Complementarianism: A Continuum of Perspectives on Men and Women in the Church

Beyond the debate between complementarians and egalitarians lies a crucial discussion among those who affirm the complementarian view. While committed to the authority of Scripture and the distinct roles of men and women, complementarians often diverge at key points of biblical interpretation and practical application.

In Complementarianism: A Continuum of Perspectives on Men and Women in the Church, editor David S. Dockery leads a team of eminent, multi-denominational contributors in a gracious conversation about these internal differences. This project avoids stretching biblical and theological parameters, instead modeling an honest discussion that reinforces a strong commitment to the full truthfulness of Scripture and foundational complementarian understandings of gender roles.

"This scholarly symposium is a well-crafted collection of superb essays tackling one of the most explosive issues in the evangelical church today. The contributors are all complementarians but nonetheless represent a wide spectrum of views within that general perspective. Complementarianism is a book that informs more than enflames. I predict this volume will be widely read and appreciated."
--Timothy George, distinguished professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"Complementarianism is the book that a colleague and I recently discussed should be written to showcase the variety of complementarian views. David Dockery introduces the topic, Gregg Allison frames the discussion, and six contributors thoughtfully demonstrate how Scripture is interpreted and applied in the church and academy--all within the bounds of complementarianism. This volume amplifies irenic and faithful voices at a timely and needed moment among evangelicals."
--Adam Harwood, McFarland Professor of Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

"Complementarianism is a volume about a serious subject that is suffused with an irenic spirit standing on God's Word with both humility and conviction. Reading this volume really is analogous to observing a conversation among friends, which naturally includes doses of disagreement. Speaking as one who has interacted with this issue for over half a century, I am convinced that anyone reading this book will emerge with a deeper understanding and perspective."
--Richard Land, executive editor, Christian Post

"The outworking of God's design for male and female requires generational faithfulness, both in contrast to constant cultural shifts and in light of its significance for humanity. This thoughtful volume presents an opportunity for like-minded, complementarian Christians to consider the varying applications of Scripture's teaching from a posture of charity and peace. Far from ideological tribalism that characterizes so much contemporary discourse, this work invites readers to consider the theological underpinnings of perspectives and practices that may differ from their own. A welcome endeavor indeed!"
--Katie McCoy, scholar-in-residence, Impact 360 Institute
"There is a great need today (in general) for modeling faithful scriptural exegesis and application along with generous interpretation of the best efforts of those that such exposition might be critiquing, even strongly correcting. Specifically, this gracefully delivered truth is needed in that sometimes-fraught landscape of complementarianism versus egalitarianism within ecclesial conversations. The various positions described in this book will please many, perhaps frustrate some, but on each occasion, there is a genuine desire to let the Bible speak on its own terms and not allow cultural preferences to disavow the authority of God through his Word. We must not, as the conclusion, exhorts, 'prioritize cultural norms over eternal truths.' Read, learn, and enjoy. A great resource of some of the best recent thinking on this topic."
--Josh Moody, senior pastor, College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and president/founder, The God Centered Life

"What does the Bible teach concerning men and women and their ministries in the church? How do we apply these biblical teachings in contemporary church life? And is there a continuum of perspectives? All writing from within the larger framework of complementarianism, David Dockery and his team of contributors are to be commended as they thoughtfully set forth distinctive approaches, interpretations, arguments, and applications on this complex but significant subject. Church leaders and ministry students will find it refreshingly honest, consistently respectful, and theologically fruitful."
--Christopher W. Morgan, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University and lead pastor, Immanuel Baptist Church, Highland, California

"Thoughtful and readable, this book offers a refreshing approach to a long-standing debate on men and women in the church. While affirming that men and women are equally created in the image of God, each contributor highlights real life examples of ways to serve together without diminishing the authority of male pastors and the gifts of women. Read this book to be encouraged by complementarianism."
--Lilly Park, Hultgren, associate professor of biblical counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Complementarianism gives readers clarity and nuance to the ongoing discussion of the roles of men and women in the church and home. Though the focus is more on the church than the home, each chapters gives a perspective on the relevant texts of Scripture as well as specifics of application to the ministries of men and women in the local church. It demonstrates that complementarians exist on a continuum and are not monolithic, though there is clear agreement on foundational aspects. Though readers will undoubtedly disagree with the some of the perspectives and find themselves more at home with other, this a volume is a valuable contribution to understanding complementarianism."
--Scott B. Rae, dean of faculty and professor of Christian ethics, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

"The debate between evangelical egalitarians and complementarians a generation ago has taken on a new urgency considering the unprecedented cultural confusion in the western world about 'what is a woman' and 'what is a man.' While churches have been debating (or more often than not, just remaining silent about all this), the culture has been busy catechizing our children into a new gender ideology. It not only separates gender from biological sex but posits gender fluidity and aims to move us beyond the binary categories of male and female. Please don't mistake Complementarianism for a run-of-the-mill 'five views' book. It does more than that. This book does three things. First, and most important, it re-articulates the givens of creation order and redemption as articulated in the scriptures. Second, each of the authors reaffirm the ontological equality and shared dignity of men and women who jointly bear God's image. And third, given this unity, it then shows in some detail, and with some disagreement, the spectrum of understanding and application of complementarianism as it is lived out in various churches and denominations. For all these reasons, this book is well worth reading."
--Donald Sweeting, chancellor, Colorado Christian University

"American society today is riven by hot tempered rhetoric. The talented writers in David Dockery's splendid volume are fully aware of the heated debates transforming our society and entering the churches regarding gender issues. They understand that evangelical Christians have offered different perspectives regarding the respective roles of men and women in the order of God's creation. For their part, they present persuasive arguments that the Bible, the truthful Word of God, teaches complementarianism, while showing grace and respect with those who may differ. This book is a gift to the evangelical community. It provides serene and helpful insights regarding this divisive debate. The authors urge evangelicals of whatever persuasion to live biblically and faithfully, treating each other with kindness as brothers and sisters in Christ."
--John D. Woodbridge, research professor of church history and Christian thought, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School