The Great Beyond

Society is waking up to the notion that equality between the sexes extends beyond words and into action. This means equal pay for doing the same job regardless of gender. It means equal opportunities to study and progress in any career regardless of any preconceptions concerning whether the job is ‘appropriate’ for a person. This new awakening is beginning to open up new vistas of possibility and we are seeing women entering and thriving in areas that were previously male strongholds such as football and engineering.

On theological grounds, the church is instinctively conservative because it is supposed to uphold God's standards rather than be influenced by the world. That has meant that leadership has remained largely male, particularly in the evangelical sectors of the church. Whilst we have seen some of the more traditional denominations open the way for women to become priests, bishops, moderators, etc., the evangelical church has largely clung to an ideal of male leadership. 

In this book, Richard Bradbury challenges the position of the evangelical church, and in particular the New Churches with respect to female leadership. Arguing from the basis of Biblical exegesis, as well as sociological evidence, he presents a compelling case for allowing and enabling women to rise up into their God-given gifting and calling without any restrictions.