Finding balance: How a first-year Perkins student is learning to care for others and himself

As a student serving in pastoral ministry at Sadler United Methodist Church in Sadler, Texas, Landon Calloway Cain ’28 regularly witnessed the impact of theological education on pastors who graduated from Perkins School of Theology. Many became role models whose footsteps he hoped to follow.

Now in his first year at Perkins, Cain is already balancing several responsibilities. Alongside his full-time studies and service as a lay supply pastor, he was recently elected to represent Perkins in the SMU Student Senate.

While navigating these commitments can be challenging, Cain is discovering that preparing to care for others also requires making time for his own spiritual well-being.

Fully immersed and aware

Halfway through his first semester, Cain has already found one of Perkins' greatest strengths to be its diverse community, where students from different denominational traditions can exchange perspectives and challenge one another's understanding of theology.

“This means that I am not always going to agree with the things that people say, but I am able to hear other people's opinions and beliefs, and that has, in essence, allowed me to be open to new understandings of theology and has also strengthened my own beliefs,” he said.

Beyond classroom discussions, Cain is finding opportunities to apply what he learns directly to his ministry at Sadler UMC.

In a pastoral care course taught by Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Susanna Wesley Centennial Chair in Practical Theology, Cain explored approaches to caring for individuals experiencing difficult circumstances after reading a personal account of someone grieving the loss of a loved one.

“In this case, it challenged some misconceptions that I had, and I think because of that, it has helped me and may help me be a better pastoral caregiver,” he said.

Making time for spiritual renewal

As Cain continues adjusting to the demands of graduate school, pastoral ministry and student leadership, he is learning that caring for others cannot come at the expense of his own spiritual health.

Rather than waiting until his responsibilities become overwhelming, Cain is establishing practices that allow him to remain grounded throughout the week.

“I have learned that I have to take non-negotiable time for myself,” Cain said.

Each week, he reserves time in his calendar to attend communion and chapel services at Perkins.

“What I have found is that there is a spiritual refresh in going to both of those services that often grounds me and reminds me why it is that I am doing this work and why it is that I am going to school,” he said.

Extending care to the Perkins community

Cain's commitment to caring for others also extends beyond his congregation. As one of Perkins' representatives in the SMU Student Senate, he hopes to contribute to an environment where students feel supported and included.

Cain brings previous student government experience to the role, having served as a religious studies senator at his former institution.

“The goal here is that, through being a senator, hopefully I can make sure that every person who walks through the doors of this school whether they be master’s or graduate, in-person or online, feels worthy, welcomed, and invited to be a part of this wonderful community we call Perkins,” he said.

For Cain, the opportunity to represent students complements the lessons he is learning about pastoral care. Both responsibilities require listening to others, understanding different experiences and recognizing the needs of the communities he serves.

Growing into a leader

Although Cain is only beginning his theological education, he already has a vision for the kind of church leader he hopes to become.

“I want to make sure that as a future leader in the church, I know enough to be able to reverse some of the misunderstandings that people have had and bring those who really need hope and healing back into the church,” he said.

For Cain, his first semester at Perkins has offered lessons that extend beyond the classroom. As he continues developing his approach to ministry, he has already taken an important step toward prioritizing the well-being of the person responsible for caring for others–himself.