Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning Heads to Oklahoma in March

DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University announces the 2026 Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning, scheduled for March 20–21 at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Blvd., Norman, Oklahoma. The annual gathering invites laypersons, clergy and community leaders to engage in robust theological mini-courses and conversations designed to deepen faith and understanding.

The Summit bridges the space between seminary and Sunday School, offering attendees a unique, customizable learning experience. Participants may attend a half-day or the full two-day event, choosing from a range of sessions led by Perkins faculty and distinguished guest lecturers.

“The Summit for Faith and Learning embodies Perkins’ commitment to lifelong theological education,” said Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology. “This event creates a space where people from diverse backgrounds can engage, explore and grow in faith together.” 

Featured voices for the 2026 Summit include Terry and Darlene Wildman. Terry is the lead translator for the First Nations Version of the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. He and Darlene also minister through original, native music with their work as RainSong Ministries. 

The 2026 Summit highlights include: 

• Nine courses offered across three learning blocks from Friday morning through Saturday midday, allowing participants to select sessions that fit their schedules. 
• Course topics in Bible, Evangelism, United Methodist History, Worship, Preaching, Liturgical Studies, Faith Formation, and Creation Care. 
• A Friday “Lunch & Learn” lecture with Terry and Darlene Wildman. 
• Provided lunch and opportunities for fellowship each day.

Perkins faculty and leaders will also teach courses, including: 

• Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology 
• O. Wesley Allen, Jr., Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics 
• Kate Hanch, Director of the Baptist House of Studies 
• Marcell Silva Steuernagel, Associate Professor of Church Music, Director of the Master of Sacred Music Program and Doctor of Pastoral Music Program 
• Emily Nelms Chastain, Assistant Professor of Christian History & Methodist Studies

“I'm excited to continue keeping the Summit on the road in Oklahoma. McFarlin Memorial UMC are wonderful, hospitable hosts who will provide an incredible venue for these exceptional courses and conversations,” said Bart Patton, Assistant Dean of External Programs at Perkins School of Theology. “I am inspired by the diverse learning communities that develop around Perkins' Summit for Faith and Learning, as it reflects a strong, empowered laity learning alongside a committed and curious clergy.” 

Perkins is partnering with the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Oklahoma Methodist Foundation, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church for this effort. 

Registration is open now, and participants are encouraged to register early to secure their selections. For a full course schedule and registration information, visit the Perkins Summit for Faith and Learning page at smu.edu/perkins/publicprograms/summit-for-faith-and-learning.  

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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.