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Leadership Mutuality

Peeling apart the biblical message from the cultural mess in order to reimagine the role of women in the church.

My Journey

Dr. Harbaugh's deep conviction in the priesthood of all believers has driven his passion for activating the God-given spiritual gifts of the church and equipping the body for ministry. After serving in the local church for over twenty years, he continually encountered systems that prevented women from acting on their spiritual gifts throughout every area of the church and every level of leadership.

Inquiries about the biblical basis for these restrictive practices revealed a shallow foundation and an unwillingness to discuss the issue. A deep exploration of the whole biblical story reveals how God's heart and design is for men and women to serve together as equals, not within a hierarchy where men lead and women follow. We've allowed cultural pressures to dictate lines in the sand on this issue rather than to revisit Scripture with fresh eyes.

While it's a conversation most people shy away from with preference for the status quo, Dr. Harbaugh believes mutuality is essential for truly living out God's design. To facilitate the conversation, Dr. Harbaugh created a six session course to guide church leadership through the biblical, cultural, and historical realities of restricting women in order to reimagine the role of women in the church. As a consultant and coach, Dr. Harbaugh’s guidance will compel you and your team towards a more biblically faithful and effective Kingdom ministry; avoiding the pitfalls of labels while focusing on unity to live out God's mission in the world.

About the Project

The NPO

A "Need, Problem, or Opportunity" was identified as the basis for his doctoral project from real-world ministry challenges that needed to be addressed.

The NPO Statement

"The advancement of the Kingdom is limited when women are not eligible to act on their spiritual gifts within the leadership hierarchy of the church."

The Practical Solution

A six-session conversation designed to walk churches through a biblical, cultural, and historical conversation towards mutuality in church leadership.

The Six Sessions

Establish why this conversation is important and learn about the local church's current beliefs and practices related to women in ministry.

Revisit the cultural and historical realities that influenced the adoption of a biblical argument intended to keep women in their cultural place.

Explore the overarching biblical message of redemption, freedom, and the full participation of men and women in expressing Jesus' Kingdom on earth.

Examine the Body of Christ metaphor from "head" to "every part" and consider how restricting women is to restrict the Body of Christ.

Encourage a courageous response to align the church's beliefs and practices with God's empowering Spirit in both men and women in the church.

Create a step-by-step roadmap to remove restrictions and fully affirm the spiritual gifts of women in the leadership hierarchy of the church.

Why This Matters

Scriptural Alignment

Understand and express the overarching biblical message without interpreting it through a cultural, gender-role lens.

Personal and Congregational Health

Mature Jesus-followers joyfully serving in alignment with their spiritual gifts, without gender-based restrictions. Church communities benefiting from the full range of gifts, talents, perspectives, and leadership styles present within the Body.

Kingdom Impact

The church's witness strengthened by demonstrating mutual care and respect for each member's gifts.

Future Generations

Young people seeing faith communities that include and value all voices, encouraging lifelong spiritual engagement.

Testimonials

"This course is eye-opening and important. It unpacks what Scripture says, not culture, about the role of women in the church. Dr. Harbaugh brings a thoughtful, intelligent, teachable approach to help us read the Bible without the restrictive lenses we've been conditioned to read it through - not to change the written word but to see how it was (maybe) intended. You will not be disappointed." - Debbie B.


Packages

Individual Consulting

Perfect for church or denominational leaders seeking personalized guidance through their unique context and needs.

  • Six 90-minute sessions
  • Customized resource package
  • Implementation support

Leadership Team Package

Designed for pastoral leadership teams, elder boards, or denominational executive teams.

  • Pre & Post Sessions survey
  • Six 2-hour group sessions
  • Materials for 12-15 participants
  • 3 months of follow-up support

Denominational Process

A comprehensive approach for denominations to bring clarity and unity around this topic.

  • Pre & Post Sessions survey
  • Customized assessments and design to achieve outcomes
  • Customized sessions based on need and scope
  • Facilitated implementation process
  • 3 months of follow-up support

Get in Touch

Click the Logo to Schedule a Free Conversation

Book a 30-minute exploratory call or send an email to adam@harbaughformations.com

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Exploratory Call with Dr. Adam Harbaugh