Ministry Training:

Gender Identity and the Church

The topic of gender has received increasing attention, highlighting the varying opinions, beliefs, attitudes and feelings each of us associate with the terms "male and "female". For the vast majority of people, their gender identity as a boy or girl (man or woman) corresponds with their biological sex as male or female. For others, however, there can be an incongruence between their gender identity and biological sex that can also be greatly distressing. The transgender experience, while uncommon, has become a central topic for Christ and cultural engagement, and a challenging experience for pastoral care. In this unique training, Dr. Mark Yarhouse will help us engage varying perspectives on gender and their implications for ministry, care and counseling.  

Here are some questions we'll explore:

• What does the Bible say about gender?
• What does science have to say/offer?
• What is the current cultural climate/narrative?
• How do our attitudes and beliefs about gender impact ministry?
• What does care look like inside and outside of the church?
• When and how do we refer?

Schedule:

 - Check-in/Registration begins at 9:00am -

Session 1 - Theological Perspectives on Gender Identity and Dysphoria
Session 2 - Scientific and Cultural Perspectives on Gender Identity and Dysphoria
 - Off-Campus Lunch Break -
Session 3 - Counseling and Ministry Perspectives on Gender Identity and Dysphoria
Q&A
 - Event ends at 3:30pm -

Cost: $35/person

*Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Please email info@ciftcounseling.com to request a discount access code prior to registering.

We hope you can join us on May 1^st as we gather together to better understand gender identity, enhance our care efforts, and highlight available resources. Registration closes at noon on Monday, April 29^th (space is limited and spots are filling up, so be sure to register soon!)