The Occasional: OMSC Roundtable

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 9 | Interview with Jennifer Aycock

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:05:52 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC Roundtable, host Dr. Easten Law is joined by Dr. Jennifer Aycock (assistant professor at James Madison University) for a rich conversation on scholarship, teaching, and the evolving field of world Christianity. Dr. Aycock reflects on her interdisciplinary academic formation at Emory University, her transition into public university teaching, and her research on African Christian movements, and the transatlantic dimensions of Christian consciousness at the turn of the twentieth century. The conversation also explores questions of method, pedagogy, ethics, power, and the role of women in the field, as Dr. Aycock offers thoughtful insight into how world Christianity continues to develop through interdisciplinary inquiry, attention to marginalized histories, and deeper engagement with the urgent social and political realities shaping the global church today.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 8 | Interview with Stian Sørlie Eriksen

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:10:59 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC Roundtable, host Byung Ho Choi is joined by Dr. Stian Sørlie Eriksen (associate professor at VID Specialized University) for a thoughtful conversation on his academic journey, teaching, and research in the field of World Christianity. The interview takes place during the 6th World Christianity Conference in Princeton, New Jersey (March 14, 2025). Drawing from his research, Dr. Ericson reflects on his work on migrant churches, transnational mission networks, and the changing landscape of Christianity in Europe, especially in relation to migration, Pentecostalism, and intercultural ministry. He also shares insights from his current teaching and research projects, including work on reverse mission, women migrant pastors and leaders, second-generation Christian migrants, and the broader role of migrant churches in Norwegian society. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ericson offers an important perspective on the future of World Christianity, highlighting the urgent need to engage questions of mission, politics, peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the shifting realities of global Christianity today.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 7 | Interview with Joao Chaves

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:39:17 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC Roundtable Season 2, host Stephen Di Trolio sits down with Dr. Joao Chaves (Assistant Professor at Baylor University) to discuss his academic journey, current teaching and institutional roles, and the research questions shaping his work at the intersection of history, migration, and world Christianity. Dr. Chaves reflects on his path from theological training in Brazil to doctoral study at Baylor, where his dissertation examined shifting forms of Brazilian Baptist identity, including immigrant church life in the United States. The conversation focuses on his ongoing projects on Baptist missions worldwide, religion and migration, Brazil’s religious far-right, and transnational financial flows between immigrant-led churches in the U.S. and communities in Latin America. Closing on a reflective note, Dr. Chaves offers thoughtful observations about the field’s future—calling for more critical engagement with missionary sources and a deeper theorization of local agency.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 6 | Interview with Stephanie Wong

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:28:51 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC Roundtable Season 2, Stephanie Wong, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University, joins Easten Law for an in-depth conversation on comparative theology, world Christianity, and the study of Chinese Catholicism. Dr. Wong reflects on her academic journey—from Georgetown University and Yale Divinity School to her current work at Villanova—and discusses how her research bridges history, theology, philosophy, and lived religious communities in East Asia. The conversation explores her book “Making Catholicism Chinese,” methodological questions in interdisciplinary scholarship, and the productive tensions and complementarities between world Christianity and comparative theology. Together, this dialogue offers viewers a rich exploration of how local Christian communities, interreligious contexts, and theological inquiry shape the global study of Christianity today.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 5 | Interview with David Chrisna

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:56:58 GMT

In this episode of OMSC’s Roundtable Season 2, Byung Ho Choi is joined with David Chrisna, a recent Ph.D. graduate of Baylor University (focusing on world Christianity), for a wide-ranging conversation about his academic journey, research interests, and the evolving field of World Christianity. Dr. Chrisna reflects on how his interdisciplinary training has shaped his scholarly approach, and he discusses his dissertation on the Javanese indigenous evangelist Sadrach, revisiting long-standing missionary interpretations through a world Christianity lens. The conversation also explores key theoretical issues such as translatability principle, ethics in Christian mission, and the importance of centering global and non-Western voices as integral to the history of Christianity rather than as peripheral additions. Together, this dialogue offers viewers a thoughtful introduction to both Dr. Chrisna’s work and the broader questions animating world Christianity today.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 4 | Interview with Gina Zurlo

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of OMSC’s Roundtable Season 2, Stephen Di Trolio is joined by Dr. Gina Zurlo for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about world Christianity, trends in Christian demographics, and what those trends mean for the future of the church worldwide. Dr. Zurlo draws on her research to highlight shifts in the center of Christianity from the Global North to the Global South, discusses factors shaping contemporary Christian identity in different cultural contexts, and reflects on how mission, migration, and social change are impacting church growth and transformation. The discussion offers a fresh lens through which to appreciate the diversity and dynamism of modern Christianity — inviting both Christians and curious minds to consider what “belonging” and “witness” look like in a rapidly changing global faith landscape.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 3 | Interview with Dale Irvin

Byung Ho Choi — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC’s Roundtable Season 2, Dr. Easten Law sits down with esteemed historian and theologian Dr. Dale Irvin to explore his journey through ecumenism, global mission history, and his work in bridging Western and non-Western Christian perspectives. Irvin reflects on key moments in his career, from academic appointments to cross-cultural engagements, and offers insights into how historical narratives shape contemporary church life and mission. Throughout the conversation, he demonstrates how faithful scholarship and courageous dialogue can open up new pathways for understanding God’s mission across diverse contexts. The interview takes place during the 6th World Christianity Conference in Princeton, New Jersey (March 14, 2025).

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 2 | Interview with Deanna Womack

Byung Ho Choi — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:23:01 GMT

In this episode of the OMSC’s Roundtable Season 2, we welcome Dr. Deanna Womack. The interview takes place during the 6th World Christianity Conference in Princeton, New Jersey (March 14, 2025). Dr. Womack joins the Roundtable for a spirited, wide-ranging conversation about her academic journey, her research in Christian-Muslim relations, and the interplay of theology, history, and identity in her work. She explores how her scholarship engages both historical sources and contemporary issues, reflects on the challenges and opportunities of interfaith dialogue, and shares the personal motivations behind her writing and teaching. The interview offers viewers a compelling window into a scholar striving to bridge disciplines—and to bring historical insight into conversations of faith in the present.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 Episode 1 | Introducing the OMSC's Roundtable Season 2

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:46:56 GMT

On this week’s episode of OMSC’s Roundtable, host Byung Ho Choi recaps the first season of the Roundtable and introduces the upcoming Season 2 of the Roundtable. In line with OMSC’s mission to amplify the voices of the World Christian movement, the Roundtable is an open and inclusive space for conversations with students and scholars conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of World Christianity and Mission Studies, where we can learn about their research, teaching, and perspectives on the current state and future of these fields.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 2 | Coming Soon

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:05:00 GMT

The Overseas Ministries Study Center (OMSC) is excited to announce the second season of the Roundtable, a new media series on World Christianity and Mission Studies. The Roundtable offers a welcoming space where people from diverse backgrounds, contexts, and perspectives come together for meaningful conversations on the issues shaping World Christianity and Mission Studies.

For its second season, we’re featuring a fresh and exciting lineup of scholars and students engaged in these fields. Joining our host, Byung Ho Choi, are two new interviewers: Easten Law and Stephen DiTrolio. Together, they’ll guide us through a wide range of questions and themes at the heart of the world Christian movement.

We’ll begin releasing new episodes of Season 2 on our YouTube channel, @OMSC.Roundtable, every month throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, starting with an introductory video by Byung Ho Choi.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC Roundtable YouTube channel for more insights, questions, and thought-provoking conversations on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 10 | Interview with Kyama Mugambi

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:01:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Kyama Mugambi. The interview takes place at Princeton Theological Seminary, inside the OMSC House and we discuss about Dr. Mugambi’s ongoing research, recent publication, and his perspective on the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 9 | Interview with Aminta Arrington

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:56:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Retief Müller. The interview takes place during the 5th World Christianity Conference in Legon, Ghana (March 14, 2024). We discuss about Dr. Müller’s ongoing research, his latest monograph “The Scots Afrikaners” (Edinburgh University Press, 2022), his experience in teaching in the European context, and his perspective on the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 8 | Interview with Fides Del Castillo

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:32:00 GMT

In this week’s episode of the OMSC’s Roundtable we welcome Dr. Fides Del Castillo. The interview takes place at Princeton Theological Seminary, inside the OMSC House and we discuss about Dr. Del Castillo ongoing research, recent publication, and her perspective on the field of world Christianity.

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 7 | Interview with David Smith

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:26:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome David Smith. The interview takes place during the 5th World Christianity Conference in Legon, Ghana (March 14, 2024). We discuss about David’s ongoing research as a PhD Candidate, his experience in learning in the European context, and his perspective on the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 6 | Interview with Corey Williams

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 14:19:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Corey Williams. The interview takes place during the 5th World Christianity Conference in Legon, Ghana (March 14, 2024). We discuss about Dr. Williams’ research and his recent publications, his experience in teaching in the European context, and his perspective on the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 5 | Interview with Aminta Arrington

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:14:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Aminta Arrington. The interview takes place during the 5th World Christianity Conference in Legon, Ghana (March 14, 2024). We discuss about Dr. Arrington’s research, her experience in pursuing a second PhD, her monograph “Songs of the Lisu Hills: Practicing Christianity in Southwest China” (Penn State University Press, 2020), and her perspective regarding the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 4 | Interview with Kenneth Ofula

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:35:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Kenneth Ofula. This interview takes place during the 5th World Christianity Conference held in Legon, Ghana (March 14, 2024) and we discuss about Dr. Ofula’s experience teaching in the European context and his perspective on the field of world Christianity.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 3 | Interview with Easten Law

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:26:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Easten Law, who is the Associate Director of the OMSC. The interview takes place at Princeton Theological Seminary, in front of the OMSC House located in Princeton, and the interview highlights the various roles Dr. Law plays as the Associate Director, especially his involvement with the Online Certificate in Lived Theology & World Christianity and the Occasional.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 2 | Interview with Soojin Chung

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:20:00 GMT

In this episode of the Overseas Ministries Study Center’s Roundtable, we welcome Dr. Soojin Chung, who is the Director of the OMSC. The interview takes place at the OMSC House located in Princeton, and the interview focuses on Dr. Chung’s tenure as the OMSC’s Director, the various programs that OMSC offers, the International Bulletin of Mission Research (IBMR), and her vision for the OMSC.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.

The Roundtable Season 1 Episode 1 | Introducing the OMSC's Roundtable

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Overseas Ministries Study Center's Roundtable, host Byung Ho Choi introduces OMSC's new media series and addresses the following questions: What is the Roundtable? What is the purpose of this new media series hosted by OMSC? What can we expect from the Roundtable YouTube and podcast series? In line with OMSC's mission to amplify the voices of the World Christian movement, the Roundtable serves an open and inclusive space for conversations with students and scholars conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of world Christianity and mission studies, where we can learn about their research, teaching, and perspectives on the current state and future of these fields.

You can watch the full YouTube video here:

Please don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the OMSC’s Roundtable YouTube channel today for more insight, questions, and meaningful conversation on world Christianity and mission studies.