PERKINS THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL FOR THE LAITY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 3-5, 2016

CitySquare CEO Larry James to deliver keynote presentation; Perkins faculty to teach daily courses

DALLAS (SMU) – A keynote question-and-answer session with CitySquare CEO Larry James and a slate of diverse classes featuring Perkins School of Theology faculty members will headline the 2016 Perkins Theological School of the Laity, scheduled for March 3-5.

James has been involved with CitySquare – a faith-based, human and community development corporation that battles the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy and friendship – since 1994. An Elder in full connection with the North Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, James currently has a dual appointment with CitySquare and Highland Park United Methodist Church. He previously served for 14 years as senior minister at the Richardson East Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. 

James’ keynote presentation will be moderated by Peggy Wehmeyer, who for eight years was the religion correspondent for “ABC World News Tonight” – the first-such post for any network news outlet. Wehmeyer also has served as host and managing editor of “The World Vision Report” and was an anchor and reporter at WFAA-TV.

Rev. Dr. Ella McDonald (M.Div. ’08, D.Min. ’14) will preside over and deliver the opening worship service on Thursday, March 3. Dr. McDonald currently serves as the Presiding Elder of the Greater Dallas District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is chairperson for the Minister’s Efficiency Committee of the North Texas Annual Conference.

Six members of the Perkins School of Theology faculty and a doctoral candidate will conduct courses during the event:

• Theo Walker – Theological Ethics in American Politics: From 1932 to the Present (Thursday/Friday)
• Lindsey Trozzo (Ph.D. candidate) – Galatians: A Window to the Ups and Downs of Paul’s Inclusive Agenda (Thursday/Friday)
• Ted Campbell – Ways Forward for Old-Line Churches in the United States (Friday)
• Alyce McKenzie – Short Sentences from Long Experience: The Bible’s Proverbial Wisdom for Today (Friday)
• Wes Allen – The Bible’s Longest Parable – The Gospel of Mark (Saturday)
• Robert Hunt – Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and Engaging a Culturally Complex World (Saturday)
• Tamara Lewis – Praying with Early Christian Women (Saturday)

Additionally, a dinner at 5:30 p.m. Friday March 4 in the Great Hall of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall will recognize the recipients of the Woodrow B. Seals Laity and the Person of Faith awards. A separate announcement detailing these winners will follow.

More registration information for Perkins Theological School of the Laity is available at http://bit.ly/1PhvVVW. Advanced discounted registration ends Friday, Feb. 26, and first-time attendees can receive a $25 discount by using the code NEW when registering. Also, continuing-education credits will be provided for a $25 fee.