In recent years, the global Church has been forced to reckon with grievous revelations of abuse within Christian ministries. These tragic situations expose not only individual sin but deeper questions about power, platform, trust and accountability. How should Christians think about authority in the church? Why do spiritual communities sometimes struggle to see or confront abuse? And how can we respond in a way that is both truthful and deeply rooted in Scripture?

Dr. Peter Neumann, vice-president, academic at Redeemer University and a member of the Steering Committee for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Abuse Awareness and Prevention Network, will speak on “Biblical Leadership and Power Differentials.” Drawing on Scripture and contemporary experience, he will examine how authority functions within the people of God and how it can be exercised faithfully.

Daniel Gilman, professor of history and interim faculty chaplain at Redeemer, previously served as a victim’s advocate with the Whitestone Clinic and made a significant contribution to the substance and transparency of the investigation at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He will reflect on the ways churches can be particularly vulnerable to abusers, and how congregations can cultivate theological clarity, pastoral wisdom and a deeper vision of God’s holiness and care for the vulnerable.

This exchange is designed for pastors and ministry leaders who want to think carefully, biblically and courageously about abuse, power and the integrity of Christian witness.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Event includes a free, catered lunch.

Register here

About

Dr. Peter Neumann is the vice-president, academic at Redeemer University. Neumann works closely with the president and senior leadership team to grow Redeemer’s impact and reach through its unique mission. This includes leading the academic leadership group in the development of faculty and curriculum to ensure the integration of learning, research and scholarship in ways that disciple the next generation of Christian leaders to share the love of Jesus Christ wherever they are called.

Neumann holds a PhD in theology from University of St. Michael’s College (Wycliffe College), Toronto School of Theology, a master of theological studies also from Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology, a bachelor of arts in philosophy from York University and a bachelor of theology, pastoral from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College. 

Daniel Gilman is professor of history and interim faculty chaplain at Redeemer University, where he teaches history and core courses. He is completing a PhD at Cambridge University on the art of public speaking and conversations in the campaign to end the slave trade. Gilman serves as an apologist with Apologetics Canada. He is a former speechwriter in Canada’s Parliament and now advises the Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking as a legislative assistant. Through FEUER Academics, he trains scholars in Europe to share Christ with clarity and courage in university settings. He also directs the Centre for Public Speaking, coaching members of parliament, professors and pastors in speaking and preaching. He and his wife Alexandra love hosting faculty and students for brunch at their home.