What does the Bible say?
Here are a few passages from the Bible that highlight men and women in ministry:
It is important to understand and interpret the Bible in its context. Here are a few books that might help you as you read and interpret the Bible. Our office has copies of these books that you can borrow. Please contact us if you would like to borrow one.
What does our denomination, The Alliance Canada, say?
We are part of The Alliance Canada and they have affirmed both the Complementarian and Egalitarian views for men and women in ministry. They have empowered each local church to prayerfully study, reflect, discuss, and vote on which viewpoint to hold onto and practice. Below are links to their official statements on Men and Women in Ministry and practical guidelines to follow.
Overview of Complementarism and Egalitarianism
There are two external organizations that give a variety of information, research, and resources on these two perspectives. If you would like to go more in depth, then we suggest visiting these sites and exploring the articles and links that reflect these viewpoints.
The Council on Biblical Equality (Egalitarian)
The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Complementarian)
Below is a link to a good summary of both positions if you are looking for a general overview.
A good book that outlines both views in a very comprehensive way is called "Two Views on Women in Ministry" by Linda Belleville, Craig Blomberg, Craig Keener, and Thomas Schreiner. This book presents each view by two authors. Our office has copies of this book to borrow.
Academic Papers
Below are links to two academic papers that reflect each view. The Complementarian position, titled "What Women Can Do In Ministry," is written by Dr. James Hamilton who is a Professor of Biblical Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Egalitarian position, titled "An Exegetical Study of 1 Timothy 2:11-15," is written by Dr. Franklin Pyles who is a former Adjuct Professor at McMaster Divinity School and former President of The Alliance Canada.
Connect with us!
The resources, books, and articles listed here are just a starting point for deeper engagement and reflection on this topic. If you would like additional recommendations please don't hesitate to contact us.
Our pastoral staff are also available to meet to discuss, reflect, and pray with you throughout the year as we continue in this process of examining the roles of men and women in ministry.
