Four Views on Women and Church Leadership: Should Bible-Believing (Evangelical) Churches Appoint Women Preachers, Pastors, Elders, and Bishops?

by Ron Highfield

Should conservative churches appoint women to the offices traditionally reserved for men? Many writers are calling for such changes; others oppose them. Are these proposals inspired by a deeper understanding of the gospel of Christ as their defenders claim? Or, are they inspired by contemporary secular philosophies as their opponents allege? Ron Highfield explores these and other questions in Four Views on Women and Church Leadership. In this book, Highfield stages a discussion in which three fictitious characters explain and defend their viewpoints and critique opposing views. The three views are Secular Feminism, Evangelical Egalitarianism, and New Complementarianism. In a fourth view, Highfield charges that the entire debate is based on a defective view of the church. He challenges the gratuitous assumptions that make the discussion necessary and the church is a public institution, the ministry is a profession like other professions, and believers assemble to experience a performance. This book's brevity, non-technical nature, and its questions for discussion at the end of each chapter make it ideal for private study, small group discussions, Sunday school classes, and undergraduate courses. ”Ron Highfield has given a fair statement of different views, their strengths and weaknesses, on the important and controversial topic of female-male relations.  His work is a reminder that more is at stake than the correct interpretation and application of Biblical texts, as important as those are.  The theology of human nature has philosophical and practical implications for individual human life, the future of the human race, and human society at large.  Out of the countless books and articles on women in the church, this book for its sound common sense and Biblical and theological depth is a must read.” —Everett Ferguson, Professor Emeritus, Abilene Christian University ”This book is an interesting treatment of the various viewpoints concerning women as leaders in the church.  It may surprise you and make you think differently about the issue.  It may also help you better define your own feelings about the issue.  I highly recommend it.” —Jane Petty, Dickson, TN ”I learned from both Major League Baseball and Orthopaedic Surgery that the importance of following soundly established principles and best practices cannot be underestimated. The contemporary church is embroiled in a battle with our dominant Western culture in no less significant ways than was the primitive and early church with its culture. Professor Ron Highfield cleverly investigates the contemporary church-culture relationship by examining the current debate concerning the proper and acceptable role of women in the practice, preaching and leadership of today’s church. Ron uses an imaginary debate between three fictitious characters as a literary device to tease out the issues involved. Each of these characters represents a different contemporary position and idea on the role of women in today’s church. In the imaginary debate, he allows the reader to work through the issues and principles that are involved. The perceptive reader will see that the issues are fundamentally very simple; yet, they are profoundly important for today’s church. This very readable “little book” explores the nature of being human, the church and its authority. It allows the reader to see that progressive culture is fundamentally attacking one of the bedrocks of the church—especially, the inspired and authoritative Scripture. The role of women within the church is a symptom of the problem; it is not the problem or diagnosis. This is an important treatise for the church to read and understand.” Gail E. Hopkins, MD, PhD

112 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2017

About the author

I am Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. I teach classes in Christian theology and Christianity and Culture. I write short, popular essays on theological topics on my blog ifaqtheology.wordpress.com (infrequently asked questions in theology). I enjoy running and hiking. And though my thought lies on the opposite end of the spectrum from pantheist Benedict Spinoza we may have one quality in common. Novalis, the German romantic poet called Spinoza “der Gottbetrunkene Mensch,” that is, “the God-intoxicated man.” If you read any of my books you will pick up on this passion (obsession) for God and my passion for others to become as passionate as I am about God. I love teaching, and I view my books as a way to extend my reach as a teacher.

Reviews

[Jon Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, but powerful, book that has a somewhat surprise ending that I was challenged and refreshed by. I would highly recommend this book on this topic, and his conclusions are not what you would anticipate!

[J.Tyrone Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, readable and sensible

I love the clarity and simplicity of this book and others from Highfield. He has offered readers a logical and sensible way to approach this ongoing debate.

[Mark Buchholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the style of presentation

This is a great book for presenting 3 different viewpoints on a very relevant issue. I love the style of each viewpoint have a point/counterpoint.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt very informal, like 3 separate stream of consciences... His conclusion wasn't helpful to the topic. Overall, would choose a different book on the subject next time.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. The last chapter lead me to read another of his books, 'Rethinking Church'.