Perkins School of Theology brings Summit for Faith and Learning to Spring, Texas

DALLAS (SMU) – The 2026 Fall Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning will bring theological education beyond the seminary classroom and into the Greater Houston community, Sept. 25–26 at Klein United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas.

Designed for clergy, lay leaders, alumni and lifelong learners, the two-day continuing education event offers a flexible lineup of mini-courses led by Perkins faculty, alumni and ministry leaders. Participants may attend for a half-day or build their own schedule across the two-day event – whatever fits them best. Courses will be offered in English, Spanish and Korean, expanding opportunities for theological education to serve the diverse communities of the Greater Houston area.

“The church is navigating a rapidly changing cultural landscape, and theological education has an important role to play in helping people respond with wisdom and creativity,” said Bryan P. Stone Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology. “The Perkins Summit brings the expertise of our faculty into conversation with clergy, lay leaders, and lifelong learners, creating a space to engage new ideas together and take what they learn back into their churches and communities.”

Each Summit focuses on practical topics that participants can immediately apply in their ministries. This year’s Summit addresses questions facing churches and communities today, from the growing role of artificial intelligence in ministry to Christian public engagement, spiritual practices, stress and well-being, and the use of power in church and mission.

"The Summit is an ideal opportunity for church groups to learn together. We encourage leaders to bring a group from their congregation to enrich these experiences in thinking more theologically about our lives, said Bart Patton, Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning, Church Relations, and Alumni Engagement. “In partnership with the Texas Annual Conference, we're thrilled to offer courses in multiple languages this year." 

Among the courses offered are:

• “An Introduction to AI in Christian Ministry – 101” and “AI in Christian Ministry Practicum – 201” — Robert Hunt, professor of Christian mission and interreligious relations at Perkins, and Drew Dickens, adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. The courses will explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, questions surrounding its appropriate use in Christian ministry and practical applications of AI tools. The practicum will include hands-on work in which participants can create an AI agent to serve as an assistant.
• “The Church’s Social and Moral Responsibility” — Hugo Magallanes, associate professor of Christianity and cultures at Perkins. Offered in English and Spanish, the course will explore biblical, ethical and theological foundations for social engagement and models for Christian participation in public life.
• “Transforming Power: A Theology of Power for Church and Mission” — Yohan Hong, pastor of Dodgeville United Methodist Church. Offered in Korean on Friday evening and English on Saturday morning, the course will examine different expressions of power and consider how Christian understandings of power can shape the world around them.
• Courses on Christian theology, spirituality, breathing and stress — Pam White, clinical assistant professor in the Intern Program at Perkins.
• Courses on Christian spirituality and contemplative practices — Victor Resendiz, spiritual formation pastor at White’s Chapel Methodist Church, including a Spanish-language course on Christian spirituality.

The Fall Summit for Faith and Learning is part of Perkins’ ongoing effort to bring theological learning directly to churches and communities.

Registration is now open. For the complete course schedule, event details and registration information, visit the Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning website.

SMU 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.