Ministry of Women in the New Testament: Reclaiming the Biblical Vision for Church Leadership

Respected scholar Dorothy Lee examines evidence from the New Testament and early church to show that women s ministry is confirmed by the biblical witness, with a particular focus on passages that have been used to limit women s ministry. She argues that women in the New Testament were not only valued as disciples but also given leadership roles, which has implications for the contemporary church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2021
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Respected scholar Dorothy Lee delves into a comprehensive examination of evidence from the New Testament and early church to establish the confirmation of women's ministry in the biblical witness. Her research explores the diverse roles women played in the Gospels and the Pauline corpus, with a particular focus on passages that have been historically used to limit women's involvement in ministry. Through her meticulous analysis, Lee argues that women in the New Testament were not merely valued as disciples but also granted leadership roles, which have profound implications for the contemporary church.

Lee begins her study by examining the portrayal of women in the Gospels, highlighting their active participation in Jesus' ministry and their significant contributions to the early church. She notes that while some passages may have been interpreted to restrict women's roles, a closer examination reveals that these passages were often contextualized within specific cultural and societal norms of the time. Lee argues that by understanding the historical and cultural context of these passages, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of women's ministry in the New Testament.

In the Pauline corpus, Lee examines the letters of Paul, who played a pivotal role in shaping the early Christian church's understanding of women's ministry. She highlights Paul's affirmation of women as equals in Christ and his encouragement of their leadership roles. Lee argues that Paul's teachings on women's ministry challenge traditional gender roles and provide a foundation for the full participation of women in the church.

Lee also examines the historical context of women's ministry in the early church, including the role of women as deacons, teachers, and missionaries. She notes that while there were challenges and barriers to women's leadership, such as cultural norms and patriarchal structures, women were able to overcome these obstacles and make significant contributions to the growth and development of the church.

Through her comprehensive examination, Lee demonstrates that women's ministry is not only supported by the biblical witness but also has a rich historical and theological tradition. She argues that the contemporary church should embrace the full participation of women in all aspects of ministry, including leadership, teaching, and pastoral care.

In conclusion, respected scholar Dorothy Lee's examination of evidence from the New Testament and early church provides compelling evidence for the confirmation of women's ministry in the biblical witness. Her research challenges traditional interpretations of women's roles and highlights the historical and theological significance of women's leadership in the church. Lee's work encourages the contemporary church to embrace the full participation of women in all aspects of ministry and to recognize the valuable contributions that women make to the body of Christ.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540963086