When Conviction Is Communicated Without Care

Dear brothers, honor your sisters.

In recent years, many pastors have found themselves in difficult positions and conversations as they seek to defend conservative biblical doctrine. In defending and holding to such doctrines, these shepherds are doing what they are called to do: Protect the sheep of God’s flock. In an age where progressive theology has challenged historic Christian beliefs and reshaped many denominations, there is a need for faithful leaders who stand firmly on sound doctrine and the authority of Scripture.

Jesus warned of “ravenous wolves” who would seek to harm His sheep (Matt. 7:15). If the church abandons biblical convictions regarding leadership, it is the church membership—the sheep of the pasture—that will ultimately be led astray and harmed. Therefore, pastors have a responsibility to protect the flock, guard sound doctrine, and faithfully proclaim the truth.

But as we contend for biblical convictions, we must remember that how we engage these conversations matters. Well-meaning pastors, brothers in Christ, and co-laborers in the work of the kingdom are seeking to uphold the biblical model of leadership found in Scripture. Yet, in the process, faithful women can be trampled underfoot.

Complementarian leadership does not mean the suppression or oppression of women, yet that is the impression being given through many media outlets and from those who disagree with this position. It is important for these brothers—who are leading churches around the world—to recognize that the language and rhetoric they use in this conversation is extremely important. Every pastor is involved at some level, and how things are said matters as much as what is said.

Defending Truth While Honoring People

In conversations about biblical leadership, two things can be true at the same time.

First, complementarianism is the ecclesiological position held by many conservative evangelicals regarding the roles of men and women in church leadership. Many evangelical churches and some denominations have sought to clarify these convictions to better reflect the teaching of Scripture.

At the same time, the way these convictions are communicated matters. A defense of biblical doctrine should never communicate a disregard for women who faithfully serve Christ and His church.

Unfortunately, there are many pastors and individuals who are doing more harm than good in the posture that they approach this issue. Due to how vehemently and passionately they argue, it makes it sound like they truly do wish to suppress women to the point of insignificance. This is largely accidental and is not the heart of biblical complementarianism. When we focus so much on what we oppose, it is easy to lose sight of who and what we are for.

Faithful pastors and students of the Word know how important women have always been to the work of the gospel. Jesus’ ministry was supported by women such as Mary Magdalene, Mary and Martha of Bethany, and even the Samaritan woman who proclaimed Christ to her town. The birth of the church was spurred on with the help of women like Lydia, Phoebe, and Priscilla.

We celebrate the work of women throughout church history who devoted their lives to the advancement of the gospel on the mission field such as Elisabeth Elliott, Annie Armstrong, and Lottie Moon. In local churches around the world, there are countless women who have poured blood, sweat, and tears into the building of the church for the glory of God. Many of them have no desire for recognition—much less a title. They desire to use the gifts God has given them to serve Christ and make an impact on the world. That work must be honored, celebrated, and encouraged.

Remember Your Sisters

Brothers, you have sisters who are listening and following your leadership.

This is an important moment not only to fight for biblical convictions but also to stand alongside these women who are laboring with you to win souls for the Kingdom. Elevating women does not mean placing them into positions not allowed by Scripture. Elevating women in a biblical way means giving them every opportunity to serve in their own ministry capacities and to do their part in building the church. The church does not honor women by setting aside biblical convictions, nor does it honor biblical convictions by failing to honor women. As Paul says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).