Harbaugh Formations, LLC
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Reimagining the Role of Women in the Church of Tomorrow
Peeling apart the biblical message from the cultural mess.
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 After serving in the local church for over twenty years, he continually ran up against outdated, cultural models that were hindering the mission of the church today. These outdated models were embedded in the constitutions and bylaws of the church and protected against change from governing elder boards who wouldn't consider how their beliefs and practices were out of alignment with Scripture and the mission of the Church.
He created this six session course to guide church leadership through the biblical, cultural, and historical realities to reimagine the role of women in ministry. Removing unnecessary, cultural restrictions against women is a cause that's essential for the health of the Body of Christ. As a consultant and coach, Dr. Harbaugh’s guidance will compel you and your team towards a more biblically faithful and effective Kingdom ministry.
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 consultation package designed to walk churches through a biblical, cultural, and historical conversation to journey towards affirming women in ministry 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 new 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. Adam 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.
Consultation Packages
Individual Coaching
Perfect for church leaders seeking personalized guidance through their unique context and challenges.
  • Six 90-minute sessions
  • Customized resource package
  • Implementation support
  • $1,500 investment
Leadership Team Package
Designed for pastoral teams, elder boards, or leadership teams.
  • Six 2-hour group sessions
  • Materials for up to 12 participants
  • 3 months of follow-up support
  • $3,600 investment
Congregation-Wide Process
A comprehensive approach for churches ready to engage their entire community.
  • Leadership and congregational components
  • Custom assessment and planning
  • Facilitated implementation process
  • Contact for custom pricing
Get in Touch
Schedule a Free Conversation
Book a 30-minute exploratory call to discuss your personal or organizational needs, or send an email to harbaughformations@gmail.com