God's Women Then and Now

by Deborah M. Gill

God's Women—Then and Now presents a biblical theology of women in ministry and leadership. The co-authors begin their approach with an introduction to biblical interpretation. Then they examine the Old Testament foundation of the issue. God's ideal was made clear in creation; and in spite of the Fall and its vicissitudes faced by females through time, that ideal still remains. Next, through excerpts from primary sources, they connect the reader with first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. In such a socio-religious context, Jesus' treatment of and interaction with women is revolutionary. He came to restore God's creation ideals. Next is a survey of all relevant New Testament texts, categorized as follows: (1) theological texts - the normative statements of timeless truths; and (3) historical texts - descriptions of women ministers in the early church. The remaining texts (which some interpret as excluding women from ministry and leadership) are exegeted in detail and found to be restricted texts - dealing with specific issues in local churches. The final chapters of the book are practical applications for today concerning husband-wife relationships; comparing and contrasting authority, power, and leadership; and a offering parting challenge from the authors.
Deborah Menken Gill and Barbara Cavaness Parks are both ordained Christian leaders and have ministered around the world and in the United States. Both have earned Ph.Ds. from Fuller Theological Seminary (Cavaness' in Intercultural Studies and Gill's in Biblical Studies--Old and New Testaments). And both authors are educators (Gill is Professor of Biblical Studies and Exposition; and Cavaness is a global missionary educator).
The first edition of God's Women—Then and Now was released in 2004 (and a separate Study Guide also appeared in 2004). In addition to its three print editions, God's Women—Then and Now has also been published in Tamil, Finnish, and Spanish. For the first time, this Kindle version now includes the complete Study Guide comprised of discovery-learning and reflection-discussion questions suitable for individual or group study and an Answer Key.
What do readers say? "This book has been life changing for me. ... It is rich in depth--with original language research and academic documentation; and it is accessible--so easy to understand."

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2004

Reviews

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is moderately well written, but holds life changing truth for anyone who grew up in the church thinking men were over women in any way, rather than the equity of all that is taught by the Bible. It goes through all of the verses we know, and explains what they mean in a whole new light.

[Stevie Ciske · Rating 5 out of 5]

So how do we get this book in the hands of ever believer... and even those naysayers who aren't Jesus followers? This was a great book that helps us defend our faith, while at the same time lays out the position of women in ministry in a way that is thought provoking, truth telling, and investigative at the same time. I thought I'd read it and it'd be one of those "Yeah, I already knew that, great confirmation." But in reality I learned even more, was convinced even more, and feel equipped to explain my point of view in love.
Women are not exempt from the calling of God. It's not a theology wrapped around 2 verses in the Bible, but as the Bible collectively affirms women and their ministry role in spreading the gospel. It does so without putting men down, demeaning ministry roles, or poking fun at opposing views.
Great read, I'll most likely read it again and again until I have studied all I can.

[Sarah Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book for anyone (especially women) who either are in ministry or would like to be in ministry someday. It is a picture of original feminist ideals meeting biblical teachings. Beautifully written and elegantly portrayed.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed perspective. Challenges a lot of the standard things I've heard about women's roles in God's kingdom. "Do I actually believe this? Is there a scripture to support this?" This was a great book, and the authors approach this topic with such humility. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most excellent resources on the subject of women in ministry. The authors cover a wide range of biblical texts and give a framework for understanding each. This is a great book for anyone struggling with the subject of women in ministry.

[Jacki Drane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I’ve read on the topic of the role of women in Christianity. The chapter on Jesus and women was particularly strong and made the entire book work reading.

[Karl Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read on women in leadership and ministry. Thoughtful, scholarly, and balanced. Great focus on servant leadership. Excellent thoughts on the necessity of a great heart attitude. Good comments on how to move forward, on how to deal with differences. A book that tackles the role of women with grace and truth. I would recommend this book to all - no matter what side of the issue you are on.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reference tool for understanding what the bible has to say about women in leadership roles within ministry. This book walks you through the God's ideal, the affect of sin, the rise of a patriarchal society and how this development influenced subsequent translations of scripture.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtfully researched and written with the attitude that the evidence will be presented and the reader can draw their conclusions. I feel like I learned new ideas and information but was also encouraged in God’s plan for all of His Creation to take part in His family, the family of God.

[Deborah Bennett]

Great, very truth filled and informative. This book has confirmation what I was already hearing from the lord.