Embracing Complementarianism: Turning Biblical Convictions Into Positive Church Culture

It can be tempting to shy away from addressing the issue of gender roles in church because it’s often controversial. But this can result in churches either being increasingly influenced by secular culture or simply sticking with the status quo when it comes to what men and women do in church. Building on the belief that complementarianism is both biblical and positive, this book focuses on what these convictions look like in practice. Moving beyond the familiar discussions around "gender roles", and leaving room for variety in how readers implement these ideas, it will encourage a church culture where men and women truly partner together—embracing their privileges and responsibilities, and maximising their gifts, in joyful service of God’s kingdom. With discussion questions at the end of each chapter, this book provides a great opportunity for church leadership teams to think intentionally about complementarianism and discuss how it manifests itself in their church context.

Publisher: Good Book Company
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781784987671

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Graham Beynon is Head of Local Ministries, FIEC, UK. A popular conference speaker, Graham is the author of several books including Mirror, Mirror and Emotions. He is married to Charis, and they have three children Jane Tooher serves on the faculty of Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia, where she lectures in Ministry. Jane is also the Director of the Priscilla & Aquila Centre, a centre that aims to encourage women in ministry in partnership with men.

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‘The abuse of power by some prominent church leaders in recent years has left many in our constituency wondering if the complementarian position is as toxic as many of our opponents would suggest. Certainly, those who define complementarianism purely on the basis of what women cannot do are shooting themselves in the foot and exposing their ignorance. So, what does it mean to be complementarian, and how can we be sure that our biblical convictions are having a positive rather than a negative impact on our church culture? In this book, Graham and Jane are not just asking us to consider the biblical principles but actually show us (and model for us) what it means to embrace them and live by them. If we believe that God’s design for men and women is for our good, then embracing it is not an optional extra for Christians but absolutely key if our families and churches are to flourish.’ Carrie Sandom, Director of Women's Ministry, The Proclamation Trust