Religious

The Perkins Global Theological Education Program prepares pastors-in-training to lead the congregations in culturally sensitive, competent, and effective mission both within and outside the United States.


  • Educational services for Hispanic Ministries.
    Perkins School of Theology, in 1974, founded the Mexican American Program (MAP) for the purpose of the ongoing work of recruiting, preparing, and providing continuing education of persons for ministry with Latinos. MAP’s activities include intensive summer Spanish instruction for ministers; convening and supporting the Hispanic Instructors Program, a national leadership development group for clergy and scholars, dedicated to stimulating Hispanic protestant theology; program of earlier awareness and mentoring for a group of Hispanic youth and young adults who sense a call to ordained ministry through the Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy; and advocating before The United Methodist Church with and in behalf of Hispanic congregations and ministries. MAP works with several agencies, especially in the implementation of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries, and with MARCHA (Methodists Associated to Represent the Cause of Hispanic Americans), the United Methodist Church’s Hispanic caucus.

  • Perkins Youth School.
    The Perkins Youth School is a theological program for high school youth who are interested in community service and exploring issues of faith and society. PYS was designed to give young people a voice and sense of purpose using their gifts, talents, intellect and spirituality. Youth are looking for ways to make sense of what happens in their communities, churches and the world. PYST partners with diverse communities to walk alongside youth as they serve in community outreach, develop mentor relationships, and engage in theological studies.

  • Ministers Week.
    The Perkins School of Theology sponsors an annual Ministers Week, which is generally on the first Monday through Wednesday in February. It includes endowed lectureships, a variety of worship services, workshops, luncheons, symposia and informal social events. Ministers and their spouses from all over the nation attend each year. It is a major unifying event in United Methodism in the South Central Jurisdiction.

  • Global Theological Education.
    The Perkins Global Theological Education Program prepares pastors-in-training to lead the congregations in culturally sensitive, competent, and effective mission both within and outside the United States. To the larger community beyond SMU, the Global Theological Education Program makes teachers, facilitators, and other resources available to lay leaders of short term mission. Using these resources, short term mission teams compliment their practical preparations with reflection on the theology and spirituality of mission, toward the goal of more fruitful partnerships and personal growth.

  • Partnerships with historically African-American churches.
    Theology professor Evelyn L. Parker has developed the concept of “emancipatory hope” as a framework for ministry with African American youth. Parker is training youth and adult leaders through partnerships with three Dallas churches that are historically African American. The training focuses on nurturing leadership in young people through worship, ministry, and community service.