Rev. Dr. Andrew Zirschky, Adam Hamilton and Perkins Faculty to Lead 2019 Perkins Theological School for the Laity

The 2019 Perkins Theological School for the Laity, a three-day event focusing on the Bible, theology, and spirituality is set for March 28-30 on the Southern Methodist University campus. A free evening lecture will feature the Rev. Dr. Andrew Zirschky, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary.

February 13, 2019

DALLAS (SMU) – The 2019 Perkins Theological School for the Laity, a three-day event focusing on the Bible, theology, and spirituality is set for March 28-30 on the Southern Methodist University campus. A free evening lecture will feature the Rev. Dr. Andrew Zirschky, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary.

The lecture – Beyond the Moth Myth: Social Media, Youth, and Why the Church is Missing the Point – is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on 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. on Thursday, 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 Adam Hamilton and Dr. Zirschky will conduct full and half-day courses. They include:

  • Adam Hamilton – The Future of a Diverse Church (Thursday afternoon)
  • Dr. Evelyn Parker – Intersecting Oppressions: Race, Class, Gender, Sex, and Immigration and Statelessness (Thursday afternoon)
  • Dr. Roy Heller – Abraham’s Righteousness: Stories about What is Most Important in Religion (Friday) 
  • Dr. Andrew Zirschky – Communion Beyond Connection: The Ministry of Presence in a Lonely Age (Friday)
  • Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles – The Fabric of Faith: Learning form the Women of the New Testament (Saturday)
  • Dr. Mark Stamm – Exploring God’s Call to Prayer: Scripture and Tradition, Along with Plenty of Experience and Imagination (Saturday)

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 Thursday, March 28.  The 2019 awardee is John Esquivel, member of First United Methodist Church, Houston. Read the full release here.

More registration information for Perkins Theological School of the Laity is available online. Advanced discounted registration ends Thursday, March 21, and first-time attendees can receive a $25 discount for a full-day course by using the code NEW when registering. Also, continuing education credits will be provided for a $15 fee.

 

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Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

 

February 13, 2019