Perkins School of Theology opened the 2025–26 Faith and Business Luncheon series on Sept. 15 with a thoughtful and engaging conversation featuring Dr. Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology.
The luncheon series, hosted by the Perkins Office of Development, invites reflection on the intersection of public life and personal faith. Each event features guest speakers in dialogue with the community, creating space for conversation and connection.
In this spirit, Stone joined John Martin, director of development at Perkins, for a candid Q&A. He shared personal stories from his early call to ministry, his pastoral years in Fort Worth, Texas and his decades in theological education. Throughout the exchange, he brought both energy and conviction, returning often to a central theme shaping his leadership at Perkins:
“Theology is for everyone. That will be my mantra.” — Dean Bryan P. Stone
From calling to classroom
In conversation, Stone reflected on his journey into ministry. As a high school student, he once planned to follow in his father’s footsteps into engineering. But he experienced a dramatic call to ministry through Jeremiah 3:15: “And I will give you pastors according to my heart, which will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
That moment redirected his life. He went on to serve as a pastor, then as a professor, and now as a dean. Along the way, he discovered that teaching and ministry are most powerful when they meet at the intersection of faith and culture.
Accessibility as a guiding vision
Responding to Martin’s questions, Stone outlined what accessibility in theological education means for Perkins’ future:
- Financial accessibility: Expanding scholarship opportunities to reduce cost barriers.
- Online and residential accessibility: Strengthening digital programs while preserving a vibrant residential community.
- Vocational accessibility: Broadening the scope of theological education beyond clergy training to include laity, chaplains, nonprofit leaders and others.
“Theology has too often been framed only for clergy,” he said. “But the truth is, theology equips all of us to live faithfully in a complex world.”
A journey through culture and community
The Q&A format allowed the audience to hear Dean Stone reflect candidly on moments that shaped his journey — from hearing a call to ministry as a high school student, to revitalizing neighborhoods through housing initiatives as a pastor, to exploring theology and culture through cinema in the classroom.
Looking ahead at Perkins
The luncheon left attendees with a sense of momentum. With leadership across SMU and Perkins aligned for the future, Stone sees opportunity to deepen community partnerships, expand access to theological education and continue preparing leaders for service in church and society.
“Theology is for everyone,” he repeated. “And at Perkins, our mission is to make sure it is accessible to everyone.”