The School has the full support of the President and Provost and is well-positioned to build on its historic strengths and legacy to face immense challenges facing theological schools at this point in history.

What scares you most about this new role?

I don’t know that anything “scares” me (maybe it should!), but I think the transition from a Boston culture back to a Texas culture is a formidable challenge after spending 27 years in New England. I’m increasingly looking forward to it, though.

The biggest challenge I see in my new role is trying to understand how things are done at Perkins and SMU—and to do so relatively quickly. Each school is unique in its personality, community, culture and systems. That doesn’t mean that things can’t be changed, but I need to listen carefully and work hard to understand the culture at Perkins.

As you step into this new role, what are your primary goals and priorities for Perkins?

With a large number of faculty retirements coming up, this is a time for reshaping the faculty. I want to collaborate with the current Perkins faculty, supporting and celebrating their creativity, productivity, impact and reputation while attracting other new faculty who are bold and resourceful thinkers, passionate teachers, warm and generous colleagues and research-active scholars. I hope to be part of a band of faculty, administrators and staff who are committed to the cultivation of a vibrant on-campus community while also reaching out beyond the physical campus with new and ever evolving pedagogical modalities. I hope to build on Perkins’ strengths in embracing social and religious diversities of all kinds, its commitment to social justice, interdisciplinary research, collaborative programs (both within and outside the University) and opportunities for rich contextual engagement both local and global.

Another of my priorities is ensuring the accessibility of theological education to an ever-expanding variety of students pursuing manifold vocational paths, whether as clergy, chaplains, teachers or other religious and faith-based non-profit leaders. I want to accent the rich Wesleyan heritage and resources of Perkins, its connection to the United Methodist Church, its ecumenical openness (what John Wesley called a ‘catholic spirit’) and its commitment to interfaith dialogue and hospitality. Last, but not least, one of my top priorities is to connect with, learn from and involve what I have come to see as an unparalleled network of committed alumni, donors and friends who love Perkins.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges facing theological education today?

Theological education in the U.S. is in a time of critical transition. Religious affiliation has changed radically in the U.S.; online and AI technologies have revolutionized the way people socialize, think and learn; and we are situated in a country with deep political and cultural polarization. The future of theological education must be more expansive than the sole purpose of clergy preparation. Clergy preparation is still central, but this is a time to recover the aim and purpose of theological education as much more fundamentally the practice of knowing and loving God and the things of God. Theology is for all the people of God.

How do you hope to engage with students, faculty and alumni as you begin your tenure?

I love hanging out with students, faculty and alumni informally, and have, for example, hosted a regular dean’s pub night each semester while at Boston University. I’d love to do things like that, and I certainly believe strongly in attending community events, worship, lunches and student group activities (when invited!). If there is interest in developing a weekly Perkins podcast, I would love to be a part of developing that. I will be looking for ways to engage alumni and friends in virtual spaces and by holding alumni gatherings in cities where they live.

What aspects of Perkins’ mission resonate most with you?

The breadth and expansiveness of the Perkins mission resonates strongly with me as well as its stated mission of making theological education accessible to persons throughout the region, nation and world. I love that the mission of the school is holistic in bringing together service to the church, the academy and the world . . . and I believe it is possible (and necessary) to do all three without sacrificing any one of them.

What is one or two key books, theologians, or mentors that have had the greatest impact on your academic and spiritual life, and how have they influenced your career trajectory?

John Wesley’s writings have always been important in my life, and I try to read Ted Jennings’ Good News to the Poor: John Wesley’s Evangelical Economics every couple of years. Charles Hartshorne’s The Divine Relativity, John Cobb’s God and the World, and Schubert Ogden’s The Reality of God expanded my vision of a God who genuinely feels and relates to the cosmos, giving me new lenses through which to read the Christian theological tradition. The writings of theologians like Rosemary Radford Ruether, Letty Russell, Gustavo Gutierrez, Juan Luis Segundo and James Cone had a powerful early influence on the trajectory of my theology and ministry, ultimately leading me into an urban ministry I developed in Fort Worth (called “Liberation Community”) in the late 1980s. John Howard Yoder’s The Politics of Jesus, the sermons of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the writings of Gandhi influenced me greatly toward the form of pacifism to which I subscribe. More recently, I’ve been helped by the trauma-informed theology of Shelly Rambo (including especially Spirit and Trauma) and the writings of Elizabeth Johnson.

What are some things you enjoy outside of your work—any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?

My wife and I love to travel, and we have a dog named Floyd (a Cockapoo) who is the love of our lives. I am also passionate about music (my favorite is still Pink Floyd after all these years), and a couple years ago I decided to learn the guitar. It has been a blast. I only wish I had more time to play; but I really want to get better at it. One of my biggest passions is cinema, and for about 30 years now I have been integrating theology and cinema in my teaching and writing as part of my larger interest in theology and culture. But film is also a personal love in my everyday life.

I’d love to hear more about your time in freshman housing at BU. Do you have any plans to stay similarly connected with students at Perkins and SMU?

For 24 years, my wife and I have lived as faculty in residence in a freshman dorm on the BU campus. Students come by every Monday night, and we feed them and have conversations on every topic under the sun, ranging from dating to professors to career choices to new trends in pop culture. Each semester we have also held a karaoke night or open-mic night in the big multi-purpose room in the dorm, with about 200-300 students attending. While I won’t be living with students anymore, I would love to be a part of those kinds of ongoing social events.

If you could share one message with the Perkins community as you begin this new chapter, what would it be?

The future is bright! The recent split in the United Methodist Church and the decline in enrollments felt across theological education can be demoralizing. Keeping up with new technologies and modalities in education requires ever new learning and innovation. But Perkins has an incredible legacy and foundation from which to rethink theological education in our time. And Perkins also has an amazing constellation of faculty, administrators, staff, alumni/ae and friends who, by collaborating together, can continue the good work of forging a creative and compelling model of a seminary in service to the church, academy and world.

 

Perkins School of Theology is pleased to announce the 2024 and 2025 recipients of the Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award:

Receiving the 2024 Award is Denise Espinosa Lloyd (M.Div., 1985), an active member of First United Methodist Church of Missouri City, Texas, and a longtime community volunteer and advocate for the unhoused.

The 2025 recipient is Thomas C. Sellers, a banking executive, community volunteer and lay leader in First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The Seals Laity Award honors laypersons in the United States who exemplify an exceptional commitment to service to Christ through faith and action in the church, community and world.

“It is our distinct honor to recognize these outstanding laypersons, whose faithful leadership and Christian ministry are so important in the churches and communities they serve,” said Hugo Magallanes, Perkins Dean ad interim. “By living out their faith in tangible and transformative ways, they have made a lasting impact. We are thrilled to celebrate their contributions and honor their faithful witness.”

Lloyd and Sellers, along with the recipients of the 2024 and 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards, will be honored at the Perkins Awards Banquet on Monday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall, 5901 Bishop Blvd., on the campus of SMU in Dallas.

This marks the first year both the Distinguished Alumni and Seals Laity awards will be presented on the same evening. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Perkins graduates who have demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support for the goals of Perkins and SMU, distinguished service to the community, and exemplary character.

Registration for the Awards Banquet is open now through April 1. Tickets are $45 per person or $300 per table of eight. Parking passes are available for $10. [Click here to purchase tickets and register.]

 

About the Recipients

 2024 Seals Laity Award: Denise Espinosa Lloyd

Denise Espinosa Lloyd graduated from Perkins School of Theology in 1985 and was ordained in what is now the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was the only Hispanic clergywoman in the conference at the time. After leaving ordained ministry, she remained an active layperson of First United Methodist Church in Missouri City. Texas. She served as a choir member, missions committee leader, Disciple Bible Study leader, education committee chair, Sunday school teacher and for 20 years, a lay member of the Texas Annual Conference.

“Mrs. Lloyd shows her leadership by being organized, recruiting others, guiding and teaching people to be part of missions and outreach, and demonstrating compassion to families without homes as a longtime volunteer with Fort Bend Family Promise,” said the Rev. Dr. Jerome Brimmage, pastor of First United Methodist Church Missouri City.

A lifelong learner, Lloyd is also participating in the Fort Bend Leadership Forum, a 10-month program sponsored by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to expand her network of nonprofit organizations.

Lloyd currently serves as board president of Fort Bend Family Promise, a nonprofit that meets the immediate needs of families experiencing temporary housing insecurity while empowering them to regain self-sufficiency.

“I first met Denise during a challenging time when my family and I were welcomed as guests at Fort Bend Family Promise and empowered to self-sufficiency,” said Rosinda Pinon, now a housing navigator specialist at Fort Bend Family Promise. “Denise’s dedication to her work, community and faith is truly inspiring. She has been a blessing to the staff, families and community.”

 

2025 Seals Laity Award: Thomas C. Sellers

Thomas C. Sellers is a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas, as well as an Eagle Scout, school board member and community volunteer. Over the years he has taught Sunday school and chaired multiple church committees; most recently, he began hosting “Toddler Time with Tom,” a weekly playdate in the church gym to welcome local families with young children.

Sellers graduated from SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and joined Alliance Bank in 1988, rising to chief executive officer in 2004. In 2021, he was named chairman and CEO of Alliance Bank. Among those recommending Sellers for the award was Craig Roberts, a competitor at Guaranty Bank & Trust and a member of the Sunday school class Sellers taught for 20 years.

“As a professional, Tom and I have battled for business for 23 years,” Roberts said. “Never have we battled negatively. At times, we teamed up as bank leaders to help those in need or in our community development by sharing common goals.”

Barbara C. Law, a member of the church who was Sellers’ high school English teacher, highlighted his leadership during the recent disaffiliation process, when many members of First UMC Sulphur Springs left to form another congregation.

“His continued leadership and good sense, and especially his kindness and acceptance of varying viewpoints, helped keep our First UMC alive in Sulphur Springs,” Law said. “I believe that Tom exemplifies the Wesleyan concept that, while we cannot do everything for everyone, we can do something for someone.”

“We as a church had an incredible past, and we were going to have a beautiful, expectant future,” added the Rev. Peter McNabb, senior pastor of First UMC Sulphur Springs. “We just needed help seeing it. And Tom was key in helping us do that.

“Tom carries the torch of that long line of saints who have come before us and shines the light for the church going into the future.”

 

Since 1993, the Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award has been presented annually to a layperson embodying the Christian faith and commitment of service to Christ as exemplified by Judge Seals, a distinguished layperson whose interest and energy were instrumental in establishing the Perkins Theological School for the Laity (now the Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning.) See a list of the past recipients here.

Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX) Program Continues with Novel Preaching Course in April 2025

Preachers looking for inspiration, new techniques, and a fresh approach to sermon preparation will want to add this upcoming course to their calendars: “Novel Preaching: What Preachers Can

Learn from Creative Writers,” offered on two dates: April 2, 2025, and April 24, 2025. It’s the second course in the Certificate in Preaching Excellence program, launched in January by the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence (PCPE) at SMU.

The virtual workshop, taught by Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, will examine novelists’ techniques for crafting engaging narratives and how they may be applied to preaching. Participants will learn tips for cultivating their imagination and developing a “knack for noticing.” The course is based on McKenzie’s 2010 book, Novel Preaching.

“These skills can transform sermons from dry lectures into deep, engaging encounters with God’s Word,” said McKenzie, who is co-director of the PCPE and Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins. “The constant demand for fresh, compelling sermons can leave preachers feeling drained. The antidote to uninspired sermons is imagination,” McKenzie said. “Imagination is like a muscle. You can use it or lose it.”

Participants will learn to fine-tune their ability to observe and appreciate the details of scripture (“textscape”), their congregations and culture (“landscape”), and their own inner lives (“inscape”). They will discover how to pay attention to the metaphors, anecdotes, and images that can enrich preaching. Simple metaphors, such as “A broken crayon still colors,” can serve as powerful tools for a transformative sermon.

McKenzie adds that the African American preaching tradition speaks of the “sanctified imagination”—the power of the Holy Spirit working through the preacher’s creative faculties.

“This workshop will help preachers harness their imaginations to craft sermons that are neither shallow nor tedious but both deep and delightful,” she said.

The Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX) is designed for pastors with experience and formal training (M. Div. or equivalent) who wish to expand and refine their skills. To complete the certificate, participants take four non-credit courses, followed by three one-on-one coaching sessions with expert homileticians.

Courses can be taken in any order, and participants can begin at any time. Preachers may also opt to take one or more individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program.

The first course in the program, Experiential Preaching, was taught by Dr. O. Wesley Allen Jr. in January 2025.

Other courses scheduled for 2025 as part of the CPX program include:

• Sept. 9, 2025: “Preaching the Parables,” exploring a theological approach to proclaiming the kingdom of God for contemporary congregations by reading the parables in the literary context of the different Gospels. Taught by Dr. Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology at Emory, based on his book, Proclaiming the Parables: Preaching and Teaching the Kingdom of God (2024.)
• Oct. 21, 2025: “Preaching and Trauma,” a look at how preachers can address issues of collective and individual trauma from the pulpit, utilizing insights from scripture, psychology, and trauma studies. Taught by Dr. Joni S. Sancken, Butler Chair of Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation, Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver, British Columbia, and based on her books Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls (2019) and All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding With Resilience After Collective Trauma (2022).

Four classes are also scheduled for 2026:

• January: Experiential Preaching, taught by Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie.
• April: Preaching and the Human Condition, taught by Dr. O. Wesley Allen Jr., based on his 2016 book Preaching and the Human Condition.
• September: Preaching and Spirituality, taught by Dr. Luke Powery, dean of Duke University Chapel and Professor of Homiletics and African and African American Studies, based on his book Dem Dry Bones: Preaching, Death, and Hope (2012.)
• October: Preaching and Performance/Embodiment, taught by Dr. Nancy Lammers Gross, Arthur Sarell Rudd Associate Professor of Speech Communication in Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, based on her book Women’s Voices and the Practice of Preaching (2017).

The upcoming “Novel Preaching” course is offered from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.. CST on two dates: April 2, 2025 and again on April 24, 2025.  Click here to register.

Visit the Certificate of Preaching Excellence page for more information and details.

Perkins Hosts 65th Anniversary Sacred Music Reunion

The last time Perkins hosted a reunion for alumni of the Sacred Music program was March 9–11, 2020. Just two days later, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. In the years that followed, church musicians scrambled to adapt.

The massive changes  of the past five years gave attendees much to reflect on when Perkins hosted the 65th Anniversary Sacred Music Reunion last month, Feb. 24–26. According to Marcell Silva Steuernagel, director of the Master of Sacred Music Program at Perkins, the event was a great success.

Approximately 70 alumni, faculty, students, and friends attended from 40 cities, spanning 52 years of the program. The earliest graduate in attendance from the class of 1972. “I think people enjoyed having alumni from different generations share their experiences and compare notes,” Silva Steuernagel said.

The program featured representatives from all departments involved with the interdisciplinary Sacred Music programs. Presenters included Anthony Elia, director of Bridwell Library; Thomas Keck, director of the Division of Music in the SMU Meadows School of the Arts; and Margaret Winchell, the director of Choral Activities at Meadows. The Meadows Chamber Singers also performed during closing worship.

The reunion opened with an Alumni Organ Concert featuring Charles Eidelman, an up-and-coming organ student at SMU; Dr. Michael Conrady (M.S.M. ’09, M.T.S. ’09, D.Min. ’19), director of music, organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; Alissa Brewer (M.S.M. ’15), an organist and choirmaster at St. Vincent’s Anglican Cathedral; and Dr. Wayne A. Barr (M.S.M. ’92), director of choral activities at Tuskegee University.

Worship services and musical performances provided attendees with opportunities to reconnect and engage with peers. Keynote speakers Dr. Steve Guthrie, Dr. Monique M. Ingalls, and Dr. Jeffrey A. Murdock reflected on the changes in church music scholarship and practice, as well as topics on music and theology. An outing to Westlake Brewery in Deep Ellum for an evening of “Beer & Hymns” gave attendees a chance to experience Dallas.

Another highlight was the presentation of the Soli Deo Gloria Awards honoring outstanding service in church music. This year’s awardees included:

• Wayne A. Barr
• Tim Morrison (M.S.M. ’85), music director at Custer Road UMC for four decades
• Judith Laoyan-Mosomos (M.S.M. ’85), a visionary church musician and educator serving in Southeast Asia and beyond
• Clark W. Joseph (M.T.S. in Church Music ’05), minister of music and worship arts at St. John Church Unleashed

Silva Steuernagel praised the hard work of the reunion team, including Jackie Ancelet, Fernando Berwig Silva, Chris Anderson, Michael Hawn and the dedicated staff at Perkins.

“The best events are more than the sum of their parts, and that really happened this time,” he said. “The last five years have been tumultuous for many church musicians; this reunion served as a beautiful bookending of that time.”

 

The Rev. Katherine Glaze Lyle (M. Div., 1993) remembers Kirby Parlor well from her days as a student. But she’s always been a little dismayed that the parlor remained more or less unchanged from the time she arrived on campus in the late 1980s.

That will soon change.

The large gathering space in Perkins’ Kirby Hall is getting a refresh this spring and summer —and a new name.

Renovations are underway, marking the first major remodel of the parlor since the building’s construction in 1948. The updated space, expected to be completed by fall 2025, will bring modern functionality and a fresh aesthetic, with a new audiovisual system, fresh paint, new flooring, new artwork and updated furniture. The raised platform will be removed to create more usable space. The remodeled space will have a similar aesthetic to Bridwell Library’s Methodist Collection Reading Room, also known as “the Blue Room.”

“This is a huge room with tremendous potential,” said Lyle, chair of the Perkins Executive Board. “I was surprised to learn that Kirby Parlor is two-thirds the size of the Great Hall in Prothro. It didn’t seem that large because it’s always been filled with furniture.”

Funding for the renovation comes largely from a bequest by the late Rev. Dr. Anthony Clay Cecil Jr. (Th.M. ’67). A third-generation Methodist minister, Cecil served in various Texas congregations before retiring in 2009 after 37 years of ordained ministry. His generous gift, supplemented by contributions from Perkins Executive Board members and others, made the long-awaited project possible.

“We’re grateful for Rev. Dr. Cecil’s legacy, which will allow us to create a more welcoming and dynamic space for the Perkins community,” said Perkins Director of Development John Martin. “This renovation ensures that Kirby Parlor will better serve students, faculty and visitors for years to come.”

The remodeled space will provide a versatile venue for faculty presentations, receptions, prospective student gatherings, and a reception area for events connected to Perkins Chapel, such as weddings and funerals. The renovation will include energy-efficient windows, allowing more natural light into the space, and improved lighting that can be adjusted for different functions.

The project is progressing with support from SMU’s facilities team. Additional improvements, including a kitchen update funded by Executive Board member and current D.Min. student Elaine Culver and her husband, Bruce, will enhance the space’s usability for catering and hospitality needs.

With construction on track, the newly reimagined space should be ready for the start of the fall semester, shortly after the arrival of the new dean, Bryan P. Stone. The name “Kirby Parlor” will also be retired, with a new name yet to be determined.

“We envision this as a place that will truly serve the mission of Perkins,” said Hugo Magallanes, Dean ad interim of Perkins School of Theology. “This revitalization is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space where learning, fellowship and hospitality can flourish.”

Pope-Levison Receives Wesleyan Theological Society Award

Perkins faculty member Priscilla Pope-Levison was selected as the recipient of the Wesleyan Theological Society’s annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Pope-Levison is research professor of practical theology at Perkins School of Theology at SMU and the third woman to earn this honor. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition over a lifetime. Since its inception in 1994, the award has been given to distinguished scholars and theologians including Randy Maddox, Billy Abraham, William Greathouse, James Earl Massey and Donald Dayton. Read the story here.

 

Lovin receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Robin W. Lovin, who served as dean of Perkins School of Theology from 1994 to 2002, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Christian Ethics on Jan. 10. The award was presented at the society’s annual meeting in Chicago by Steve Long, a past president of SCE and Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics at SMU. The award recognizes “outstanding, sustained and substantive contributions in advancing the field of Christian ethics,” with consideration given to the recipient’s publications, influence on students and impact on the discipline of theological ethics. Currently, Dr. Lovin is Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics emeritus at SMU and visiting scholar in theology at Loyola University in Chicago. He is the 14th person to receive this award since its inauguration and the second from SMU, joining SMU professor emeritus Charlie Curran, who received the award in 2017. Read the story here.

 

Hunt Essay Explores AI’s Impact

An essay by Robert Hunt, “As AI becomes more human-like, what will happen to humanity?” was published online by The Hill on Feb. 16. “Because we are social creatures, we change when someone new comes into our group,” he wrote. “A newborn infant changes its mother and father into parents. A child who becomes a brother or sister is now a sibling. And think about what happens when there is a new student at school or a new employee or boss at work. Up to now, the newcomers have been other humans. But as AI agents become agentic, they will increasingly shape our self-understanding.”

Read the essay here.

 

Clark-Soles Delivers Annual Lecture

Perkins faculty member Jaime Clark-Soles delivered Mercer University’s 33rd annual Harry Vaughan Smith Distinguished Visiting Professor of Religion Lectures on Feb. 11-12 in Newton Chapel on the Macon campus. Clark-Soles is professor of New Testament, Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor and director of the Baptist House of Studies at Perkins.

 

UMNews Publishes Rebekah Miles Commentary

“Coming out with the new Book of Discipline,” a commentary by the Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles, was published Jan. 6 in UM News. Miles wrote that she joined with many United Methodists in celebrating the removal of the denomination’s 52-year-old stance against same-sex relationships. With her children’s encouragement, Miles also is using the occasion of the new Book of Discipline to discuss her own journey of self-discovery. She writes that she wants to use her privilege to benefit others — noting that the church still has more work to do to ensure LGBTQ+ people are truly safe and welcome.

Read the commentary here.

Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain,  

Instructor | History of Christianity

Emily Nelms Chastain jokes that she began her academic career began as a “professional Methodist.” Her passion for church history was sparked while she was working in the North Alabama Conference office of the United Methodist Church and teaching Methodist history and polity to youth, young adults, and college students to prepare them for Annual Conference.

“I had been a history major in college, and it just kind of melded together into this world that I didn’t realize existed, studying the history of Christianity,” she said. That led her to enter seminary in 2016, earning an M. Div. and an M.A. in Religion at Claremont School of Theology. She was commissioned in 2019 and ordained as a deacon in 2021 in the North Alabama conference. Now she’s teaching History of Christianity at Perkins while completing her Ph.D. at Boston University.

Her teaching specialties include American religious history, American Methodism, world Christianity, women’s religious history, feminist methodology and theology, feminism and women in religion, women’s ordination, and women and Methodism. In her dissertation, Rev. Nelms Chastain is examining the leadership pipeline from the International Association of Women Preachers that successfully mobilized women to work for women’s ordination in American Methodism.

Recently, she published an article in Wesley and Methodist Studies titled “Break[ing] the System: How the Methodist Student Movement Motivated a Generation into Challenging Their Denominational Polity of Segregation.”

In addition to history, Nelms Chastain discovered that she loves teaching students as they find and follow their paths to ministry.

“Some discover that Methodism isn’t the place for them, but for those who do identify and embrace Methodism, learning about the history empowers them,” she said. “It makes them even more excited about ministry. Getting to see students really understand their call and to enjoy the journey is a blast for me.”

Recently, she visited a former student she taught as as instructor at Perkins, who is now serving in the Metroplex.

“She’s done all these new programs, and she’s gotten promoted to be full-time,” Nelms Chastain said. “As a teacher, I get to meet seminary students when they come in, and then to see them launched into the world to begin really doing great things. Teaching puts me in a spot where God is moving. It’s so cool to be able to just experience this whole moment.”

Advice for Theological Students:

Hold onto your call. Theological studies will completely deconstruct a whole lot of stuff that you thought you knew, including who you are. But it’s also an opportunity to reconstruct. My advice is, hold onto that call, but build the community to help reconstruct that call because you can’t do it by yourself. That’s one of the things I love about the United Methodist Church. We believe in community discernment. So don’t do that work alone. It is never meant to be done alone.

Favorite Bible verse?

Ephesians 2:10. I grew up learning it when I was a kid in Bible Drill in a different denomination. I learned it in the King James Version; the verse has more of a pre-destination slant in that version. About a decade ago, I re-read it in the Common English Bible, where it says, “We are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.” I love that idea, that we are God’s accomplishment, especially as a United Methodist who believes in sanctification. Not only is God proud of us, God is still working on us too. Sanctification is my favorite reason why I’m a United Methodist.

 

Guests at her Fantasy Dinner Party:

I usually have way too many people for my fantasy dinner party. I’d want to invite all the women preachers who became preachers when there was no rule on whether or not they could actually preach, but they just did it anyway. I’d ask them why they were so motivated to preach when it was so unpopular. I would especially like to invite the four women I’m profiling in my dissertation: Madeline Southard, Georgia Harkness, Jeanne Audrey Powers, and Marjorie Matthews. These four women represent generational leaders among Methodist women who were fighting for women to have full clergy rights in the church.

Do you follow any spiritual practices?

I love communal, traditional worship. I love than saying creeds and singing together. There’s something very pure and very sacred in that communal moment. When I’m able to attend community worship on Thursdays at Perkins Chapel, I really cherish those moments together.

Favorite quote or mantra:

I don’t have a single favorite quote, but I do quote a lot of lyrics from ’90s music and lines from ’90s Saturday Night Live at random moments. “Lay off me, I’m starving!” is a favorite line from Chris Farley, my favorite SNL cast member of all time.

Tell us about your family:

I’ve been married to my husband, Ted Chastain, almost 13 years. We met in Bible Drill when we were kids, but we didn’t date until our thirties. (Actually, he was in his late 20s. He’s two years younger than me!) We have three cats: Rizzo, a gray and white ragdoll, and two kittens, Fitz and Kudzu, both adoptees from Eastlake Pet Orphanage. They keep us on our toes!

Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I am an Alabamian, a Southerner, born in Alabama. My husband and I are rabid fans of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers. I believe Alabama barbecue is the best barbecue. Alabama barbecue focuses primarily on pork and poultry, served with Alabama white sauce, which is made with mayonnaise, horseradish, vinegar, paprika, some smoky spices, and red pepper. I love ribbing folks in Texas about barbecue just because they get irrationally angry about it. But Alabama’s barbecue is the best. I will argue that all day long.

 

Marcus Jones Named University Chaplain

The Rev. Marcus Jones (M.Div. ‘16) is the new University Chaplain at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. A native of Oak Cliff, Jones earned a B.A. in Business Management at Huston-Tillotson, then an M.Div. in Black Church Studies at Perkins. “Rev. Jones brings a profound commitment to spiritual growth, community engagement, and student development, making him a remarkable addition to our institution,” according to a Facebook post by Religious Life Campus Ministries.

Perkins Alums Among New District Superintendents  

The Rev. Dr. Ramonalynn Bethley (D.Min. ‘00) has been named district superintendent in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Conference, effective July 1. This appointment marks a return to the role for Bethley, who previously served as a district superintendent from 2005 to 2012 in the Alexandria (2005-2008) and New Orleans (2008-2012) districts. “Rev. Bethley brings her past experiences, wisdom, and knowledge to the role of superintendency, along with her faithful and steady commitment to The United Methodist Church,” said Bishop Delores J. Williamston.  “She has served passionately in the local church, conference, and on the appointive cabinet previously, and I believe her giftedness will lead clergy and laity strategically in the North District as we live into our vision to build, connect, and equip disciples of Jesus Christ for a transformative future.” Bethley is currently the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, La. (2021 – present) and previously served as Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Shreveport (2019 – 2021).

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announced the appointment of two new District Superintendents in the Texas Annual Conference, both Perkins graduates, effective July 1. Dr. Deborah Vaughn (M.Div. ‘08; D.Min. ‘19) will assume leadership of the Metro District. An ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference, Dr. Vaughn currently serves as pastor of Abiding Faith United Methodist Church in Houston, a congregation she founded in 2009. Earlier, she served as an Associate Pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church in downtown Houston. Her leadership extends beyond the local church, having served on the TAC’s Council on Finance and Administration (2012–2016) and as Chairperson (2016–2021). She has also played a pivotal role in the African American Church Initiative and currently serves as Chairperson of the TAC’s Committee on Episcopacy, a Leadership Team member of the Metro District, and a Board Member of the Texas Methodist Foundation.

Rev. Cesar Martinez (M. Div. ‘17) has been appointed to lead theSoutheast District. Born in El Salvador, Rev. Martinez immigrated to the United States at age six and grew up in the Houston area. His 14 years of service in the United Methodist Church reflect his passion for ministry and multicultural engagement. Receiving his call to ministry in 2011 at Foundry United Methodist Church, Rev. Martinez later served there for five years before being appointed to CrossRoads UMC, a diverse, multilingual congregation, where he has served for the past eight years. A dedicated advocate for Hispanic-Latino ministry, Rev. Martinez has led the Directiva, the TAC’s Hispanic Ministry Committee, working to reinvigorate Hispanic-Latino ministry in the Texas Conference.

The Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen (M.Div. ‘01) has been appointed the next Metro East District Superintendent in the Horizon Texas Annual Conference, effective July 1. Since 2020, Dr. Facen has served as the senior pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, a historic congregation known for its deep commitment to outreach ministries, including initiatives supporting young people and the unsheltered. Prior to leading St. Paul UMC, she served congregations including New World UMC in Garland, Hamilton Park UMC in Dallas and Jubilee UMC in Duncanville.  “Dr. Facen’s perspective, experience, and unwavering energy for ministry will make her an excellent addition to the cabinet,” said Bishop Ruben Saenz. “She has deep roots in the Metro East District, and her commitment to transformative leadership will be a blessing to the district’s churches and congregations as we seek the loving, just and free world God imagines for all people.”

New Arrival for Perkins Alums

Congratulations to Danielle Buwon Kim (M.Div. ‘19) and Dukwhan David Kim (M.Div. ‘21), who celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Tabitha Lahai (라해) Kim on St. Patrick’s Day. “We are drenched in pure joy and love God brings to our lives through our little girl,” said Danielle.

New Book by Jennifer O. Smith

Jennifer O. Smith (M. Div. ‘13) has published a new book, Being A Blessing Everywhere You Go: Your Book of Prayers (December 23, 2024.) “Divinely inspired and written by a woman who loves Jesus Christ, this book is designed to share her journey through personal stories of self, loved ones and others. It will serve to empower, encourage and inspire you to not allow anyone or any circumstance to stifle or block your life journey,” according to the book’s description. The book is available on Amazon.

Sid Hall Q&A

The Rev. Dr. Sid Hall, III, (M.Th. ’84, D. Min. ’88), 2020 recipient of the Perkins Distinguished Alum Award, was recently spotlighted in a Q&A on the Perkins blog.  Hall is pastor emeritus of Trinity Church of Austin and now retired from full-time ministry in the United Methodist Church and in the United Church of Christ. He continues to write books and speak on topics such as creation spirituality, the history of anti-Jewish theology in the church, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church, and earth-based ritual and worship in the church.” Read the Q&A with Sid Hall here.

Mara Richards Bim Approved for Ordination

Mara Richards Bim (M.Div. ‘24) is one of five candidates for ordination approved this year at Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas. “I’m so grateful to the folks at Royal Lane Baptist Church for believing in me,” Bim posted on social media. “The journey has officially begun.”

James Howard Hill Essay

An essay, “Abyssal Love,” by James Howard Hill, Jr. (M.T.S. ‘16) appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Insights, the Faculty Journal of Austin Seminary.  Hill is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University. He holds a B.A. from Criswell College, an M.T.S. from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He teaches courses and conducts research in Black study, religion and the politics of popular culture in the United States, political theory, black political thought, modernity, ecology, and coloniality, and conceptual methodologies informing the study of religion. Hill is the author of two forthcoming books under contract: The Haunting King: Religion, Michael Jackson, and the Politics of Black Popular Culture (under contract with The University of Chicago Press Class 200: New Studies in Religion series) and Haunting Joy: Essays on Religion, Black Popular Culture, and Overcoming Childhood Adversity (under contract with Fortress Press).

OBITUARIES

Obituary: The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Griffin, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Griffin, Jr., (M.Div. ‘90) died January 6. Griffin was the Director of Endorsement and Endorsing Agent of The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, an ordained elder in full connection with the Horizon Texas Annual Conference, and a beloved member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. He is survived by his wife Ellainia, their daughters, Porsche and Alex, and the Griffin family.   A proud veteran, Griffin spent 39 years in the military, including 9 years in the United States Army and 30 years in the United States Navy.  After retiring from the Navy in 2023, Herbert made history as the first African-American Director of Endorsement and Endorsing Agent for the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In this role, he continued his lifelong commitment to service, guiding and mentoring countless individuals in their paths of ministry and professional growth. Services were held January 17 at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Dallas and January 18 at Hamilton Park United Methodist in Dallas.

Obituary: The Reverend Kenneth “Kent” Wood Kinard

The Reverend Kenneth “Kent” Wood Kinard (Th.M. ‘72) died November 24 in San Antonio at the age of 77 after a long illness.  Kinard devoted 44 years to ministry as a United Methodist pastor at more than a dozen churches in Arkansas and Texas. He is remembered as an insightful preacher, a reliable and encouraging ministry colleague, a faithful minister, and for his beautiful singing voice. He also loved classic cars and made many friends through the Association of North American Rover Clubs and South Texas Triumph Association. He is survived by his wife Sheila, three children and nine grandchildren. A memorial service was held December 21 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in San Antonio.

Obituary: The Rev. Michael Nichols

Michael Loy Nichols (Th.M. ‘73) died January 3 at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas, surrounded by his wife and children. Nichols spent more than 50 years as a United Methodist minister, serving a period of that time as a District Superintendent in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Mike served many churches throughout the North Texas region, including Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas and Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas. While at Wesley UMC, he participated in numerous mission trips to Juarez, Mexico, helping to build homes with the Proyecto Abrigo organization, now known as Operación Abrigo. Most recently, he served as the Campus Pastor at CC Young Senior Living, where he preached and met regularly with the residents.  A Celebration of Life was held on January 18, at First United Methodist Church Dallas.  He is survived by his wife, Janice, four children and seven grandchildren.

Obituary: Harold Lee Price

Harold Lee Price (Th.M. ‘63) passed away on Wednesday, February 5 at the age of 86. Price graduated from Logansport High School, Centenary College, and Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Chesley Price and Billie Townley Price; his daughter, Polly Price Massey; and stepdaughter, Anne Ward Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Rebecca Price and Amy Price; granddaughters, Chesley Banks Jones, Ali Massey, and great-granddaughters, Olivia and Penelope Jones. Interment was private.