Different Service

This page signposts articles and books which promote the view that men and women should give different service (patriarchy or strong complementarianism) in the church.

1. Books
  • Two Views on Women in Ministry by James R. Beck, Stanley N. Gundry, Linda L. Belleville
    What does the Bible say about women's roles in the church? With pros and cons on either side of a heated, ongoing debate, no definitive conclusions have emerged. This book furnishes you with a clear and thorough presentation of the two primary views on women in ministry so you can better understand each one's strengths, weaknesses, and complexities. Each view - egalitarian (equal ministry opportunity for both genders) and complementarian (ministry roles differentiated by gender) - is represented by two contributors. 
  • Man and Woman: A Study of  Biblical Roles by Michael Lewis*
    This book is currently out of print. Whilst this book is listed in the "different roles" category - it is more moderate in its approach, advocating sisters contributing to the discussion at Bible class and business meetings etc.
  • In the Image of God by Michael Edgecombe*
    The writer does address the key elements of the misguided expositions which, by asserting that there are no distinctive male/female roles within the ecclesia, undermine apostolic and Christadelphian teaching and practice. This is unavoidable. But he addresses these matters within the context of reviewing the broad sweep of Scripture teaching on the roles of man and woman in the joint service of God. 
  • Women in the Church: An Interpretation & Application of 1 Timothy 2: 9-15 by Andreas J. Kostenberger & Thomas R. Schreiner
    The role of women in the church is highly debated, with Christians on all sides using Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy to justify their positions. Now in its third edition, this classic book edited by Andreas Köstenberger and Thomas Schreiner offers a robust exegesis of 1 Timothy 2:9–15, looking at the passage’s background, syntax, grammar, and enduring significance. Featuring updated essays and fresh contributions based on the latest research—including an in-depth discussion of the meaning of the phrase “exercise authority”—this volume stands as the most comprehensive exploration of this contested passage to date.
  • The Challenge of Corinthians by Michael Ashton*
    A commentary on first and second Corinthians. The writer presents a complementarian view in his chapters on 1 Corinthians 11 & 14.
  • Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Wayne Grudem & John Piper
    A controversy of major proportions has spread through the church. Recent generations bear witness to the rise of "evangelical feminism"- a movement that has had a profound impact on all of life, challenging some of our basic Christian beliefs. In this new edition of an influential and award-winning best-seller, more than twenty men and women have committed their talents to produce the most thorough response yet to this modern movement.
  • "Sisters of the Lord Jesus" from The First Century Ecclesia by J. B. Norris* (pp. 95-110)
    Currently out of print, but generally available from the Christadelphian.com's second-hand book store. An invaluable resource on looking at the organisation of the ecclesia in the first century, and the role that women played in that era. Especially relevant is: "The office of a deacon" pp 71-75.
  • God Christ Man Woman by Colin Byrnes*
    Throughout the Bible's long and colossal history men and women have been assigned different but complementary roles and responsibilities. Beginning with Genesis the Bible depicts God calling, appointing and communicating with men as leaders and teachers in the Old and New Testaments. Women were called to the different but equally important role of support without which God's purpose could not have been achieved.From the second half of the 20th century on, this understanding of Bible teaching has been challenged. It is claimed that the Bible teaches that women can perform the same role traditionally undertaken by men. Is this challenge to the traditional understanding valid? This book examines that topical question.

2. Articles and Pamphlets
  • Women Priests by Michael Ashton*
  • Man and Woman Book Review by Geoff Henstock*
  • In the Image of God Book Review by Rob Thiele*
  • Basic Bible Principles: The Role of Sisters published by The Testimony*
  • All One in Jesus by Stephen and Faith Ashton*
    A series of two articles (published in The Christadelphian Magazine, October & November 2019) on women's roles in the ecclesia, echoing the traditional Christadelphian complementarian arguments. To read some of the letters written in response, click here.
  • Supplement: 1 Tim 2:11-15 by Tom Gaston and Andrew Perry*
    The discussion in this issue of the Christadelphian EJournal's supplement is about the role of sisters in the ecclesia and whether they should have the same roles open to them as brethren with regard to teaching. The first article (T. Gaston) argues an egalitarian case and the second (A. Perry) argues the complementarian case.
  • The Role of Sisters by George Booker*
    The fact that sisters are required to fulfill a role and responsibility within the ecclesia and family life which is different from that of brethren in no way diminishes their status and standing before God. Sisters are "heirs together of the grace of life" and "all one in Christ Jesus" with the brethren. Our attitude to one another, brethren to sisters and sisters to brothers, must be that of esteeming others greater than ourselves.
  • Review of Bill Davison's " The Role of Women in the Church by John Nicholls*
    Brother Davison says: “We, in our beloved Christadelphia, have a huge source of untapped talent, namely our sisters in Christ”. However, it is simply not true that sisters’ talents are untapped; their talents are used for the benefit of the Brotherhood as a whole in countless unseen and unheard acts of service.
  • A Sister's Place in the Family of God by Dorrie Dillingham & Lois Riley*
    This work is a sincere effort to remind us all that, as sisters in Christ, we do have certain obligations. Sisters in Christ have accepted a responsibility that cannot be overlooked or changed. We have to be careful not to let the changes that other religious groups make influence our adherence to God's laws. We have tried to draw a logical word picture of a sister's life in Christ. We speak as sisters with a desire to share with others the findings of our study.
  • Letters from the Christadelphian Magazine, February 2020*
  • "All One in Jesus" by Andrew Bramhill*
    Editorial in The Christadelphian magazine, March 2020*
  • Working Together (1): "Brothers and Sisters" by Tecwyn Morgan*, The Christadelphian magazine, April 2020
    The first in a five part series, looking at the different roles of brothers and sisters in ecclesial life.
  • Working Together (2): "The Theology of Gender" by Mark Vincent*, The Christadelphian magazine, May 2020. 
    The second in a five part series, looking at the different roles of brothers and sisters in ecclesial life. Read a critique of this article here.
  • Working Together (3): "Husbands and Wives" by Stephen Whitehouse* The Christadelphian magazine, June 2020
    The third in a five part series, looking at the different roles of brothers and sisters in ecclesial life.
  • Working Together (4): "Some Old and New Testament Examples" by John Botten* The Christadelphian magazine, July 2020
    The fourth in a five part series, looking at the different roles of brothers and sisters in ecclesial life. Read a critique of this article here.
  • Working Together (5): "Sisters' Roles in Ecclesias Today" by Simon and Helen Collard*
    The final article in a five part series, looking at the different roles of brothers and sisters in ecclesial life.
  • "Male and Female in the Lord" by John Botten*, The Testimony, January 2020 and A Critique of: “Male and female in the Lord" by Ian McHaffie*
3. Audio
  • "One in Christ Jesus" by Mark O' Grady*
    Mark gives a series of five studies, at the Ontario Winter Bible School, 2015. A very respectful and tasteful representation of the traditional view for gender roles, well organized and well delivered.  Mark also makes the point that women are not to be ignored and silenced. 
4. Video