DALLAS (SMU) – Dr. Efrain Agosto, a professor of New Testament Studies at New York Theological Seminary, has written extensively on Pauline Epistles and Latino/a theology and ministry. He will be a visiting scholar at Perkins School of Theology from Nov. 2-13, 2015.

Dr. Agosto’s visit and lectures are sponsored by the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions at Perkins, which is committed to academic research and its engagement with Latino/a realities through educational programs, immersion trips, and publication of scholarly works.

“It is an honor for us to host Dr. Agosto, as he embodies and represents the mission and commitments of The Center,” said Dr. Hugo Magallanes, director of the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions at Perkins. “His teaching experience and publications demonstrate that Dr. Agosto is not only an excellent New Testament scholar, but also show his strong commitment to the Hispanic community in the U.S. and his desire to prepare current and future Christian leaders as they serve a diverse and changing society.”

During his time at Perkins, Dr. Agosto will be leading and participating in multiple events open to students and the public, including:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Meeting with students during Community Hour at Perkins (CHAP) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., speaking on the topic of “A Career in Theological Education: Some Reflections”
• Thursday, Nov. 5: Preaching in Perkins Chapel, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10: Keynote lecture titled “Metaphors for Ministry in Paul: Commendation, Hardship and Reconciliation in 2 Corinthians.” Dr. Abraham Smith, Professor of New Testament at Perkins, will offer a response.  This is free and open to the public and will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall.

Since 2011, Dr. Agosto has been a Professor of New Testament Studies at New York Theological Seminary. He previously held teaching and leadership positions at Hartford Seminary, where he directed the Programa de Ministerios Hispanos for 16 years, and at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he was director and dean of Center for Urban Ministerial Education. Dr. Agosto earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Columbia University, his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (with a concentration in New Testament and Urban Ministry) and his doctorate from Boston University (with a concentration in New Testament and Christian Origins.)

The central mission of the Center for the Study of Latino/a Christianity and Religions at Perkins School of Theology is to promote a deeper understanding of the varieties of religious life and expression within the Latino/a communities in the United States and in Latin America. The Center also addresses topics and issues related to the Latino/a religious experience within a broader ecumenical and religious context, as well as with attention to international dynamics and realities.

An online version of this release is available at: http://www.smu.edu/Perkins/News/News_Archives/Archives_2015/EfrainAgostoVisit