Activism / Advocacy

Biblical Passages / Studies

Leadership in Church / Ministry

2022 Conference | Atlanta, Georgia

Gender and Ethnic Challenges: A Personal Journey | Médine Moussounga Keener

This  contribution  reflects  on  the  challenges  Arab  Christian  women  encounter  in  spite  of  the  teaching  of  Galatians  3:28.  It  takes  into  consideration  the  ecumenism  which  has  arisen  at  the  intersection  of  Eastern  Christianity  with  the  Protestant  missional  movement. Grace Al-Zoughbi represents a unique voice from the Holy Land, offering a wider ecumenical perspective to remind other scholars that the diversity and plurality of Christianity in the Holy Land is a marker of the very character and nature of the church.

Grace Al-Zoughbi is a Palestinian Arab Christian. Her experiences as an Arab woman in theological education have been shaped by the challenges she experiences. It is her faith which has given her hope to speak life into such challenging circumstances. She is currently completing a PhD in theological education from the London School of Theology, with special focus on the roles of Arab women in theological education in the Middle East. Grace is active in regional theological schools and programs, an international speaker, and a published author on the topics of the Palestinian church and Christianity in the Middle East and the theological education of women in that region. She is married to Rev. Michael Arteen, and together they have come to identify strongly with the persecuted church in the Middle East.

What's Different? The Challenges Arab Christian Women Face in the Church and the Academy

Gender-Accurate Bible Translation Panel | Johnson, Reeder, Westfall, Yafeh-Deigh, Payne, Jeff Miller

While  women  comprise  a  vast  majority  of  American  Protestant  churches,  only  a  small  number  of  women  are  lead  pastors  or  are  considered  leaders  in  their  churches.  Looking  at  the  Holy  Scriptures  leads  us  to  conclude  that  men  generally,  and  men  of  color  specifi  cally,  have  a  duty  not  only  to  respond  to  the  call  of  gender  equity  in  the  church but also to work with women to do so. This keynote will provide concrete pieces, examples, and data for how that can be done.

David Hart is a practicing attorney and lead pastor of a growing church in Madison, Wisconsin. His mom says he is special on the inside.

Fair Fight: In the Fight for Egalitarianism in the Church, Men  Must Be Willing to Help and Work

Prior  commitments  create  pressure  to  either  restrict  or  expand  the  meaning  and  application of Galatians 3:28. The proper control is to read it in the context of Paul’s overall argument in his letter. This shows it has both "vertical" and "horizontal" aspects. God’s great purpose is to generate new-creation-lives in both men and women, lived in the power of the Spirit, in genuine community, so that both men and women become his true image, like Jesus, as full “sons” of God in one family. This challenges common teachings about “biblical manhood and womanhood."

Andrew Bartlett QC studied law at Oxford and practiced as an English barrister for more than forty years. His main work is as an international arbitrator. He has a BA in theology (University of Gloucestershire; fi rst class honors and Bible Society prize). He has served in several churches as elder or churchwarden. He is the author of Men and Women in Christ: Fresh Light from the Biblical Texts (IVP, 2019), which Dr. Scot McKnight says is “rigorous, fairminded, cautious, exegetical, analytical, logical, and dispassionately presented” and “will become THE textbook used in colleges and seminaries that want to discuss women in ministry afresh.”

Galatians 3:28 in Context: Human Worth and God’s Great Purpose for Both Men and Women

If  Galatians  3:28  declares  that  unity  in  Christ  has  obliterated  ethnic  and  gender  barriers,  what  should  we  make  of  the  household  codes  in  Ephesians  5:21—6:9  and  elsewhere?  If  Galatians  3:28  is  the  universal  principle,  how  is  that  lived  out  in  the  tension  between  the  already/not  yet  in  a  fallen  world?  This  workshop  explores  (in  greater detail than in Craig and Médine’s plenary address) the social and apologetic function of submission in the Pauline household codes.

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is F.M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is author of thirty-three books, with more than one million copies in circulation. The books have won thirteen national or international awards, including six in Christianity Today. These include The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament and major academic commentaries. Craig was president of the Evangelical Theological Society in 2020.

Ethnicity and Gender: Mutuality in Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 5:21–33 | Craig S. Keener

La historia cristiana está llena de mujeres notables. Aquí destacamos a las mujeres en el Antiguo Testamento, el Nuevo Testamento y en la misión desde los primeros días de la iglesia hasta el siglo XXI. Algunas de sus vidas son complejas, donde hay mucho que decir. Otros apenas se recuerdan. Sin embargo, vale la pena conocer sus historias. Fueron creados a la imagen de Dios como un fuerte rescate, ya través del poder del Espíritu Santo profetizan, sanan, predican, enseñan, crean, lideran, luchan, nutren, protegen y discipulan a otros. En general, estos líderes brindan a la iglesia una ventana a cómo las mujeres son una parte integral de la obra de Dios en nuestro mundo.

AMANDA BERRY SMITH

Christian history is full of remarkable women. Here we highlight women in the Old Testament, New Testament, and in mission since the early days of the church to the twenty-first century. Some of their lives are complex, where there is much to say. Others are barely remembered. However, their stories are worth knowing. They were created in God's image as a strong rescue, and through the power of the Holy Spirit they prophesy, heal, preach, teach, create, lead, fight, nurture, protect, and disciple others. All-in-all, these leaders provide the church with a window into how women are an integral part of God's work in our world.

JOANNA

This workshop is a basic introduction to the gendered language for God. It will look at biblical images for God and discuss why this issue is important. It will also help us to see that the Bible describes God in a much broader variety of ways than we often think and that it is not helpful to talk about God only using male imagery. Finally, it will look at the implications of this discussion for Christian worship and for the way in which we preach, evangelize, and generally talk about God.

Workshop 1.A - Words for God 101 (Charles Read)

CBE is engaged in a Bible translation project. From 2019 to 2024, a team of nine scholars has been working on a selection of about 500 verses, addressing bias against women that has accrued over time. Each entry includes a fresh translation together with notes that explain the translation choices. A project update in the summer issue of CBE’s magazine, Mutuality, gives two examples: Genesis 49:24–25, because it describes God’s care as “blessings of the breasts and of the womb.” And 1 Corinthians 9:3–5, in which the CBE Team translates Paul’s rhetorical question as, “Don’t we have the right to travel with a spouse who is a believer; like the other apostles, the Lord’s siblings, and Cephas do?” In this keynote session, translation team members Boaz Johnson, Jeff Miller, Philip B. Payne, and Cynthia Long Westfall will give further examples from the project.

Keynote Session 5: Panel - A Familiar Picture: An Update on CBE’s Translation Project

Women in Ministry in the Biblical Narrative: An Overview 
Cynthia Long Westfall

Workshop 4.D - Women in Ministry in the Biblical Narrative: An Overview

In this presentation, Nijay Gupta shares some of his vision for the sequel to his award winning and bestselling book Tell Her Story. This follow-up book is entitled: God Spoke through Her: Women Prophets as God’s Spokespersons in Scripture. While Genesis 1–2 casts a vision for women and men leading together, there are many key moments in Scripture where women engage in leadership without men by their sides. Insofar as these moments come according to the will, calling, and blessing of God, they represent validation of the identity and authority of women leaders.

Keynote Session 1 - Her Story Alone: Identity and Authority without Contingency (Nijay K. Gupta)

Priscilla and today’s multitude of woman church planters/leaders have this in common: they have been overlooked in the conversation about whether the Spirit of God regards gender when he chooses people to plant, care for, and teach churches.

Workshop 5.C - Priscilla and The Explosion of Woman Church Planters Today (Terran Williams)

This workshop will outline the life and teachings of Julian of Norwich (~1343–1416) who lived in medieval England. Julian exercised spiritual leadership in a context where women could not be ordained. What might her teachings, especially talking about Jesus as our mother, have to say to us in our discussions of the maleness of Jesus? How might this idea be used in prayer and devotion, as well as in theology today? Some of the debates and ideas which we have today are not new but have a long history in Christian thought.

Workshop 3.C - Julian of Norwich: A Medieval Feminist (Charles Read)

This workshop explores how God has gifted and called women throughout history, 
and how their leadership led to the flourishing of the church morally, spiritually, 
intellectually, and socially.

Workshop 5.B - Women Mystics, Martyrs, Missionaries, Movers, and Shakers: God’s  Strong Rescuers in History (Mimi Haddad)

On this week’s episode of Mutuality Matters, hosts Blake and Erin bring on guest and author, Mallory Ellington, to talk about the fall issue of Mutuality Magazine, “The Problem of Porn: Women, Men, Intimacy, and the Church.” With Erin and Mallory both contributing articles to this issue, the three discuss pornography, patriarchy, and other orbiting topics that are addressed in the magazine. This episode mentions issues of porn addiction, sexual violence, and struggles with sexual sin. Listener discretion is advised.  

Get a digital copy of the magazine here: https://www.cbeinternational.org/publication/mutuality-blog-magazine/current-print-issue 

Bio  
Mallory Ellington is currently working as a prison GED instructor at Walker State Prison. She received her master of theological studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. She writes about the theology of the body, spiritual anthropology, and other topics that interest her. In her spare time, she loves sharing a cup of coffee with friends and chipping away at her ever-growing reading list. 

Other Resources: 
“Women Are People, Too” by Mallory Ellington 
“Preaching Porneia” by Matthew Norman 
“Is This Safe to Drink? Thoughts on Our Thirst for Intimacy” by Erin Moniz  
Read more from Mallory Ellington: https://www.malloryellington.com/ 

(New Voices) Porn and Patriarchy with Mallory Ellington

Join hosts Erin Moniz and Blake Dean as they reminisce on this season of stories and lessons! They walk through some of the best moments and most memorable guests. If you're caught up on every episode, this will be a sweet finale for you. Or, if you're not caught up, get a glimpse on the episodes to look forward to as you binge the season. Either way, we won't judge. Your podcast listening experience is up to you.

S2 E14: Season Two Wrap-up

In the first episode, host Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer to discuss Bible translation. Aída considers the different goals of translation teams from translations focused on a word for word translation; to meaning for meaning; to thought for thought and those that are a paraphrase. Each translation team from the NRSV, to the NIV, KJV and the ESV elevate their priorities in ways that are often helpful.

(Women and Words) Comparing Bible Translations with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

This episode is a part of a new segment of the Mutuality Matters podcast, hosted by Tara and Todd Korpi. In this segment we discuss headship theology––dynamics of power, authority, and gender, and how they function in Christian homes, the local church and society. In this special two-part interview, we’re joined by Zachary C. Wagner, director of programs for the Center for Pastor Theologians and author of Non-Toxic Masculinity, to discuss the role unhelpful views of masculinity impact how women and men function together. 

(Home, Church, and World) Mutuality and Masculinity with Zachary Wagner: Part 1

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Boaz Johnson about the Indian scholar and activist Pandita Ramabai. Through this interview we hear both about Dr. Johnson’s own background growing up in India and how the writings of Pandita Ramabai influenced his own faith. As the interview unfolds, we follow the progression of Ramabai’s own life from being an orphaned Hindu whose father secretly taught her the Hindu religious scriptures to becoming a Christian challenging and re-translating the poor bible translations. Always a rule breaker, Pandita Ramabai left a legacy of how to stand for the truth of God’s word.  

Guest Bio  
Rev. Boaz Johnson (PhD, Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is a professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University in Chicago, IL. His writing has appeared in publications such as Christianity Today and The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. 
 
Disclaimer  
The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  

(Women in Scripture and History) Pandita Ramabai, a Bible Translator and Social Activist with Dr. Boaz Johnson

(Women and Words) Bible Passages that Support Women’s Leadership with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

In this special two-part interview, we’re joined by Zachary C. Wagner, director of programs for the Center for Pastor Theologians and author of Non-Toxic Masculinity, to discuss the role unhelpful views of masculinity impact how women and men function together.

(Home, Church, and World) Mutuality and Masculinity with Zachary Wagner: Part 2

The Face of Christianity? It's an African Woman! with Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Onyango

Speaking as a Christian born, raised and in the Latin culture where she continues to work, Mayra explores the complex influence and tension between Bible translation and culture, including Bible culture. Mayra observes how often culture and church tradition have more influence than one’s one reading of Scripture.

(Women and Words) From Oppression to Empowerment: Women in Scripture

In this episode, we’re joined by Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin, professor of theology at Wheaton College and author of the new book Households of Faith, to discuss the theology of family.

(Home, Church, and World) Family and Mutuality with Rev. Dr. Emily McGowin

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, hosted by CBE International, the focus is on the significance of Bible translation and its impact on women's lives worldwide, especially in Latin America. Special guest Maya Ugalde, honorary director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, shares her extensive experience in Bible publishing and distribution. The discussion covers the importance of diverse translation teams, avoiding biases, and the role of traditional translations in fostering a deeper connection with God. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

01:19 Welcoming Our Esteemed Guest: Maya 

02:48 The Importance of Diverse Translation Teams 

05:49 Overcoming Bias in Bible Translations 

10:38 Successful Bible Translations: A Global Perspective 

16:42 The Role of Traditional Language in Bible Reading 

28:46 The Spirit in the Text: Engaging with God's Word 

31:00 Critical Thinking in Bible Translations 

35:37 Conclusion and Future Discussions 

 

Guest Bio 

Mayra currently serves as Honorary Director of the Bible Society of Costa Rica, where she serves in different areas of the publishing, promoting, and distribution of the Bible all over Costa Rica for more of 43 years. Mayra also serves on the Publishing Committee for the United Bible Society where she participates in developing and publishing different study Bibles and specifically in the developing of the Bible for Latin American women that’s called The Women in the Bible and also a Bible for adult women that was called The Bible I Adore.   

Mayra has an MBA in Administration, and a postgraduate degree in Bible. She publishes articles in national newspapers and nowadays writes devotionals and blogs leading readers to interact with the Bible.      

 

Related Resources 

Women and Words: From Oppression to Empowerment with Mayra Ugalde: Part 1: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-from-oppression-to-empowerment-women-in-scripture/ 
Women and Words: The Intersection of Culture and Bible Translation with Mayra Ugalde: Part 2: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/women-and-words-the-intersection-of-culture-and-bible-translation/
How American Evangelicalism Has Been Weaponized Against Women: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/how-american-evangelicalism-has-been-weaponized-against-women/
IJM’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Latin America with Brad Twedt: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/ijms-fight-against-gender-based-violence-in-latin-america-with-brad-

 

Disclaimer 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. 

(Women and Words) Which Bible Translation Is Best in Latin America? With Mayra Ugalde: Part 3

 

In this episode, Kim talks to Dr. Carmen Joy Imes about the women of Exodus. Dr. Imes brings her deep knowledge of Exodus to the average Christian audience, explaining how the structure and literary parallels of Exodus to show how the women are the rescuers of Moses, who then rescues the Hebrews. She provides the details of the midwives’ spiritual work of saving lives. She demonstrates how Pharoah’s daughter displayed God’s character as she sees Moses’ misery, heard his cry, and took pity on him. She explains the Hebrew that illustrates how Miriam took a stand at the river to address ’s daughter just as Moses later took a stand to address Pharoah. And she explains how Zipporah literally saved Moses’ life as he decided which people group he belonged. Amidst these detailed portrayals of the Exodus women, Dr. Imes also points out the narrator’s use of humor to depict the bumbling and nameless Pharoah. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:02 Exploring the Role of Zipporah in Exodus 

01:04 Meet Dr. Carmen Joy IMEs 

02:06 The Mystery of Exodus 4:24-25 

03:26 Theological and Structural Significance of Zipporah 

14:33 The Role of Women in the Early Chapters of Exodus 

21:49 Elevating Women in Scripture 

22:00 A Word from CBE 

22:37 The Women of Exodus: Zipporah, Pua, and Shiphrah 

22:52 The Story of Moses' Birth and the Women Who Saved Him 

32:07 Moses' Identity and His Encounter with God 

39:37 Closing Thoughts and Resources 

41:20 Final Remarks and How to Stay Connected 

 

  

Guest Bio  

Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in Southern California. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the forthcoming Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Carmen has a YouTube channel where she releases weekly Torah Tuesday videos and you can find her writing on various websites, including Christianity Today, The Well, and The Politics of Scripture blog. Carmen is passionate about equipping the church to engage the Old Testament well and to see its relevance for the Christian life. 

Disclaimer  

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.  
 

(Women in Scripture and History) Discovering the Women of Exodus with Carmen Joy Imes

1 Timothy 2:8-15 is the primary verse that has been used to exclude women from teaching and leadership in the church. However, a careful examination of the passage in its context shows that it is most likely addressing false teaching and myths about marriage and childbirth that were spreading from house to house. As in 1 Corinthians 11:34, Paul wants women to be taught at home, as he corrects behavior and content, and answers a central concern of all women historically: How do we deal with maternal mortality?

In Church or at Home? What is 1 Timothy 2:8-15 Really About?: Cynthia Long Westfall

This recording examines the twelve pillars most often adduced as biblical support for male hierarchy in the church and in the home. It shows that statements in the Bible adduced for this do not, in fact, support male hierarchy. To the contrary, they rather provide evidence for the equal standing and authority of man and woman. It surveys the exegetical, theological, and practical foundations for the equal standing of men and women in the church and in marriage. It shows that the weight of the scriptural data should lead those with a high view of Scripture to welcome women in ministry and church leadership.

Examining the Twelve Pillars of Male Heirarchy: Philip B. Payne

By John Kohlenberger III. This recording examines the reality of women as leaders in the early church, with emphasis on the second letter of John as written to a female church leader.

And the Church in Her House: Women as Leaders in Early Churches and the Recipients of 2 John

Justice and Equality for Women Created in God's Image: The Scriptural Mandate for Ministry and Marriage, by Philip Payne.
This lecture explores the exegetical case for justice in the standing of man and woman. It also considers and answers the primary objections to the equal standing of man and woman in ministry and in marriage. 


Justice and Equality for Women Created in God's Image

Some biblical passages are difficult enough that even seasoned interpreters do not insist that their interpretation is correct. 1 Timothy 2:15, with its comment about women being saved through childbearing, is among these notoriously difficult passages. Nevertheless, this lecture surveys a few good theories about the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:15. More importantly, however, this verse serves as a humbling reminder of the vast cultural and chronological gap between the first and twenty-first centuries. Finally, it will be argued that the prior verse (1 Timothy 2:14) is just as difficult, and interpreters therefore should not demand that 2:14 be the guiding light to chapter two.

Saved Through Childbearing: 1 Timothy 2:15 as a Hermeneutical Caveat: Jeffrey Miller

Most Christians do not hesitate to call God "father," "brother," and "comforter," yet there are those among us who struggle in shame, trying to comprehend these terms as "safe." As children who were molested by a trusted family member or friend, their understanding of God has been negatively impacted. This recording assists those who care for the female incest survivor to understand how sexual abuse, most specifically incest, can affect her image of God, and how to help restore what was unjustly stolen from her. 

The Impact of Incest on a Woman's Image of God: Morven Baker

Tom Wright, a former Bishop of Durham, is research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St Andrews. He is best known for his writing, both scholarly and popular. He is currently working on the fourth volume (on Paul) of his major academic series Christian Origins and the Question of God and on the series of contemporary explorations of faith that includes, most recently, Virtue Reborn.

The Biblical Basis For Women's Service In The Church: N.T. Wright

CBE International Symposium in Bangalore, India

Theology of Gender Identity as Distinct and Interdependent: Richard Howell

Kevin Giles is the vicar of  St. Michael's Church (Anglican) in North Carlton, Australia. 

Subordinationism and the Trinity: Kevin Giles

In this lecture, Hadadd asks: what does the church imply about women's ontology. She explains the three most common views  about women, ontology, and authority in the church today before explaining the meaning of ontology. Finally, she traces the church's view of women, ontology, and authority throughout the years, from the Early Church to the 1900s. 

Ontology, Gender, and Women's Authority in the Church: Noticing the Particulars: Mimi Haddad

Ignorance of the doctrine of the Trinity is endemic in the church. Karl Barth initiated a change, at least for theologians. Now theologians agree that the doctrine of the Trinity is the foundational Christian doctrine. We Christians on the basis of Scripture believe that God is one yet three co-equal "persons" (not individuals). Moreover, the divine three work as one (being and function are two sides of one coin). Thus, according to historic orthodoxy and modern theology, the Trinity is inherently "anti-subordinationist."

The Eternal Subordination of the Son and the Permenant Subordination of Women: Kevin Giles

Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy that women are to dress modestly, learn silently, and find salvation in childbearing shape Christian identities and activities, but are routinely misread and misapplied. To make sense and good use of the instructions, a reader must consider the design and provenance of Paul’s letter. 


Interpreting Paul's Instructions in 1 Timothy: Frank Ames

The Feminine Voice of God: Women as Prophets in the Bible. 2004 UK. Ron Pierce.

The Feminine Voice of God: Women as the Prophets in the Bible Pierce

Celebrating the Priesthood of All Believers: Serving Christ as a Global Community

Why the Devil Hates Women in Ministry: J. Lee Grady

The dignity that God bestowed upon human beings at creation has been undermined by patriarchy. This workshop explores various misconceptions about the being and purpose of human beings which result from reading the Bible with a cultural mindset. With reference to creation narratives in Genesis and examples drawn from different cultures in Africa and other parts of the world, I will demonstrate how cultural worldviews contribute to a diminished view of women, and what needs to be done to restore human dignity. The workshop will have two parts: The first part will focus on biblical reflections on human dignity and God’s image while the second part shall concentrate on “redeeming God’s purpose for the creation of men and women.”

Interrogating Biblical and Cultural Perspectives on the Creation Mandate: Diphus Chemorion

While many Christians today believe women were created to be submissive to men, history tells another story. Created as strong rescue for man (Genesis 2:18), women have served the church as martyrs, missionaries, teachers and leaders revealing the gospel in places men feared to go. This workshop will consider the pioneering leadership of women on every continent, from the early church to the modern era

Women Builders of the Church: How Women Served Christ from the Early Church to Today: Mimi Haddad

Does your inner critic tell you that you are not good enough or smart enough to succeed? If so, you might feel anything but “Created to Thrive.” This presentation will explore the purpose of the inner critic, where it originates, and how to overcome its power in your life and ministry.

Building Confidence in Your Calling: Susan Howell

In this workshop, we will explore the extraordinary potential women bring to leadership contexts, both because of gender socialization and individual giftedness. We will also discuss how women can steward leadership to promote flourishing communities and organizations.

Women's Leadership at the Highest Level: Plateaus and Pitfalls: Shirley Mullen

This workshop will build a foundation for anyone new to the idea of egalitarian marriage. We will start with God’s original design as described in Genesis 1 and 2 and examine how the fall in Genesis 3 changed the relationship dynamic between men and women. We will also explore how the cross brings redemption to that relationship, touching on some confusing New Testament passages. Finally, this workshop will offer practical advice on decision-making in egalitarian relationships.

Introduction to Egalitarian Marriage: Sarah Ago

Many scholars have asserted that Artemis of the Ephesians was a fertility goddess—but the evidence for that view is several centuries after the Apostle Paul. So who was Artemis Ephesia at the time of the earliest Christians, and what, if any ramifications are there for how we understand 1 Timothy?

Artemis of the Ephesians and the Ramifications for How We Read 1 Timothy: Sandra Glahn

As we pursue the goal of a thriving church where women and men serve on equal footing, it will be crucial for men to advocate for women as allies. If only this were easy to do! Using a fresh research model, this seminar will outline key steps that men can take to become champions for women in their contexts, with the goal of developing more men into more effective advocates. This seminar is open to both women and men.

Becoming an Ally: A Roadmap for Men Who Aspire to Advocate for Women: Rob Dixon

Women who were born in the US experience inequality far differently than women who come to the US from other countries. We will compare US women’s experience of inequality to the experiences of women who have been displaced from their homes such as refugees, immigrants, and victims of trafficking. We will explore how we can continue to work toward our own equality while also advocating for these women.

Advocating for Equality Among the Marginalized: Nell Green

Faith-rooted organizing draws from the roots of our traditions to help faith communities engage the larger movement for justice in our world. In this workshop, Lisa Sharon Harper will equip participants to engage the issues at play in their towns and cities by examining the response of Nehemiah to his colonized context.

Faith Rooted Organizing: Lisa Sharon Harper

Are you passionate about biblical equality but not sure how to share the message with others? Do you long to see men and women leading together equally in the church and home but not sure how you can make a difference? There are people, right where you live, longing for the good news of mutuality and you don’t have to be pastor, seminary professor, or theologian to bring them hope. This session will share principles and practical actions you can take to advance biblical equality through local CBE chapters and your circle of influence.

Advancing Biblical Equality through Local Churches and CBE Chapters: Jeannette Cochran

In this workshop Dr. Jeanne Porter King will outline the benefits of having women in key areas of leadership in and out of the church. Dr. Porter King will provide a model of inclusive leadership and strategies that help equip women to be advocates for themselves and each other, and tools for men to be advocates for women.

Stronger Together: Strategies for Building Alliances for Women's Leadership: Jeanne Porter King

Violence against women on college campuses is often seen as a “women’s issue”—that is, a problem for women to lead the way in solving. But with males representing the primary perpetrators of such violence, men must be at the forefront of calling out bad behavior and changing social norms. In this workshop, former UC Irvine violence prevention educator Eugene Hung will discuss ways that men can promote healthy masculinity and stop violence in college settings.

What's a Man to Do?: Eugene Hung

1 Timothy 2 is often taken for granted as the text that clearly bars women from holding positions of leadership in the church. The debate at large is too frequently reduced to the meaning of terms such as “authority” and “teaching,” as well as the grammatical relationship between them. Although these are an important part of the larger discussion, I will propose another angle of approach. Using a theological interpretative approach, I will evidence a typological relationship between Eve and Christ and discuss some of the implications for our understanding of human power and identity.

Eve as a "Type" of Christ: Reframing Power, Identity, and Gender in 1 Timothy 2: Allison Quient

The #MeToo movement has revealed widespread sexual abuse within larger culture. However, the #ChurchToo movement has exposed the church’s culpability. More precisely, the theological malpractice of patriarchal authority without question has created an environment for sexual abuse to flourish behind a protective veil of personal and congregational misplaced conviction. Dr. R. Mitch Randall will argue the church must accept responsibility for their part in creating the environment where sexual abuse thrived because the church’s teaching of female subservience established male dominance in the culture. Therefore, if the church honestly seeks to repent of its culpability, then it must also turn to an egalitarian theological praxis.

Theological Malpractice Stands Culpable in Sexual Abuse: Mitch Randall

Women make up nearly 50% of the US workforce, but they work mainly in workplaces designed by and for men. Disadvantages in the workplace cut across secular and Christian organizations, inhibiting women from enjoying meaningful work and motherhood, advancing in careers, and ultimately living out their God-given gifts and talents. Many of these disadvantages are linked to deeply-held beliefs about women, work and leadership—beliefs that Jesus sought to dissolve. This workshop will explore the mutual prosperity of men and women in organizations when women succeed at work and gain a seat around the table.

When Women Succeed at Work, Everyone Benefits: Eeva Sallinen Simard

In an era of #MeToo, and separation of black and brown mothers from their children by mass detention and mass incarceration, what is the very good news for women? What transformative work might God have yet to do for and through our silenced voices and traded bodies? Come along as Lisa Sharon Harper takes us back to the beginning with deep exploration of Genesis 1-2 and considers its profound implications on the lives and calling of women right now.

The Very Good News for Women for Such a Time as This? Lisa Sharon Harper

Explorations of Genesis 2 intent on recovering God's ideal for interrelationship between male and female often zoom in on the final episode—the creation of Eve. While this can be helpful, we are better able to appreciate how the entire narrative supports that ideal when we zoom out to engage the whole chapter. We can then trace this theme backward and forward across creation and the fall in Genesis 1-3.

Revisiting Eden: Genesis 2 As a Description of the Creation Story "From Below": Havilah Dharamraj

God gifts and calls women and men to all positions of service and leadership in home, church and the world. Together, we are advocating the biblical and historical case for women's equality.

CBE International

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