Aligning Beliefs and Values on Equality and Co-working with our Actions

The recent webinar, Aligning Beliefs and Values on Co-working with our Actions, was a dynamic event that brought together insights from speakers Ken Katayama, Amanda Jackson and Helene Fisher. The session emphasized the importance of aligning our beliefs and values with actionable steps toward equality and effective collaboration. For those who couldn’t attend the live session, the recording is available to ensure that the discussions reach a broader audience. 

Ken Katayama, President of Crossover Global (https://www.crossover.global), talked candidly about the changes a global mission organisation wanted to achieve in its values and operations after 30 years. These hard-won changes recognised that mission leaders from all cultures and languages had a vital contribution to make.

Amanda Jackson, the WEA’s advisor on diversity, and co-founder of Rise in Strength (riseinstrength.net), turned the discussion to our beliefs about the roles of men and women, and how good Biblical understanding can help churches and organisations overcome doubts about women in leadership.

Helene Fisher, a researcher on the role gender plays in faith-based and a co-founder of the Gender and Religious Freedom network (https://genderandreligiousfreedom.org/) outlined how our feelings and mindset can stop us from putting our beliefs into practice, even in the Church.

The discussion time, led by Stacie Nicole Simmons was a lively exploration of how to bring change and what to do if change is slow. A favourite image was about who’s invited to the table, who chooses the food and what happens if we are all invited into the kitchen.

A unique feature of the Webinars is the opportunity for deeper engagement via a complimentary 45-minute mentoring session with one of the webinar organizers. This personalized mentoring is designed to help participants integrate the concepts discussed during the webinar into their professional or personal contexts.  Additionally, a curated list of valuable resources, including books, theological workbooks, and websites on equality and co-working, has been made available for further study which you can find below. The list was complied from suggestions given by the participants as well as speakers.

• This resource is available for free from the WEA:

Co-Workers and Co-Leaders: Women and Men Partnering in God’s Work, Jackson & Lin (ed)

• Some theological thinking on equality from the Anglican Communion: God’s Justice: Theology and GBV available in 5 languages free here.

• Short workbook that takes you through the primary biblical reasoning:

Partners in Marriage and Ministry, by Ron Pierce

• Helpful Christian books on Gender Equality:

1. Tell Her Story, by Vijay Gupta
2. Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters, by Philip Barton Payne
3. Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women: Fresh Perspectives on Disputed Texts, by Lucy Peppiatt
4. Mothers, Children,and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity, by Nadya Williams

• Books on Practical Issues related to women/men in leadership together:

1. Together in Ministry, by Rob Dixon
2. Mixed in Ministry, by Edwards/Matthews
3. Relation shift, by Russell and Roese
4. Tug of War: The Downward Ascent of Power, by Wilmer Villacorta

• Helpful Websites:

1. Christians for Biblical Equality, https://www.cbeinternational.org(M)
2. Marg Mowsczko, https://margmowczko.com(M)
3. Sandra Glahn, https://sandraglahn.com

• Though very North American oriented, a recent 30 minute video about the forces at work against women and men as co-workers together:

 “For Our Daughters” by Kristen Du Mez (Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The event concluded with a preview of upcoming initiatives, including an exciting follow-up webinar scheduled for January 27th at 12 PM GMT. The organizers also announced exclusive access to Helene Fisher’s specialized courses on belief systems, change models, and actionable leadership strategies. These workshops aim to provide participants with the tools necessary to implement meaningful change in their contexts. The Women’s Commission and Rise in Strength expressed their gratitude for the vibrant discussions and resources shared, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a community dedicated to equality and collaborative leadership.