Category: April 2019

Naturally, all of us closely associated with Perkins regard our school as a dynamic and vital partner with the church. Nevertheless, it is important from time to time to have the value of one’s work assessed by an impartial source. For that reason, last year all 13 United Methodist schools of theology commissioned a detailed study by Dr. Daniel O. Aleshire, who until recently served as the Executive Director of The Association of Theological Schools. (Dr. Aleshire worked for ATS for 27 years and is the preeminent authority on theological education in America.)

The new study comes at a challenging time for seminaries.  One issue it addressed concerns the fact that there are 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S., including Perkins.

Given widespread decline in enrollment (though Perkins itself has bucked this trend in recent years) and denominational discord, is that number justifiable? The results suggest that each of the U.M. theological schools plays a crucial role in developing Wesleyan church leaders – including the majority of United Methodist ordination candidates. The long-term picture, however, is less clear.

April is always a bittersweet month because we will soon say goodbye to students who will be graduating in May.

Our faculty and staff have formed bonds with these students, and are excited that many will be taking positions of leadership in the Church and in other settings.  We are confident that, with their natural gifts and abilities, and with the education they have received at Perkins, they will be successful in their lives of ministry.

Most of these graduates, along with the rest of the student body, could not have pursued their studies if they had not received significant financial help during their time at Perkins.  They will not be going out into high-paying jobs—they have been called to serve and empowered to lead, but have been not been given any assurance of financial independence!

Our many donor friends have been influential in helping them complete their degrees.  Each year, we receive more than $2.5 million from faithful donors so that Perkins’ operational needs are met, and scholarships can be awarded to worthy and needy students.

Because our enrollment is expanding, and we will have a larger student body next year, we will have even more demand for our scholarship dollars.  We need your help.

We are asking every friend of Perkins to make a contribution to the important ongoing work of our School of Theology.

To be a part, click here and select an area of your interest in the drop down menu.  If you don’t know which fund to select, let me suggest either the “SMU Fund for Perkins,” the Dean’s discretionary fund, or “Perkins School Student Financial Aid.”  Those two funds are the first two listed in the drop-down menu.

If you would rather give by check, make it out to “SMU” and on the notation line list the “SMU Fund for Perkins” or “Student Financial Aid.”  Send the check to me and I will make sure it gets into the right account.

John A. Martin
Perkins Development
PO Box 750133
Dallas, TX 75275-0133

As always, you can email (johnma@smu.edu) or call (214-768-2026).  Thank you for your generosity.

John A. Martin
Director of Development
Perkins School of Theology

Since its founding, Perkins School of Theology has prepared students for the pulpit.  Now, a new program is helping Perkins students to prepare to speak through alternative “pulpits” – books, blogs, film, music and other media.

The Minister-Author-Scholar-Teacher (MAST) Program, launched as a pilot venture in the fall of 2018, is a two-year program that offers resources and training to a select cohort of master’s level students at Perkins interested in writing or creating other media for the church and academy.

The inaugural “class” drew students with interests in film, music, blogging and Sunday School curriculum, as well as more academic writing, according to Ted A. Campbell, a Perkins faculty member and director of the MAST program.

“Most are students who want to be pastors but are also interested in creating material for a popular audience – the laypeople in the church,” he said. “They tend to be younger students who are media savvy and tech savvy. It’s a really interesting group.”

The group gathers for four events per semester.  In the second year, students will participate in a capstone course, with the goal of creating and submitting a publishable work, such as a book, to a publisher or media outlet.  The program has garnered endorsements from prominent authors, including the Rev. Adam Hamilton, Bishop Robert Schnase, Dr. Amy Oden and the Rev. Dr. Michael Waters. (See endorsements after article.)

February’s class featured Rachel Ridge, a popular author who writes about faith for a lay audience. Her most recent book, Walking with Henry: Big Lessons from a Little Donkey on Faith, Friendship, and Finding Your Path, was published in March 2019 by Tyndale.  Ridge shared her story about how, at a point when her family was struggling, they adopted a homeless donkey. That adventure led to her first book and the launch of her writing career.

After hearing Ridge speak, MAST participant Emily Clark (M.A.M., 2020) was inspired to begin posting daily on her blog, Our Beautiful, Messy Lives.

“I love to write; the MAST program is helping me to follow that interest and really develop it,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have a group of like-minded people – I call it a community of creative creators. They are a source of motivation and momentum.”

Campbell says the project is giving students practical pointers on marketing and disseminating their work, such as guidance on submitting a book proposal.

“One of the first questions an author must answer is ‘Who will read your book?’” Campbell said.  “And the wrong answer is, ‘Everybody.’ It’s challenging but it’s essential for an author to define his or her readership. It’s helping students with this interest to think in this way.”

“I immediately jumped at the chance for training and networking with other people who were interested in doing creative, well-researched Christian work made for a wide audience of people,” said Adam Lubbers, an M.Div. student in the MAST program.  “I am currently a youth director and I teach every week, primarily with lessons I write. I preach sermons to a congregation sometimes, and I enjoy watching TV shows, movies, and playing video games, and thinking about all of them theologically.”

Lubbers added that he’s interested in using popular culture to make complex theological themes accessible to a wider audience.

“Popular culture is something I utilize often whenever I teach teenagers and give sermons, and my future creative work will probably focus on this,” he said.

Future events will include gatherings with speakers like Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and bestselling author; an SMU novelist who writes from a secular perspective; and the Rev. Arthur Jones, a pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas, who expresses key sermon themes across a variety of media – podcasts, blogs, video and more – in a coordinated approach.

Future events will include speakers like the Rev. Arthur Jones, a pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist in Plano, Texas, who expresses key sermon themes across a variety of media — podcasts, blogs, video and more — in a coordinated approach; and an SMU novelist who writes from a secular perspective. The Rev. Adam Hamilton, a United Methodist pastor and bestselling author, spoke to the MAST students while on campus on March 28.

“I’m not aware of other theological schools undertaking such a program,” said Dean Craig C. Hill, who helped spearhead the MAST program.  “This is part of our vision of Perkins as ‘an academy for the whole church in the whole world.’  We need to encourage and educate the next generation of pastor/scholars who will produce books, film, and other media that are accessible to a popular audience but also theologically informed.”

In recent decades, it has been primarily more conservative churches that have been innovative in producing materials accessible to a wide audience, such as the wildly popular Left Behind fiction series. But these don’t necessarily reflect mainstream Christian scholarship. The Left Behind books, for example, are based on a very specific interpretation of apocalyptic biblical literature that has its origins in the 19^th century. Campbell and Hill hope the MAST program will help to launch a new wave of similarly accessible materials that are grounded in the teachings of the historic mainline Protestant churches.

“Dean Hill has been thinking a long time about the need for Christian leaders to engage popular readership and viewership,” said Campbell. “The MAST program is a significant step in that direction.”

Application Information

A second cohort of students will begin the MAST program in the fall of 2019. Anyone interested should contact Ted A. Campbell at tedc@smu.edu.

Students who wish to be considered for the program should be accepted simultaneously into a Perkins master’s degree program and must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA (or equivalent) from their undergraduate degree-granting institution. In addition, they should submit two additional items for review to the Director of the Program: a formal letter of interest explaining the student’s sense of vocation as relates to the production of writing and/or other genres of creative media, and a sample of their creative work (writing or other media) for review.  Participants will be selected by the director of the program in consultation with the MAST program advisory group.

Endorsements

These four Perkins alumni, all accomplished authors and pastors, weighed in with their words of endorsement for the new program.

“Perkins’ new MAST program is a gift to pastors who feel called to write and teach, and to authors, scholars and teachers who are called to preach.  Study, shepherding, teaching, preaching and writing are all important elements of my ministry.  Each strengthens the others.  I am a better pastor because I write, and I am a better writer because I am a pastor.  Perkins’ new MAST program is the only program I know aimed at equipping students for this important integrated ministry.  If you feel called to write, to teach and to preach, you must take a serious look at this program.”

– The Rev. Adam Hamilton, bestselling author and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.

“As we re-imagine church for the 21st century, the MAST program looks like an exciting move in the right direction, cultivating artists, prophets and poets who enter into the culture creatively, inviting new conversations in new places. We live so much of our lives in virtual villages of one sort or another, it’s critical to offer good news in these gathering spaces through podcasts, videos, blogs and new media.”


– Dr. Amy Oden, professor of early church history and spirituality at St. Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University and author of God’s Welcome: Hospitality for a Gospel-Hungry World.

“I began to intentionally cultivate the craft of writing while I was a seminary student at Perkins.  Writing is a contemplative experience for me and has become a cornerstone of my ministry.  It’s my way of learning, of engaging in deep conversation, and of offering myself to the church.  I’m delighted to recommend the MAST program to those seeking to multiply their ministry by cultivating their capacity for creative writing and teaching.  MAST provides the community of support, encouragement, and accountability that fosters creativity and courage.”

– Bishop Robert Schnase, writer, pastor, and bishop of the Rio Texas Annual Conference.

“Our world has long benefited from prodigious prophets who have used their pen to propel people to pursue new plateaus for faithful service to God and God’s creation. I am grateful for the intentionality of the MAST program to help raise up a new generation of prodigious prophets who will use their pens and cursors to do the same.”

-The Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, author and founding pastor of Joy Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in Dallas, Texas.   

More than 200 laity and others gathered at the SMU campus this week (March 28-30) to pause and learn from some of the nation’s foremost teachers of the Bible, religion, theology, and ministry from the faculty of Perkins School of Theology.

The Perkins Theological School for the Laity 2019 began on Thursday, March 28, with two afternoon half-day courses, including “The Future of a Divided Church,” presented by the Rev. Adam Hamilton (M.Div. ’88), a bestselling author and pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. A worship service followed in Perkins Chapel during which John M. Esquivel was presented with the 2019 Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award.  The award goes annually to a layperson in the United States who embodies the Christian faith and commitment of service to Christ in the church, community and world as exemplified by Judge Woodrow B. Seals, a distinguished layperson whose interest and energy were instrumental in establishing the Perkins Theological School for the Laity.

Thursday night’s public lecture, “Beyond the Myth: Social Media, Youth and Why the Church is Missing the Point,” was presented by Dr. Andrew Zirschky, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology & Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary.

The program continued on Friday and Saturday with additional courses, taught by Zirschky and Perkins faculty members Roy Heller, Jamie Clark-Soles and Mark Stamm.

“It’s a really great experience through these courses that allow us to enhance our faith, learn more about the Bible, about spirituality and our shared connectivity through faith,” said Courtney Kelly, who chairs the board for the Perkins Theological School for the Laity.

Photographs by H. Jackson and G. Rogers, SMU Photography.

For many years, black churches have hosted a special Good Friday service called “Seven Last Words,” an African-American tradition woven around the last utterances of Christ before his death on the cross.  Three years ago, the Black Seminarians Association (BSA) of Perkins School of Theology hosted its inaugural Seven Last Words service at St. Luke “Community” UMC, and now it’s quickly becoming a Perkins tradition, too.

This year’s third annual Seven Last Words service will take place on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at Salem Institutional Baptist Church, 3918 Crozier Street in South Dallas. All are welcome to attend.

“It’s a way to feature and preview young preachers who don’t often get an opportunity to preach from the pulpit,” said the Rev. Bryant Phelps (D. Min. ’17), pastor of Church of the Disciple in DeSoto. “Folks will have an opportunity to hear new preachers and to be inspired, knowing that the church is moving forward in good hands.”

Seven preachers – all Perkins students or recent alumni – will each offer a seven-minute sermon on each of the Seven Last Words, concluding with a message from the Rev. Todd Atkins (’07 M.T.S.), a Perkins alum and senior pastor of Salem Institutional Baptist.

Phelps, who was an officer of the BSA while at Perkins, was the visionary behind the annual event. This year’s worship celebration is coordinated by Christian S. Watkins (MDiv, ‘19), 2018-19 BSA President, assisted by LaTasha Roberts (MDiv, ‘20) and Justin Carter (MDiv, ’19.) The service will contain somber elements – such as a stripping of the altar, followed by the exit of worshippers, in silence, at the end.  But other elements are rooted in the “homegoing experience” – the celebratory, sometimes revival-like funeral tradition of the African-American church. Musical groups and praise dancers from St. Luke’s “Community” United Methodist Church will participate in the event.

While the 2017 and 2018 events were held at nearby United Methodist churches, this year’s location was chosen “in consideration of the push for interdenominational support for all of our Perkins sisters and brothers as well as the desire to uplift, preach and pray in one of Dallas’ most disenfranchised parts,” said Watkins.

Watkins is the Neighborhood Relationship Intern for the North Texas Conference’s Zip Code Connection, an effort working with residents in two zip codes to help recreate vibrant, thriving communities.  One of the two is South Dallas Fair Park (zip code 75215), home to Salem Institutional Baptist Church.

“We want to highlight the fact that the south of Dallas needs attention,” Watkins said. “We intentionally chose the area so that we can commiserate and commune with that community.  I hope our prayers can be a springboard for new ideas and new things to happen in that area.”

The seven preachers who will be featured in the service include:

• Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – The Rev. Lisa Bozeman, an expected 2019 M.Div. graduate and an intern at Hamilton Park UMC)
• Luke 23:43: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – The Rev. Joyce Brooks (’18 M.Div., and ’20 D.Min. candidate, and senior pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Beaumont, Texas.
• John 19:26–27: “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother” – Justin Carter, an expected 2019 M.Div. graduate and intern at Light of the World Church of Christ.
• Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” –The Rev. Enid Henderson, an expected 2019 M.Div. graduate and executive pastor of Jones Memorial UMC in Houston.
• John 19:28: “I thirst.” – The Rev. Sharon Larkin, a D.Min. candidate, expected graduation 2020, and pastor of administration at St. Luke “Community” UMC.
• John 19:30: “It is finished.” – The Rev. Dr. Ervin D. Seamster, Jr. (D.Min.), senior pastor at Light of the World Church of Christ.
• Luke 23:46: “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” – The Rev. Todd Atkins.

Tracy Anne Allred, Assistant Dean of Student Life, was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2019, at her alma mater, Palm Beach Gardens Community High School (PBGCHS) in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in an induction ceremony on March 10 in the school’s auditorium.

Allred, a 1989 graduate of PBGCHS, was honored as a multiple sport athlete, earning 10 varsity letters (in 12 sports seasons) in volleyball, soccer and softball. She played on the school’s 4A State Championship Softball Team, which captured titles in 1986, 1988 and 1989.

In volleyball, her accomplishments included twice MVP, 2nd team All-Conference, 2nd team All-Academic as a junior and 1st team as a senior, team motivator award, coaches award for defense, and she scored the most points in the district tournament for the district runner-up Gators her senior year.

In soccer, Allred also earned All-Conference and all area acclaim, MVP honors, Sun Sentinel First Team and Palm Coast 2nd team, 1st team All-Academic, and in 1988 was a key contributor to the District 9 and Region 6 team championships.

In softball, Allred starred on 3 state championship slow pitch softball teams, hitting .466 her senior year and being named 1st team All Area by the Palm Beach Post in addition to all conference.

Her senior classmates voted her “Most Athletic”, the Gardens staff nominated her for the Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Award in Sports, and Gator coaches voted her “Female Athlete of the Year.”

These athletic honors were in addition to other, numerous extracurriculars; Allred was also the high school’s Marching Band Drum Major for two years, played in the symphonic band, served as President of the Florida Future Educators of America chapter on campus, Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and a member of the senior class council.

“I think my most memorable sports experience from high school sports was learning the values of working as a member of a team,” Allred said. “I learned that no single person won (or lost) a ball game.  We relied on each other’s strengths and cheered for each other’s achievements.”

Congratulations, Tracy Anne!

If you want a sense of David Kim’s outlook on life, turn to Ecclesiastes 3:11: “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Kim calls that verse his “spiritual mac and cheese” – comfort food that nourished him in times of struggle as he embraced the Christian faith, coming from a non-believing family, and eventually decided to pursue a seminary education.

“When I was first getting into the church and being active, I didn’t really know what it meant to be Christian, other than going to church,” he said. “It was hard for me to understand many of the concepts.  This verse tells me that God has made it so we can’t know everything. But he also gives us provision to see everything as beautiful.”

Kim began attending Bible study while in high school and was active in First Korean United Methodist Church in Richardson, near his undergraduate school, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).  The church was a big source of support when his mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and ultimately passed away in 2016.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 also talks about timing – something that played a big role in Kim’s path to Perkins. He is currently in his second semester in the M.Div. program at Perkins’ Houston-Galveston campus, with plans to graduate in 2021 and pursue a career in the chaplaincy.

Kim, who lives in College Station, was able to make that work because his decision to attend seminary coincided serendipitously with the launch of the hybrid approach at Houston-Galveston in the fall of 2018.  With the transition to the hybrid model, the Houston-Galveston Extension program’s previous Dallas campus residency requirement was waived. Houston-Galveston students take nine credit hours, or three courses, each semester and attend three semesters (rather than two) per year. Students are required to be physically present for 20 hours of face-to-face instruction—10 hours at the beginning and end of each semester—per class.

Kim had been pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering but by Christmas of 2017, felt a strong call to study at Perkins and pursue the chaplaincy. He applied, doubtful he’d be admitted, and if he did, expecting he would need to work full-time at least a year to make returning to school financially feasible.

“I got in and received a scholarship, so I felt God made a really clear path for me,” he said. The Houston-Galveston program, with its hybrid approach blending online and in-person coursework, allows him to continue to work part-time as a programmer.

Kim followed in the footsteps of his wife, Danielle Kim, a Perkins student at the Dallas campus who will graduate with an M.Div. in May. She is on track to be ordained as an elder in the North Texas conference.

Now, timing is on Kim’s mind again. Just as Danielle is near completion of her degree, he’s almost ready to begin the specialized coursework he’ll need for the chaplaincy. The couple is planning to move from College Station, where they live now, to Dallas sometime in the next year. He hopes to ultimately complete his degree at the SMU campus and to get additional training at a Dallas-area hospital or hospice.

Perkins was the only seminary Kim considered; he says it was a “natural choice.”

“The faculty is amazing,” he said. “Just being able to study with people whose names you hear regularly around the United Methodist Church: Abraham Smith, Billy Abraham, Ted Campbell – that’s wonderful,” he said, adding that his wife had talked often about the classes she was taking and the conversations she was having with these faculty members.

“My wife is a really good recruiter,” he said.