The Department of Christian Studies hosts a scholarly lecture event every spring, sponsored by the Thomas F. Staley Foundation and the Staley Distinguished Scholar Lecture Program. The purpose of this series is to bring top experts to the campus from different fields of study in religion, biblical studies, church history, biblical archaeology, church and state studies, Christian theology, ethics, and related disciplines. The lectures are always open to the public and intended to stimulate academic inquiry, learning, and practical application.
Recent lecturers include:
- 2024 – Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University
- 2023 – Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Earlham School of Religion
- 2022 – Ross Wagner, Duke Divinity School
- 2020 – Cynthia Rigby, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- 2019 – Bill J. Leonard, Wake Forest University
- 2018 – Carol A. Newsom, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
- 2017 – Kelly Brown Douglas, Goucher College
- 2016 – J. Bradley Creed, Campbell University
- 2015 – John Buchanan, Christian Century, editor
- 2014 – Grant Wacker, Duke Divinity School
- 2013 – John Esposito, Georgetown University
- 2012 – Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School
- 2011 – Phyllis Trible – Wake Forest University School of Divinity
- 2010 – Philip Jenkins – Penn State University
- 2009 – Jodi Magness – UNC Chapel Hill
- 2008 – Randall Balmer – Barnard College, Columbia University
- 2007 – Brent Walker – Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
- 2006 – Glen Stassen – Fuller Theological Seminary
- 2005 – Charles Kimball – Wake Forest University
- 2004 – Justo Gonzalez – Emory University
- 2003 – James Crenshaw – Duke Divinity School
- 2002 – Mikeal Parsons – Baylor University
- 2001 – Fisher Humphreys – Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
- 2000 – Bill Pitts – Baylor University