Price: $49
A Pastoral Approach to Gender & Identity is a thoughtfully crafted course that provides pastors and ministry leaders with the tools, knowledge, and biblical clarity needed to navigate the complexities of gender identity in a pastoral setting. With expert insights from Dr. Patricia Weerakoon, Ps Joel Chelliah, and specialists from Alphacrucis University College, this course offers a balanced approach grounded in both psychological understanding and theological principles.
In 7 engaging video sessions, you’ll gain essential insights on how to approach gender identity and gender transition with compassion, wisdom, and sensitivity. Whether you’re offering guidance to individuals within your congregation or leading group discussions, this course equips you with the skills to engage with the topic thoughtfully and lead with pastoral care.
By the end of this course, you’ll be better prepared to minister with understanding and clarity, helping your congregation navigate these important issues with confidence.
Session 1: THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Professor Stephen Fogarty
This session explores the biblical and theological foundations of gender and identity, affirming the God-given binary of male and female. It addresses how Christians can respond to transgender ideologies with both compassion and truth, rooted in the unity, equality, and complementarity found in Scripture.
Session 2: TRANSGENDERISM & YOUR MINISTRY
Dr Patricia Weerakoon
Equipping ministry leaders to engage with transgender issues, this session focuses on understanding cultural ideologies, identifying challenges in pastoral settings, and cultivating clarity, courage, and compassion in ministering to diverse individuals and communities.
Session 3: UNDERLYING CAUSES OF TRANSGENDERISM
Dr Patricia Weerakoon
This session unpacks the psychological, social, and biological drivers behind gender dysphoria and transgender identity, especially among youth. It highlights the importance of understanding trauma, mental health, and cultural influences, while guiding churches in pastoral care and hopeful pathways forward.
Session 4: MANAGING TRANSGENDERISM IN YOUR CHURCH
Dr Patricia Weerakoon
Focusing on practical church leadership, this session outlines how to respond to transgender individuals in church life with grace and biblical conviction. It discusses inclusion, boundaries, policies, and the balance between upholding biblical truth and offering loving pastoral support.
Session 5: BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SEX & GENDER
Professor Jacqueline Grey
This session explores how God’s design established the meaning of sex and gender. It unpacks foundational truths such as imago Dei (being made in God’s image), the distinction and unity of male and female, cultural roles, and the effects of sin. It then brings hope through Christ, who restores our dignity and redefines identity in community and cultural contexts.
Session 6: 7 STEPS TO NAVIGATE THE GENDER SPACE WELL
Ps Joel Chelliah
A practical framework guiding individuals, leaders, and churches in effectively and compassionately addressing gender issues. From educating yourself and understanding legal realities, to setting policy, training teams, and engaging pastorally — with a final emphasis on listening deeply and speaking truth with love and courage.
Session 7: Q&A PANEL
Professor Stephen Fogarty, Dr Patricia Weerakoon, Professor Jacqueline Grey, Ps Joel Chelliah
This concluding session features a panel discussion with all speakers, addressing frequently asked questions from pastors across Australia regarding gender and identity. Drawing from their respective areas of expertise—pastoral ministry, theology, ethics, and practical church leadership—the panel engages with real-world challenges faced in contemporary ministry. The session aims to provide thoughtful, biblically-informed responses that reflect both pastoral sensitivity and theological depth.
