Evangelicals stand divided in their view of women in the church. On one side stand complementarians, arguing the full worth of women but assigning them to differing roles, especially within the church. On the other side stand egalitarians, arguing that the full worth of women demands their equal treatment and access to leadership roles. Is there a way to mend the breach and build consensus? Sarah Sumner thinks there is. Avoiding the pitfalls of radical feminism and reactionary conservatism, she traces a new path through the thicket of issues--biblical, theological, psychological and practical--to establish and affirm common ground. Leadership and authority are not the only issues. How we view and treat one another as men and women within the body of Christ are vitally important, and they set the context for our discussion of leadership. This is a book for all who want a fresh and hope-filled look at a persistent problem.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
4 of 4 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Elizabeth Goolsbay (Tulsa, OK), July 31, 2009
I just finished this book and was very impressed. Dr. Sumner did a very thorough job of logically leading the reader through the information and supported every assertion with scripture. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has struggled with the question of God's intentions for His children (both male and female) who are called to lead. I just wish the sub-title - "Building Consensus on Christian Leadership" - had been the main title because that was definitely the main objective of the book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sue Micetic (Phoenix, AZ), February 26, 2008
This is the most balanced view on church leadership I have read. Sarah begins by setting the discussion in an atmosphere of compassion seeking understand. If we all worked together with this Godly attitude, we would be growing in Christlikness no matter where we settled on the issue. And that is the real goal of the Christian life, isn't it?
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen (Central Point, OR), January 09, 2007
This book presents a new look at a very old issue. It will challenge us to dig deeper into the meaning of the scriptures and question traditions that have been passed down since the beginning. It is well written and farely easy to follow for theology. The thing that impressed me the most was this author's presentation. Even as she questions the differing opinions on this subject and offers a new biblical perspective, she does so respectfully and graciously. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for balance or unity in the church.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christian Woman (Boston, MA), October 25, 2004
Finally a book about the importance of men and women seeking after Christ rather than the hypothetical "Biblical view of manhood and womanhood."
For all of those who are seeking an alternative to the unconvincing views of egalitarianism and complementarianism, this is a good book.
Write a review of Men & Women in the Church: Building Consensus on Christian Leadship
Catalog Shopping
Membership
