A Robust, Careful Complementarianism

Readers of this blog will know that I believe the Bible teaches that men and women are fully equal in worth and value before God, co-heirs in salvation, and also have distinct roles in both the home and the church.  That teaching is often called "complementarianism," because the two genders complement each other as they live out their callings.

Not every Christian agrees on this, and there has been much confusion about the term.  And, sadly, complementarianism hasn't always been practiced in a robust and careful way, living out all of the rich contours of the biblical truth on gender in the complexity of modern life.

Last year, our EFCA leadership tackled this issue in a Theology Conference held at Trinity, my alma mater.  Speakers and panelists both affirmed complementarianism and critiqued its practice in our churches.  Great idea!

Here are the recordings:

• Opening Remarks - EFCA President Dr. William J. Hamel
• "The Cultural and Ecclesiological Landscape" - Dr. Bob Yarbrough (volume improves at 12 minute mark)
• "Hermeneutics: A Biblical Framework" - Dr. Bob Yarbrough
• "Creationand Re-creation - Male and Female in the Image of God, The Fall and Redemption" - Dr. Don Carson
• "Family - Husbands and Wives, Love and Submission, Christ and the Church" - Dr. Don Carson
• "Church- Teaching/Authority in Context of I Timothy 2" - Dr. Don Carson
• "Leadership in the Local Church and a Theology of Pastoral Care" - Dr. Bob Yarbrough
• Final comments by Dr. Yarbrough & Dr. Carson
• Dr. Carson’s response to question on William Webb’s book, Slaves, Women and Homosexuals

Panel Interaction (Note: The quality of the first session is poor)

• Panel Interaction Introduction 
• Panel Interaction #1 - "Culture and Hermeneutics" (Poor Quality) 
• Panel Interaction #2 - "Equal in Essence and Dignity, Distinction in Roles: The Home"
• Panel Interaction #3 - "Full Use of Gifts within God’s Ordained Structure: The Church"

Bibliographies representing various viewpoints.

But if you don't have or want to take the time to listen to all of that, our Ministerial Association just published an edited print version of the conference, especially the main lectures.  Very worth the time to read.