Howard Payne University named four students as Currie-Strickland scholars during the 17th annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics, on Thursday, January 30. This year’s lectures featured guest speaker Dr. João Chaves, assistant professor of history of religion in the Américas and co-director of the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable in the department of religion at Baylor University. Chaves also spoke at HPU’s weekly chapel service on January 29.

Students recognized were Vitória de Sales Biazi, a junior Bible major from São Paulo, Brazil; Brayden Folkers, a senior Christian education major with an emphasis in ministry leadership from College Station; Julie Ivy, a junior Christian education major with an emphasis in ministry leadership from Shiner; and Diondray Parker, a junior double majoring in youth ministry and kinesiology from Borger.

The event was coordinated by Jordan Villanueva, instructor of Christian Studies and assistant to the president for Hispanic relations.

“Dr. Chaves’ lectures were both timely and relevant, addressing a sensitive issue with biblical insight.” Villanueva said. “I appreciate how Howard Payne University continues to be a leading voice in these important conversations. I am grateful to everyone who made this year’s lectures possible.”

Chaves lecture was titled “Faith crossing borders: how immigrant churches are shaping the future of Christianity.” His presentation detailed the impacts of migrants on mission work, and how the Christian faith, and specifically the Baptist church, includes many different people groups.

“When we look at the historically contemporary expansion of Christianity more carefully,” said Chaves, “we find locals and migrants at the center, not merely as helpers or even as equal partners of western missionaries, but often also as leaders.”

The migration of different people groups is projected to continue being a large influence towards the growth of Christianity.

“As refugees and migrants go to and from places, whether willingly or not, Christianity thrives, expands and complexifies. Migrant joys, struggles, laughter and tears have been, are and will continue to be, the seeds of Christianity’s future,” Chaves said.

The lectures concluded with final thoughts from Chaves on how Christianity will continue to change and expand.

“How will immigrant churches shape the future of Christianity?” asked Chaves. “By continuing to be a space for the religion to thrive in new places, often solace for those in need, functioning as mediating structures that help migrants adapt to their new countries.”

The Currie-Strickland lecture series is made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Elliston and was established to honor the life of Dr. David R. Currie, retired executive director of Texas Baptists Committed; and the memory of Phil Strickland, who dedicated nearly 40 years of ministry to the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission.