Baptist House of Studies-Perkins School of Theology at SMU

Last week, ThM graduate Michaela Calahan and Kate Hanch presented papers at the College Theology Society/National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion Region at Large at Villanova University. This event included Roman Catholics and Baptists in dialogue focusing on Christian nationalism.

In addition to presenting, they heard from such figures as womanist ethicist Traci West and author Brian Kaylor. Michaela also read Scripture for the prayer service on Friday evening.

We're grateful that our students can contribute to these important conversations and make an impact in our world!

Congrats to BHS Perkins student Jerry Walker. We will see him receive the award at thr CBF general assembly!

👏 The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has named Adrienne Osborne, ministry intern at First Baptist Bristol Tennessee and Jerry Walker, lead pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church of Oak Cliff Dallas, Texas, as the 2026 Vestal Scholars.

The honor recognizes their academic excellence, deep commitment to the local church and leadership shaped by CBF’s values of theological education and faithful ministry development. 🙌

Learn more about our scholars below!
https://cbf.net/cbf-names-adrienne-osborne-and-jerry-walker-2026-vestal-scholars/

BHS Perkins student Paula Garrett recently wrote a piece for Baptist News Global. She wrote about Pentecost and the men who attempt to silence women's voices.

She comments "To what contortions must one subject this Pentecost story in order to deny the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of women?"

Read it here: https://baptistnews.com/article/as-the-spirit-enabled-them-pentecost-al-mohler-and-tired-old-arguments/?_gl=1*191w33i*_gcl_au*MTgwOTQ2NDk5LjE3Nzk4OTM4NDA.*_ga*MTIyMzQwMjAyNi4xNzc5ODkzODQw*_ga_TG4TV1Z59Y*czE3Nzk4OTM4MzkkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk4OTM4MzkkajYwJGwwJGgxNjA0ODQ0MzA4

Thank you, Paula, for your powerful witness!!

Here's recent ThM alum Michaela Calahan giving a paper at the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (NABPR) conference. She presented 2 papers at that conference: 1 on how Black Baptists address Christian nationalism, and another that addressed Baptist masculinity in the face of migrants. She represented Perkins BHS well!

More graduation celebrations!

Here are a few pics of our students at the graduation chapel and senior banquet last Friday.

Our May newsletter has arrived! Check it out: https://mailchi.mp/smu/bhs-april-newsletter-1357632

Never miss another newsletter. Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/smu/baptist-house-of-studies-newsletters-and-updates

First year BHS Perkins student Leigh Ann Brown, who serves as a Faith Studies teacher at an Episcopalian K-8 school, preached at one of their services recently. This is what a preacher looks like!

Congratulations to all our Perkins graduates! Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. We know you will continue to follow the Spirit's call, and we are praying for you as you live that call out!

Several BHS and free church students won awards in theology, pastoral care, bible, and homiletics.

Today is the last day to RSVP for the graduation gathering on Thursday at Ozona Grill and Bar!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrUTV_h0Me3NgtDYcswv0-qG69U_si9jlMP49E1pldcOnDiw/viewform?usp=dialog