April J. Bristow

Associate Director Intern Program

photo of April Johnson Bristow
Email

ajbristow@smu.edu
Office Location

Selecman Hall, Room 115
Phone

214-768-6924

Education

D.Min, Specialization in Pastoral Care, Houston Graduate School of Theology; M.Div.,Perkins School of Theology, 91ƬSϼ; B.S., Rutgers University, 1989

Teaching Specialties

Pastoral Care; Grief; Equipping Laity and Clergy for faith-filled leadership; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Guarding Against Compassion Fatigue; Divorce Recovery; Spiritual Formation and Direction; Premarital Counseling; End of Life Coaching; Mental Health and the Church

Selected Publications

:: Contributed “Remember to Rest” to Leaves of Wisdom: A Book of Daily Meditations and Encouragement, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, 2024.

:: Contributed “The Work of Peacemaking” to Our Favorite Sunday School Lesson, Market Square Books, 2023.

:: “S. E. L. F. I. E.: A Model for Cultural Intelligence for Faithful Leadership in the Church,” Bristow, April Johnson and Young, Adam; North Texas Conference United Methodist Church, 2015 

:: “Becoming One Again: Intentional Steps Toward Healing for Divorced/Divorcing Persons,” Bristow, April Johnson; First United Methodist Church Richardson, TX, 2013 

:: “Strengths in Differences: Cultural Competency for Faith Leaders – A Closer Look at Acts 10” for LeadershipFirst, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, 2020.

:: “Sisters in the Spirit: A Cross-Racial Experience for White Women and Women of Color,” Bristow, April Johnson and Holbert, Diana; A Collaborative Project of First United Methodist Church Richardson and Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, 2007.

Professional Distinctions

Ordained Elder, United Methodist Church; Leadership Circle Profile and Collective Leadership Assessment Certified Practitioner; Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator; Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate; Spiritual Director; Prepare and Enrich Trainer; Certified End of Life Coach; Stephen Ministry Leader

Honors

  • Doctoral Excellence Award, Houston Graduate School of Theology, 2019
  • Elsa Cook Award for Contributions to the Perkins Community, Perkins School of Theology, 1998
  • Albert Outler Award for Outstanding Essay in Theology, Perkins School of Theology, 1996
  • Crusade Scholar, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodist Church, 1994

 

View CV