Self-paced Course
Women & Men, Serving & Teaching the Church Together
What was God’s original design for men and women? Beginning in Genesis 1, this course explores the foundational truth that men and women were created as partners in God’s mission. Gerry walks through core biblical principles that most orthodox Christians affirm, highlighting shared purpose and mutual service in the Church. He then introduces three common views on how this partnership plays out in ministry, along with three key starting points that shape how believers approach this vital conversation today.
Meet Your Trainer
Hey, I am Dr. Gerry Breshears—your trainer for this course.
Dr. Gerry E. Breshears, Ph.D. is an esteemed professor and chair of Biblical and Theological Studies at Western Seminary in Portland. With a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology (Fuller Seminary), an M.Div. (Denver Seminary), and a B.S. in Mathematics and Education (University of New Mexico), he blends scholarly insight with heartfelt pastoral care. Since 1980, he has shaped theological education, authored key works, served in global teaching roles, and led within the Evangelical Theological Society. An elder at Grace Community Church and founding board member of The Bible Project, he is deeply committed to melding theology with life, ministry with grace, and scholarship with service. Married since 1968, he enjoys family life rich with hospitality and faith.
Men & Women Serving and Teaching the Church Together
What was God’s original design for men and women? Beginning in Genesis 1, this course explores the foundational truth that men and women were created as partners in God’s mission. Gerry walks through core biblical principles that most orthodox Christians affirm, highlighting shared purpose and mutual service in the Church. He then introduces three common views on how this partnership plays out in ministry, along with three key starting points that shape how believers approach this vital conversation today.
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Session 1: Defining the Conversation
What was God’s original design for men and women? Beginning in Genesis 1, this course explores the foundational truth that men and women were created as partners in God’s mission.
What was God’s original design for men and women? Beginning in Genesis 1, this course explores the foundational truth that men and women were created as partners in God’s mission.
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Session 2: Who are “Elders” and “Deacons” in the Church?
Who can be an elder or a deacon? In this session, Gerry shares his (surprising?) position on elder and deacon qualifications – but also helps us correct the overly high value that many churches put on these titles.
Who can be an elder or a deacon? In this session, Gerry shares his (surprising?) position on elder and deacon qualifications – but also helps us correct the overly high value that many churches put on these titles.
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Session 3: Who are “Leaders” in the Church?
In this session, Gerry outlines a biblical theology of church leadership, and walks through many different roles the Bible describes, which are open to qualified men and women.
In this session, Gerry outlines a biblical theology of church leadership, and walks through many different roles the Bible describes, which are open to qualified men and women.
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Session 4: Who are “Pastors” and “Teachers” in the Church?
Gerry shares a history of the term “pastor” (in part, contrasting it with the terms “elder” and “director”), and redefines it in a way that aligns more with the Bible than the common modern use of the term.
Gerry shares a history of the term “pastor” (in part, contrasting it with the terms “elder” and “director”), and redefines it in a way that aligns more with the Bible than the common modern use of the term.
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