Basic Graduate Theological Studies
The basic graduate theological studies required for those seeking ordination as deacons in the United Methodist Church include courses in the areas of Old Testament; New Testament; church history; theology; mission; worship; evangelism; and United Methodist history, doctrine and polity. These courses are offered regularly on the Dallas campus and in the Houston-Galveston extension program. The following courses satisfy these requirements:
Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program
The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program (HLMP) was founded in 1974 to prepare church leaders with the knowledge and skills for effective ministry in Spanish-speaking contexts and cultures. The Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program includes oversight of the concentration in Hispanic studies and support of L@s Seminaristas, a student organization for Perkins students focused on ministry with Hispanics/Latin@s. The program publishes the semi-annual journal Apuntes: Theological Reflections from the Hispano-Latino Context. It also offers biennially the Local Pastors Licensing School in Spanish.
Hispanic Summer Program
In collaboration with several other seminaries, Perkins sponsors the Hispanic Summer Program, which takes place for two weeks each summer at a different site in the United States or Puerto Rico. Hispanic students, as well as others who are bilingual and who are interested in Hispanic ministries, may attend this academic program and take a maximum of one course for three credits. Courses in the Hispanic Summer Program cover a wide range of the theological curriculum, and they are always taught with the Latino church in mind. The program provides students with the opportunity to study and reflect with other seminarians who are from across the nation and Puerto Rico and who are preparing to do ministry in the Hispanic context. Perkins students who are accepted into the program pay a reduced registration fee.
International Studies
Students with sufficient Spanish language skills may be able to do a term of studies in Costa Rica or an internship in Mexico or Central America. Immersion experiences in Mexico, Central America and South America are also periodically offered through the Global Theological Education program.
Spanish Language
Perkins does not offer instruction in Spanish for credit. Students are encouraged to seek instructional programs in Dallas and/or attend a Spanish-language school in Cuernavaca, Mexico, or elsewhere. The director of the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program maintains information on these opportunities and assists students in making appropriate plans to gain the necessary competence.
Global Theological Education
Through cultural immersion courses, the GTE program offers students a study of theology, scripture, missions, ministry or interreligious relationships in a cultural context different from the students’ own, usually outside the United States. These courses give special attention to the role of theological reflection in an environment affected by globalization in all its dimensions through a focused, on-site study in a particular cultural environment and region of the world.
Perkins Centers
Perkins School of Theology is home to four centers approved by the Office of the Provost for teaching and research.
The central mission of the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions is to promote a deeper understanding of the varieties of religious life and expression within the Latino/a communities in the United States and in Latin America. Building upon the rich history of its Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Program, Perkins seeks to strengthen its engagement with Latino/a realities through its educational programs, the generation and conduct of research, and the dissemination of knowledge. The director is Dr. Hugo Magallanes, associate professor of Christianity and cultures.
The Center for Religious Leadership provides training in the theology of leadership and practical skills for leadership. This training is based in an understanding of leadership as a spiritual vocation cultivated, strengthened and lived out within communities of faith and the other contexts in which the church exists, including legal, business, political, social and cultural contexts. The center draws on the skills of the SMU faculty from Perkins School of Theology, Cox School of Business and Dedman School of Law, along with church leaders (both lay and clergy) and business and nonprofit leaders. Bishop D. Max Whitfield is the appointed director.
The Center for Methodist Studies at Bridwell Library was established in 1984 to encourage research, study and reflection upon the Methodist movement, including the sources that influenced its origin, the forces that shaped its development and the features that determine its character and influence. To foster these goals, the center sponsors and supports a variety of programs, publications and exhibitions. J.S. Bridwell Foundation Endowed Librarian Roberta A. Schaafsma is the director of Bridwell Library.
The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU exists to foster excellence in preaching through innovative courses at Perkins, continuing education events, mentoring relationships, peer groups focused on preaching and coaching for individuals and church staffs. The Hardin Family Preaching Mentor Program pairs seasoned practitioners from the area with Introduction to Preaching students. Peer groups throughout the Southwest bring together groups of pastors who meet monthly to work on their preaching skills. The Geo. W. and Nell Ayers LeVan Endowed Chair of Preaching and Worship and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie is the center’s director.
The Council of Southwestern Theological Schools
For several years, a number of seminaries in the Southwest cooperated in various joint activities. In the summer of 1958, their cooperative work was put on a permanent basis by the organization of the Council of Southwestern Theological Schools Inc. The current members of the council, in addition to Perkins, are as follows: Austin Graduate School of Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary, B. H. Carroll Theological Institute, Brite Divinity School, Dallas Theological Seminary, the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, George W. Truett Seminary, Houston Graduate School of Theology and Oblate School of Theology. The council is also affiliated with the Multicultural Alliance.
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