When Adam Perez graduated from Duke Divinity School with a Th.D. in liturgical studies in 2021, he carried with him a wealth of theological knowledge and a passion for worship that has shaped his career.
Today, as an assistant professor of worship studies at Belmont University in Nashville, T.N., Perez is living out his calling to inspire the next generation of worship leaders.
A Commitment to Worship Studies
Perez’s work at Belmont University focuses on teaching courses in worship and liberal arts general education, while also managing a significant grant aimed at strengthening intergenerational worship.
His research explores the history, theology, and practice of contemporary praise and worship, a field that has captured his imagination and dedication.
“In graduate school, so much of one’s time is spent becoming an expert in a topic,” he explains. “Moving into an undergraduate teaching role, so much of my time is spent doing everything except that!” From search committees and advising to grading and tenure narratives, Perez has had to navigate the complexities of academia, balancing diverse responsibilities daily.
Despite these challenges, Perez finds joy in the multidimensional nature of his role. Whether guiding students through theological discussions or collaborating with colleagues on institutional initiatives, he embraces the opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to the academic and ecclesial community.
“I want to inspire the next generation of faithful and reflective worship leaders to serve the life of the church for the good of the world,” he says.
This commitment to fostering thoughtful worship leadership reflects Perez’s deep-seated belief in the transformative power of worship. Whether teaching in the classroom or collaborating on grant projects, he approaches his work with a vision to equip students for meaningful ministry.
Laying the Foundation at Duke Divinity
Perez says his time at Duke Divinity School was instrumental in preparing him for his current role. “My time as a student at Duke Divinity School provided excellent preparation for my current teaching role,” he shares. “I gained valuable academic insights from studying under Dr. Lester Ruth and furthered my worship leadership experience working in Goodson Chapel.”
Perez’s involvement in the Certificate in Reflective and Faithful Teaching was another significant aspect of his Duke education. “It provided a space for reflecting on the classroom teaching that I do day to day,” he says. Additionally, his experiences as a postdoctoral fellow and grant writer during his time at Duke equipped him with administrative and professional skills that now enrich his work at Belmont.
For Perez, the rigor of Duke’s academic program left an indelible mark. “One particular research seminar on contemporary praise and worship history helped me identify areas of further research and immersed me in the scholarly community on this topic,” he shares.
When asked why someone should consider Duke Divinity School, Perez points to the people who make the institution exceptional. “The people are what make an institution what it is, and Duke Divinity School has great people,” he says. The mentorship, community, and rigorous academic environment at Duke provided Perez with a solid foundation for his ministry and academic career.
These academic experiences continue to inform Perez’s teaching and research. “As a college professor, I frequently draw upon the insights and skills I developed during my coursework at Duke,” he says.
Embracing Opportunities for Ministry
As a professor, Perez says he resonates with the idea that ministry opportunities can come to him in many forms and places.
“There are two places where I have been most acutely surprised by the community’s desire for me to be at a pulpit,” he shares. “The first is in helping students navigate the complexities of finding their sense of faith for the first time without their parents and with all sorts of new theological ideas bombarding them. This happens in the classroom, in the hallways, and in more private meetings where students wrestle with the big ideas of faithfulness.
“The second is in the media, where I have received regular requests for interviews by outlets looking to deepen their understanding of the present moment through theological and ecclesial lenses.”
In both contexts, Perez sees opportunities to engage thoughtfully and charitably, inviting others to consider worship, faith, and politics through a nuanced lens. These experiences reflect his broader vision for ministry, where the “pulpit” extends beyond traditional church settings to encompass classrooms, media platforms, and more.