[Blog] 2025 Perkins Fall Convocation Recap

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University hosted its annual Fall Convocation on Nov. 10-11, 2025, bringing together clergy, laity, scholars and community members for two days of lectures, dialogue and learning at the Umphrey Lee Center.

Fall Convocation has become one of the school’s most anticipated gatherings. This year’s event featured lectures on preaching, Hispanic theology, sociology and wisdom, religious education for social change and United Methodist studies.

A Space for Broadening Perspectives

For many participants, the heart of Fall Convocation lies in its ability to bring diverse theological voices together.

“It’s a chance for our community to engage with scholars and authors in ways that broaden our theological perspectives and propel our practical ministry paradigms — in a real sense, it’s theological continuing education for the church and the world,” said Bart Patton, Assistant Dean of External Programs and Church Relations. “Having pastors, laity, scholars, students and educators come together in a learning community is a unique intellectual space for our day.”

Patton added that attendees responded positively to the structure of this year’s event.

“I think our audience appreciated the diversity of topics and the Perkins faculty-led panel discussions, which wrapped up each lecture and allowed for meaningful dialogue with the audience,” he said. “It’s essential for us to facilitate a ‘so, what, now?’ point to catalyze the content.”

Alumni Reflections

Among those returning to campus for the event was Rosedanny Ortiz, M.Div. ’21, who said Fall Convocation remains an essential space for continuing growth.

“Well, the world changes, ministry changes, so we need to keep these events happening,” Ortiz said. “We need the opportunity to apply those changes to our context and environment.”

Ortiz highlighted the Q&A conversations following each lecture as one of the strongest components.

“I love the question-and-response conversations we’ve had at the end of each lecture,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity to discern a little bit more about what you just learned and have a deeper understanding of what you just heard, clarifying any questions you might have.”

Featured Lectures

This year’s convocation included five major lectures:

• Fondren Lecture in Christian Mission and Community Engagement
  Dr. Monika Ardelt, professor of sociology, University of Florida


• Barton Lecture in Hispanic Theology
  Dr. M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy, Wheaton College


• Tate-Wilson Lecture in Faith and Public Life
  Rev. Dr. Almeda M. Wright, associate professor of religious education, Yale Divinity School


• Peyton Lecture in Preaching
  Dr. Lisa L. Thompson, Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Black Homiletics and Liturgics, Vanderbilt University


• United Methodist Studies Lecture in Wesleyan History and Contemporary Engagement
  Dr. Ashley Boggan D., general secretary, General Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church

Looking Ahead: Accessibility and Innovation

Patton said future convocations will continue expanding accessibility and relevance to a broad audience.

“I believe events like Fall Convocation will follow the larger vision of Perkins’ commitment to content delivery that’s widely accessible and context-driven for the unique needs of our various audiences,” he said. “We want the riches of theological education at Perkins to be for everyone — empowering folks to fulfill God’s unique call and gifts for clergy, laity and community leaders alike.”

He noted that Perkins is uniquely suited to host such a gathering because it sits at the intersection of academic scholarship and the lived needs of the church.

“We’re in a unique position,” Patton said. “Having these two audiences together for lectures and discussions that bring these worlds together in a singular moment creates a rich environment for sparking transformation — as much for us as for our guests.”