Global Theological Education Immersion Blogs
The Perkins Global Theological Education Program prepares Christian leaders for complex cultural experiences through seminars and significant immersion experiences in other cultures. Students learn to build intercultural relationships, resolve cultural conflicts and guide intercultural ventures.
U.S.-Mexico Border Faculty Immersion:
Nov. 30 – Dec. 5, 2015
Read Immersion Blog from The Borderlands
A group of faculty of Perkins School of Theology participated in a week-long immersion trip to the U.S.-Mexico border to explore the complex economic, social, and religious issues facing those who live in the “borderlands.”
Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions at Perkins School of Theology, and funded through a grant from the Luce Foundation, the experience was designed to give faculty a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts that are shaping Latino Christianity.
South Africa Immersion:
May 17-31, 2015
Read Immersion Blog from South Africa
Members of the Perkins School of Theology South Africa course embrace the world with Nelson Mandela, the first president elected in a fully representative democratic election and who served from 1994-1999.
Palestine-Israel Immersion:
January 3-14, 2015
Read Immersion Blog from Palestine-Israel
The Perkins Palestine-Israel immersion group, pictured in Jerusalem with the golden Dome of the Rock in the background.
El Salvador Immersion:
Spring Break 2014
Read Immersion Blog from El Salvador
by Lael C. Melville, Psy.D.
Perkins student
El Salvador 2014
Lael Melville
(standing, fifth from left)
Cuba Blog:
March 8–16, 2014
Read Faculty Immersion Blog from Cuba
by Dr. Tim McLemore
associate director of Public Affairs at Perkins
Memory in caricature
from "Old Havana" 2014
Israel and Palestinian Territories: December 29, 2013 –
January 13, 2014
Read Immersion Blog from Israel and Palestinian Territories
(December 29, 2013 – January 13, 2014)
Sign advises neighborhood visitors of requirement for modest dress
The itinerary includes lectures and interaction with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and scholars, and travel throughout the region, including to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Jericho, Bethlehem, Ramallah, the Sea of Galilee, and more.
South Africa: May 31 – June 17, 2013
South Africa, participants are gaining insights into Christian hope in the region by exploring the political, economic, sexual, racial, and gender-complex experiences of the people of South Africa, and by participating in varieties of church and community-based ministries in Cape Town and Durban. This course is led by Dr. Evelyn L. Parker, associate dean for Academic Affairs and professor of Practical Theology.
Taizé, France: May 20–June 4, 2013
The immersion course in Taizé, France was led by Dr. C. Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor of Church Music and director of the Perkins Master of Sacred Music Program, and Dr. Heidi A. Miller, assistant professor of Christian Worship.
Theology students studying in Taizé, France, visited sacred sites such as the Taizé community, Notre Dame, Cluny and Chartres, with attention to the sites’ rich contributions to Christian worship and music. For example, regarded as one of the wonders of the Middle Ages, the abbey-church of Cluny was the largest church in Christendom until St. Peter’s basilica was built in Rome. Construction on the Benedictine abbey began in 1089 and was completed in 1131. The library of Cluny was, for centuries, one of the most important in France. Sacked by the Hugeunots in 1562, the abbey was almost entirely destroyed by a revolutionary mob during the suppression of 1790.
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Singapore/Dallas Doctor of Ministry Program: July 22–August 2, 2013
Read D.Min. Blog from Singapore
(July 22–August 2, 2013)
Worship was held at this Hindu temple in Singapore at the same time faculty and students worshiped July 21, 2013, just one block away at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
(Photo: T. Rasberry)
2013 marked the fourth year that Perkins School of Theology, in cooperation with Trinity Theological College in Singapore, has held its two-week summer session as part of the Singapore/Dallas Doctor of Ministry Program.
Perkins faculty in residence for the summer 2013 two-week Singapore session included the Rev. Gary MacDonald, director of Advanced Ministerial Studies, and Dr. Todd Rasberry, director of Development.
Learn more about the Singapore/Dallas D.Min. program
Global Theological Education Immersion Blogs
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South Africa Immersion Blog featured on SMU Adventures
Learn more about Global Theological Education Immersion Courses