Going Back to School for Bible Learning
Theological School for Laity touts three days of classes with noted theologians, Perkins professors
A free lecture with youth ministry expert Dr. Andrew Zirschky and a session with noted United Methodist pastor and author Rev. Adam Hamilton highlight the 2019 Perkins Theological School for the Laity – a three-day event focusing on the Bible, theology and spirituality – scheduled for March 28-30 on the SMU campus.
Dr. Zirschky’s lecture – Beyond the Moth Myth: Social Media, Youth and Why the Church is Missing the Point – is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in the Great Hall of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall. Dr. Zirschky has 20 years of ministry experience as a youth and college minister at churches in Idaho, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He has been named a Timothy Scholar by the United Methodist Foundation for Evangelism based upon his research emphasis in youth and young adult ministry.
“This annual event is a highlight for learning from and engaging with nationally recognized presenters from the Perkins faculty and beyond,” said Priscilla Pope-Levison, Associate Dean for External Programs at Perkins.
Bart Patton, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Education at Perkins, will lead the opening worship service at 4:45 p.m. March 28. Music for the service will be under the direction of Dr. Marcell Steuernagel, Assistant Professor of Church Music and Director of the Master of Sacred Music degree program at Perkins.
Throughout the event, four members of the Perkins School of Theology faculty, Perkins alumnus Rev. Hamilton and Dr. Zirschky will conduct full and half-day courses. They include:
- Adam Hamilton – The Future of a Diverse Church (March 28)
- Dr. Evelyn Parker – Intersecting Oppressions: Race, Class, Gender, Sex and Immigration and Statelessness (March 28)
- Dr. Roy Heller – Abraham’s Righteousness: Stories about What is Most Important in Religion (March 29)
- Dr. Andrew Zirschky – Communion Beyond Connection: The Ministry of Presence in a Lonely Age (March 29)
- Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles – The Fabric of Faith: Learning from the Women of the New Testament (March 30)
- Dr. Mark Stamm – Exploring God’s Call to Prayer: Scripture and Tradition, Along with Plenty of Experience and Imagination (March 30)
Additionally, the recipient of the 2019 Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award will be recognized by Perkins Dean Craig C. Hill during the opening worship service in Perkins Chapel on March 28. The 2019 awardee is John Esquivel, member of First United Methodist Church, Houston.
Published: Wednesday, February 27, 2019