Introduction to PAX Discussion
This is part of a series of courses each focusing on a key topic that young Christians of color want to know about yet are challenged to find relevant, thoughtful, biblically based resources that answer their questions. We have curated a diverse collection of Jesus centered art, scholarship, and storytelling, primarily created by people of color, that provides teaching, guidance, and opportunities for reflection. Many of the contributors are experts in their field, while others are everyday Christians on their own journey of discovery. Each has a valuable perspective to share on what it means to be a peacemaker and follower of Jesus in today’s world.

Writing for Change

Partner PAX
Learning Pillar Contemplative Activism
Rigor Level Medium

This study equips aspiring and experienced writers to use their words as instruments of hope, justice, and transformation. Grounded in biblical principles and enriched by the wisdom of influential authors, activists, and changemakers, participants will explore how self-awareness, cultural understanding, storytelling, and strategic communication can inspire meaningful change. Through practical instruction, reflective exercises, and real-world examples, learners will develop the skills to write with authenticity, clarity, compassion, and purpose across a variety of genres and audiences. Whether crafting personal narratives, opinion pieces, articles, or long-form works, participants will gain confidence to create writing that informs, encourages, challenges, and inspires lasting transformation in individuals, communities, and culture.

Learning Objectives

Course Components

Introduction

  • Introductory Teaching | Writing For Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Introduction | Scripture Reflection

    10 Minutes
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  • Introduction | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Introduction | Benediction

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    10 Minutes
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Awareness + Progress

  • Self-Awareness, Cultural Awareness, and Progress in Writing

    10 Minutes
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  • Awareness + Progress | Scripture to Reflect On

    10 Minutes
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  • Awareness + Progress | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Awareness + Progress | Benediction

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    10 Minutes
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Leveraging Writing Styles

  • Leveraging Writing Styles For Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Leveraging Writing Styles | Scripture to Reflect On

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    10 Minutes
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  • Leveraging Writing Styles | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Leveraging Writing Styles | Benediction

    10 Minutes
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Storytelling

  • Anecdotal, Observational, and Historical Storytelling in Writing for Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Storytelling | Scripture to Reflect on

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    10 Minutes
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  • Storytelling | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Storytelling | Benediction

    10 Minutes
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Opinion Pieces

  • Writing Opinion Pieces For Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Opinion Pieces | Scripture to Reflect On

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    10 Minutes
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  • Opinion Pieces | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Opinion Pieces | Benediction

    10 Minutes
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Longform Nonfiction

  • Longform Nonfiction | Writing For Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Longform Nonfiction | Scripture to Reflect On

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    10 Minutes
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  • Longform Nonfiction | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Longform Nonfiction | Benediction

    10 Minutes
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Short Form Nonfiction

  • Short Form Nonfiction | Writing For Change

    10 Minutes
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  • Short Form Nonfiction | Scripture to Reflect On

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    10 Minutes
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  • Short Form Nonfiction | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Short Form Nonfiction | Benediction

    10 Minutes
    Lesson Locked

Mentorship

  • Mentorship On Your Writing Journey

    10 Minutes
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  • Mentorship | Scripture

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    10 Minutes
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  • Mentorship | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Mentorship | Benediction

    10 Minutes
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Closing

  • Closing

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    10 Minutes
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  • Closing | Scripture to Reflect On

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    10 Minutes
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  • Closing | Exercise

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    10 Minutes
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  • Closing | Benediction

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    10 Minutes
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Writing for Change

Taught by Michael Stalcup

This nine-session course offers a practical and faith-centered exploration of writing as a catalyst for hope, justice, and transformation. Through biblical reflection, storytelling, real-world examples, and hands-on writing practice, participants will develop the skills to communicate with authenticity, empathy, and purpose. Learners will explore multiple writing styles, strengthen their unique voice, and discover how thoughtful, compelling communication can inform, inspire, and encourage meaningful action in their communities, workplaces, ministries, and beyond.

Michael Stalcup

Meet Your Instructor,
Michael Stalcup

Michael Stalcup is a Thai American poet living in Bangkok, Thailand. The recipient of Fuller Seminary's 2025 Frederick Buechner Award for Excellence in Writing, his poems have been published in over thirty publications, including Commonweal, The Lent Project, and Sojourners.

Michael is passionate about investing in other writers and artists. He leads the PAX Fellowship's Writing as Spiritual Formation cohort and co-leads Spirit & Scribe, a four-week workshop helping writers to integrate spiritual formation and writing. Michael also co-leads United Adoration Thailand, partnering with local churches to equip and empower artists to create in their own language, culture, and context.

You can find all his poetry and teaching at michaelstalcup.com.

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