Trevin Wax is Managing Editor of The Gospel Project at LifeWay Christian Resources. If you surf around the Christian blogosphere you’ve likely heard of The Gospel Project. I recently asked Trevin a few questions about the new curriculum. Here is our conversation.

Greg B: What is The Gospel Project (TGP)?

Trevin Wax: The Gospel Project is a new Sunday School / small group curriculum developed by LifeWay for all age groups.

Greg B: In what ways is TGP unique or different from other curriculum LifeWay has published in the past?

Trevin Wax: Each line of curriculum at LifeWay has its own starting point. Small groups that cherish a book-by-book approach to the Bible will consider Explore the Bible to be a natural choice. Classes that want to begin with life application will probably gravitate toward Bible Studies for Life. Churches that want a more systematic, theological approach to the Bible will gravitate toward The Gospel Project for its emphasis on biblical and systematic theology.

Greg B: Where did the vision for TGP originate?

Trevin Wax: For many years now, churches have been asking LifeWay to develop more “in depth” curriculum. As the leadership team at LifeWay began to think through what an in depth curriculum would look like, they continued to come back to the centrality of the gospel and the need to focus our attention on Christ and how He is the focus of the Bible.

Greg B: What is your role in the development of TGP?

Trevin Wax: I am the managing editor. I oversee all the content from each team (kids, students, adults). I also recruit writers and work with them through the editing process of their lessons. At the same time, I am involved in multiple areas that deal with this curriculum, from technology to marketing, etc.

Greg B: How many churches are currently sign-up for TGP? Are these mostly Southern Baptist Churches?

Trevin Wax: We’ve got more than 12,000 churches reviewing the materials. Many are SBC. Many are not. I don’t have the breakdown in regards to percentages though.

Greg B: The popularity of TGP seems to be growing at a rapid pace. What are some reasons, in your opinion, for this?

Trevin Wax? There’s a strong desire to be explicit about the gospel when we study the Scriptures together. People seem to be hungry for a curriculum that connects the dots of the Bible’s grand narrative as well as showing how Jesus is the Hero of the story. This approach of re-focusing our attention on Christ as we study the Scriptures is long overdue, even though there is great precedent for this approach throughout Baptist history.

Greg B: What are some of the challenges you and your team have faced developing TGP?

Trevin Wax: It is a lot of work to get a curriculum off the ground. It doesn’t happen without great teams, great people, and great vision. I’d have to say that the biggest challenge was when we united all the age groups under one name. There were a lot of shifts that took place at that time, but the teams adjusted well and we kept our eyes on the end goal. Because of the great work from all involved, a potentially difficult transition was made much smoother.

Greg B: If you could name one thing you are most excited about with TGP, what would it be?

Trevin Wax: We’ve provided a resource that helps put participants in a posture to have an encounter with the living Jesus as they study the Scriptures. Missional passion comes from knowing and loving Jesus. Though a curriculum can’t do everything, it can make sure to point people toward Him. And that’s the most exciting thing to me.

Greg B: I am sure you’ve received both positive and negative feedback about TGP. What can you share that might be encouraging and clarifying?

Trevin Wax: Positive feedback has far outweighed anything negative. People have been gracious in their vocal support of the project. There have been some who were concerned that we invited a couple of non-Southern Baptists to give us advice at the outset. And some have accused us of pushing one theological position to the exclusion of others in Baptist life. Once the curriculum comes out, I believe the critics will see that our agenda has been to point people to Christ and that this is what we’ve accomplished.

Greg B: What are a few of your prayers and goals for TGP?

Trevin Wax: That Christ would be exalted, His people edified, and a great number of churches would be on fire with evangelistic fervor as they go through this material.

Greg B: Thanks for the time Trevin. I am praying for great things to happen through this new resource. May Christ be magnified and the church be edified to reach a lost world.