Part 1: Complementarianism vs. Egalitarianism: Which is God's Design for Men and Women's Roles?

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ! In this podcast, Christian and I, along with our special guest, Lydia Clements discuss the differences between Complementarianism and Egalitarianism. Complementarianism is defined as "the teaching that masculinity and femininity are ordained by God and that men and women are created to complement, or complete, each other. Complementarians believe that the gender roles found in the Bible are purposeful and meaningful distinctions that, when applied in the home and church, promote the spiritual health of both men and women. Embracing the divinely ordained roles of men and women furthers the ministry of God’s people and allows men and women to reach their God-given potential.” Egalitarianism is the opposite view which is defined as "a movement based on the theological view that not only are all people equal before God in their personhood, but there are no gender-based limitations of what functions or roles each can fulfill in the home, the church, and the society. It is sometimes referred to as biblical equality. Egalitarians understand the Bible as teaching the fundamental equality of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It should not be confused with secular political, economic, social egalitarianism.” This topic seems to be very divisive in our churches in this day and age, and it is worth the time to study and understand both sides of the debate here. Our discussion took longer than expected, so this video has turned into two parts. In this part, part 1, we discuss what these two views are, address some important misunderstandings, and then we discuss various verses that seem to support the complementarian view. In part 2, we will address Egalitarian positive texts, as well as giving our thoughts on what men and women are designed to do in church and in the home! So stay tuned for part 2! Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and like the Facebook Page to get updates! If you would like a specific question answered, please reach out to us at [email protected]!