Upcoming Continuing Education Opportunities Fall 2025
Explore Perkins’ continuing education this fall, including Preaching and Trauma, Fall Convocation, and the Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Sharpen your preaching skills and deepen your knowledge this fall at Perkins School of Theology!
October 21, 2025: “Preaching and Trauma” 10 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
The Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence at SMU
Location: Virtual
How can preachers address issues of collective and individual trauma from the pulpit? This class draws on insights from scripture, psychology, and trauma studies to equip preachers to address ongoing and catastrophic experiences of individual and corporate trauma in their pulpit ministries.
This class is taught by Dr. Joni S. Sancken, Butler Chair of Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation, Vancouver School of Theology, Vancouver, British Columbia, based on her books, Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls (2019) and All Our Griefs to Bear: Responding With Resilience After Collective Trauma (2022).
This course may be taken “à la carte” or as part of the Certificate in Preaching Excellence (CPX).
For more information, visit the Center for Preaching Excellence Certificate Program webpage here.
November 10-11, 2025: Perkins Fall Convocation
Location: SMU campus
Perkins Fall Convocation is an annual gathering highlighting relevant lectures in contemporary theological engagement, practical ministry and faith-informed leadership. This year’s convocation will feature a rich series of lectures and dialogues across diverse fields, including preaching, Hispanic theology, sociology and wisdom, religious education for social change and United Methodist studies. Join us as we celebrate a diverse learning community for church and community leaders alike, as you connect with like-minded peers, engage with visionary thinkers around fresh scholarship, and gain practical tools for your ministry.
For more details, click here: https://www.smu.edu/perkins/publicprograms/perkins-fall-convocation
Registration is open Sept. 15 through Oct. 30. Click here for details and pricing.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a nondegree program for individuals called to the ministry of spiritual companionship. Through a cohort model, students grow in prayerful listening, theological reflection, and contemplative practice. The program prepares certificate graduates to serve as spiritual directors in both individual and group settings, integrating prayerful presence, discernment, and practical ministry tools.
Applications have closed for the upcoming cohort beginning in October. Follow the Certificate in Spiritual Direction page for updates on the next cohort forming in 2026.