Egalitarianism vs. Complementarianism: These are two of the most complex and debated topics in Christianity. Biblical egalitarianism is the theological belief that men and women are created equally in the image of God and can both hold any position of leadership, regardless of gender. In contrast, complementarianism is the theological belief that while men and women are equally created in the image of God, they have distinct roles, with men as the leaders and women as the helpers. These two viewpoints are not only intricate but are also among the top most controversial issues within Christianity. This is something that I particularly am passionate about (It might be the activist theologian in me). I am writing to share my point of view, not to explain difficult passages, which I would love to do eventually, but better yet, I will leave scholarly sources that help me with my journey and the reason I am an egalitarian. I am here to share reasons why I am an egalitarian and to share my point of view.
I grew up in a complementarian household. While it was never explicitly stated, the idea of women being pastors wasn’t something I was exposed to. I was raised with the belief that the man was the “head,” that men made the decisions, and that this was how God designed it. In fact, I didn’t meet a female pastor until I encountered my youth pastor, who became one of the most significant influences in my life. She has been one of my greatest mentors, and without her, I wouldn’t be in ministry today. That experience is a major reason why I identify as an egalitarian. It doesn’t make sense to me to say that women can’t be pastors or ministry leaders when women have had such a profound impact on both my personal and ministerial life. A woman prayed for me the night I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. A woman mentored me. A woman helped me realize my calling to be a missionary. A woman gave me my first ministry position. A woman led me to Jesus. I could go on. Spiritual gifts don’t have a gender—that’s clear. When Paul talks about leadership gifts in Ephesians 4, neither the Greek nor English translations use masculine terms to define the fivefold ministry: pastor, apostle, evangelist, teacher, and prophet. To claim the Spirit cannot use a woman to minister to men is to limit the power of the Spirit. Women are being used by the Holy Spirit in powerful ways, and didn’t the prophet Joel say that both sons and daughters would prophesy? Joel said the Spirit would be poured out on both men and women, and on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit indeed fell on both. Did the Spirit really pour out just to keep women from preaching the Gospel? Women in ministry have changed my life, and I believe the Spirit continues to use them mightily.
Another reason I am an egalitarian is that Scripture interprets Scripture. I am a strong advocate for biblical literacy, and I believe that the lack of it in our culture has contributed to people not valuing women as leaders, often relegating them to roles like “the help,” which is simply not okay. Hermeneutics, the practice of interpreting Scripture, is essential to understanding, applying, and knowing how Scripture speaks into our lives. I won’t be breaking down all of the difficult passages here (though I will provide links to some excellent sources and books that have shaped my view), but it’s important to note that many Scriptures used to support complementarianism are often misinterpreted through a lens that makes Scripture seem all about us. We must remember that while Scripture was written for us, it was not written directly to us. Understanding the original context, audience, and cultural background of the texts is critical to addressing doctrinal issues, including those related to gender roles in ministry and the home.
Additionally, some words in the original languages of Scripture are limited or misunderstood in our English translations. For example, in Genesis, when God tells Adam He will make him a “helper,” the English word “helper” can be interpreted as subordinate or supportive, but in the Hebrew text, the word used is “ezer,” which can mean “lifesaver,” “aid,” or “strength” (and this is before the fall of humanity, which is important). Throughout the Old Testament, God is referred to as our “ezer” 16 times. This word speaks to the partnership and mutual support between men and women, not a hierarchy where the male dominates the female. We must remember that Scripture is sacred and we must take time to study for all of its worth and what the original author meant for it.
My final reason for being an egalitarian is simple: Jesus. Jesus came to bring peace and unity, and He consistently stood up for and uplifted women. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus empower women in profound ways. The first evangelist in the New Testament was a woman— the Samaritan woman at the well. The first person to proclaim the resurrection, the heart of the Gospel, was also a woman—Mary Magdalene.
In the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus breaks cultural barriers between men and women. In Jewish tradition at the time, women were not allowed in certain rooms or to engage in learning with men or from a rabbi. Yet, Jesus welcomes Mary to sit at His feet, a position reserved for disciples, showing that He valued her as a disciple and student. Jesus consistently honored and included women in His ministry, showing that gender does not limit a person’s ability to lead, learn, and serve in His kingdom. Jesus also came to fix the “Eden problem,” which is sin. We must remember that before the fall, God told both man and woman to take dominion over the Earth together, as equal partners. The imbalance occurred after the fall, when God said that man would rule over his wife. However, Jesus came to restore what was lost in Eden. By redeeming humanity through His life, death, and resurrection, He also restores the original roles of men and women, bringing them back into equal partnership in the work of God’s kingdom.
It’s no secret that throughout Scripture, we see God powerfully using women to accomplish His purposes. Women like Esther, Ruth, Naomi, Rahab, Lois, Priscilla, Junia, Lydia, Chloe, Deborah, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Mary the mother of Jesus, the widow, Jael, and many others were vital in advancing God’s kingdom. I believe God is still using women today to preach His Gospel and fulfill His Great Commission. I will link sources to further educate yourself on this topic and spread the word for the need of Biblical Egalitarianism. As the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Books:
Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church
Nijay Gupta
Why Not Women:A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership
What Paul Really Said about Women
John Temple Bristown
Links:
Assemblies of God Position Papers
CBE International
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