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Dr. Frederick Aquino, Professor of Systematic Theology

We live in a world with unprecedented (and quicker) access to vast information. In one sense, we feel more connected through social media and various technological advances. At the tap of a finger, the requested information is readily available. In another sense, we feel overwhelmed by the noise of social media, news outlets, and the relentless stream of facts and opinions. A significant challenge involves learning to cut through such noise and differentiate between peripheral and salient pieces of information. This course will explore how the Christian virtue of discernment helps us think about and respond to such a challenge.

Rev. Mark C. Grafenreed, Ph.D. Candidate in Religion and Culture, Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU

Thermometers and thermostats are invaluable instruments, especially during toasty Texas summers! However, thermometers, which record temperatures, and thermostats, which regulate them, can be problematic when inoperable or ineffective. The same is true concerning the Christian Church! This workshop examines the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. It explores whether today’s Christian Church is a thermometer that is an “arch defender of the status quo” or a thermostat that “transforms the mores of society.”

Suzi Pitts, Director of Communications, St. Luke’s UMC Houston

with Bart Patton, Director of the Office of External Programs

A testimony is a good story that is also a God story. More than your Christian biography, it is telling, whether in a worship setting or casual conversation, where we see God’s presence and activity in our lives. However, many people are not sure how to talk about God in today’s world. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to share your testimony with gentleness and respect and coach others inside your worshipping community and out and about in your neighborhood. You’ll engage with leaders and best practices from the Testimony HQ Initiative at Perkins School of Theology, currently resourcing over thirty congregations as they re-center community engagement around testimony.

Lunch & Learn Guest Lecturers

Terry Wildman, of Ojibwe and Yaqui ancestry, is the Lead Translator and Project Manager of the . He is the Director of Spiritual Growth and Leadership Development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of  and has previously served as a pastor. Terry and his wife, Darlene, live in Maricopa, Arizona, on the traditional Pima and Tohono O'odham lands. Darlene is an honorary member of the Miami Indians of Indiana. Together, they are a Grammy-nominated and Nammy award-winning musical duo and recording artists known as .

Dr. Dallas J. Gingles, Assistant Dean of Hybrid Education, Associate Professor of Practice in Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics

United States Presidents often develop and deploy theological concepts in their speeches. This course treats such presidential speeches as primary texts of political theology. It seeks to understand the vision of God and the good life that is presupposed and constructed in the speech.

Rev. Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship

When adverse events overwhelm us, when we take life and ourselves with deadly seriousness, it’s time to recover the humor and joy at the heart of God,  available in everyday life. This workshop, based on Dr. McKenzie’s recently co-authored book , will unlock the power of humor to brighten difficult days, create community, refresh relationships, and strengthen our spiritual stamina. Join us for this humorous, hope-filled workshop on a much-needed topic!

Rev. Dr. April Johnson Bristow, Associate Director of the Intern Program and Advising

How is your prayer life? Thriving? A little dull? What prayer life? No matter your response, you are invited to this dynamic 3-hour  experiential class designed for the longtime person of faith or those new to faith, those flourishing in faith, and those whose prayer life is stagnant. Create, re-create, renew, or deepen your prayer life through interactive activities, scriptural exploration, and theological engagement. Embark on a journey of rediscovery, exploring different types of prayer and rekindling a vibrant connection with God. Participants will leave with prayer practices to add to their spiritual growth toolkit.

Terry Wildman

This course will explore the Gospel and Native Spirituality through storytelling, music, group and individual activities, and Q&A.

Learning Objectives: The Genesis of the FNV New Testament

1. FNV Translation Philosophy and Goals
2. FNV Translation Process and Collaboration
3. The Power of Storytelling
4. Translating your own Psalm from the Scriptures
5. Decolonizing Western Theological and Ecclesiastical Hegemony
6. Building Theological Bridges and Finding Common Ground
7. Re-imagining the Future

Rev. Dr. Hugo Magallanes, Dean ad Interim

The short course will offer a brief examination of Wesley’s theology and ministry in response to the needs of the poor in church and society, and it will provide helpful tools to develop a Wesleyan identity of solidarity with the poor as well as tentative responses to poverty-related issues from a Wesleyan perspective.

1. Students will be able to identify the importance and connections between personal and social holiness

2. Students will be able to provide examples based on Wesley’s life ministry and social holiness.

3. Students will be able to articulate social holiness as solidarity with the poor.