VOX Mini - Navigating Theological Tension in Church Leadership: Can Complementarians and Egalitarians Co-Pastor?

Episode • Dec 4, 2019 • 15m

Can a complementarian and an egalitarian co-lead a church without compromising their convictions or church polity? That’s the central question driving this special mini-episode of Voxology. Mike, Tim, and Bonnie revisit a recent conversation sparked by their dialogue with Allan Frow, unpacking listener questions about unity in leadership, theological diversity, and the positive biblical basis for women in ministry.

With real-life scenarios, pastoral insight, and honest evaluation of both complementarian and egalitarian frameworks, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone discerning their place in church leadership—or working to build a faith community rooted in inclusion and conviction.

Key Takeaways: • Unity in Diversity? – The complexities of co-leading a church when leaders hold opposing beliefs on women in ministry roles, and the challenges it raises for church governance and decision-making. • Honoring Women’s Gifting – Why flexibility matters, and how lack of clarity in theology and modeling can perpetuate confusion and exclusion, especially for women seeking freedom in their calling. • The Positive Case for Women in Ministry – A biblical framework starting from Genesis 1-2, with examples from the Old Testament, Jesus’s ministry, and Paul’s writings, including key figures like Phoebe, Junia, and Priscilla. • Reading the Fruit – Encouragement from Bonnie to consider the impact and outcomes of different theological interpretations in practice, not just in theory. • The Role of Theological Disagreement – Why some dialogues may work better in open forums than in the shared leadership of a church body.

Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming “Heated” Event Recording – A two-hour teaching and Q&A session with Mike and Bonnie on women in leadership (coming soon!). • Romans 16 – Paul’s commendation of women ministry leaders. • 1 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 5 – Scriptural passages addressing women in the context of early church participation. • Episode 18 – “Is the Bible Anti-Women?” with Bonnie Lewis • Episode 46 – “Women in Leadership” with Bonnie Lewis

Have you wrestled with this question in your own church context? We’d love to hear from you. Send your thoughts and feedback to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation online.

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As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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