Workbook ponders biblical approach to gender roles

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In an era where disagreement with someone’s life choices or beliefs can be considered prejudicial or hateful, taking a stance on what it means to be male and female can be uncomfortable at best.

However, it is imperative for the health and future growth of our churches that leaders confidently take a stand on what Scripture says about what it means to be male and female.

“Five Conversations on Men and Women for Church Leaders” by Renée Sproles and Bobby Harrington was created as a companion for the book “Male & Female: A Biblical Look at Gender,” edited by Sproles. But this workbook also is an incredibly helpful tool all on its own.

For church leaders who don’t have the time or inclination to delve into lengthy books on the subject, “Five Conversations” is an accessible resource. The short workbook seeks to equip church leaders to make biblically-based, informed decisions for themselves and those they lead.

Sproles and Harrington masterfully lead their readers through five challenging but necessary conversations, beginning with a question that the reader must eventually answer.

The authors help church leaders examine their beliefs on equality between genders, the pitfalls of traditional stereotypes and cultural influences, what it actually means to be male and female image-bearers of God, how churches can empower women and stay within biblical “guardrails,” what Scripture really says about what it means to be a leader at church and in the home and why gender roles matter.

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Related: Book offers clarity on a biblical view of LGBTQ+ relationships

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Each of the five conversations offers three options for consideration. But prior to delving deeper into the options, Harrington and Sproles challenge readers to pause and take an honest self-assessment before moving into the study portion where they provide helpful tools to explore the influences of church tradition and secular culture on how we interpret Scripture.

Immediately following the study is a section specifically designed for church leaders to spend time in God’s Word working through each topic as they seek to faithfully interpret for themselves how God defines what it means to be male and female.

“Snapshots,” personal stories from everyday disciples of Jesus, appear at the end of each conversation, making the abstract more concrete. It’s a refreshing addition that brings the Word to life and shows Scripture in action.

Sproles and Harrington end every conversation with a brief review of the main points and provide thought-provoking questions to encourage self-reflection and group discussion among leadership.

“Study the Scriptures to make sure we are using all of the talents and gifts that God has given us without being hindered by old stereotypes or overly influenced by the egalitarian-at-all-costs thinking of our cultural moment.”

While written mainly to men, I found these conversations to be very helpful as a woman. Men and women should study the Scriptures to make sure we are using all of the talents and gifts that God has given us without being hindered by old stereotypes or overly influenced by the egalitarian-at-all-costs thinking of our cultural moment.

I recommend this workbook for those who would like to think more clearly about what it means to be male and female as well as for church leaders seeking to honor the clear teachings of Scripture.

LINDSEY RUSSELL has master’s degrees in education and is a former researcher at Vanderbilt University and social services assistant at Irwin Army Community Hospital in Fort Riley, Kan. She is a stay-at-home mom married to Seth and the mother of twin girls.

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