Paul’s Radical Vision of Christian Community

In Fall 2019, Faith And Reason launched a new series of intimate setting workshops with John Dominic Crossan at Trinity Church of Austin, an inclusive, progressive congregation in Texas. Over 100 church educational leaders and clergy attended the one day workshop to explore historical Paul’s radical vision of Christian community and how that vision focuses squarely on the challenges that face congregations today. 

Drawing from his landmark video teaching series, The Challenge of Paul, Dr. Crossan exhibited several teaching segments that illustrated major themes in Paul’s revolutionary vision: Baptism as New Creation, The Romanization of a Radical and Those Who Have Slept. These presentations were followed by open discussion and Q&A. In addition, each participant received Themes 1 and 2 of the Challenge of Paul discussion guides and full transcripts, as well as accompanying DVDs and flash drives — everything needed to jumpstart their education offerings. 

A generous grant from Barbara Wendland, a progressive United Methodist layperson from Temple, Texas, made it possible for educators and clergy to participate in this “Challenge of Paul Workshop for Educational Leaders and Clergy” at no cost.