Mixed Ministry: Working Together as Brothers and Sisters in an Oversexed Society

by Sue Edwards, Kelley Mathews, Henry J. Rogers

How should you relate to the opposite sex in a working environment? Are the rules different for Christians? The New Testament treats Christian men and women as sacred siblings. Is that relationship a reality in your ministry? In Mixed Ministry , the male and female authors explore complex and thorny issues in depth, drawing on the thoughts, wisdom, and perspectives of men like Howard Hendricks, John Ortberg, Dan Allender, Frank James, Bill Hybels, and many others. This neglected topic, when properly understood, has the potential to revolutionize ministry.

Genres: Leadership, Church

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2008

About the author

I am an assistant professor of Christian education at Dallas Theological Seminary, specializing in Women's Studies. I also love to write as a way to share my love for people and God's Word. I have authored 6 books with two more in the works. Each book is a tool to help women and men sharpen their ministry skills and serve others more effectively."

Reviews

[amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a friend's request :)

I am so thankful for Mixed Ministry. For years I worked (officially or unofficially) within the American church and have both seen practices and received “wise counsel” regarding men and women in the church that seemed, to me, unbiblical. Of course, being young, alone in my thinking, and female, I did not push the issue but rather attempted to live at peace in the workplace and live at peace with my convictions at home. In this book, Sue Edwards and her co-ed team of authors present a biblical case for what I have long suspected; that Jesus calls his church to be a family consisting of brothers and sisters and that healthy sibling relationships can and should exist between the sexes.

Mixed Ministry explores the contemporary relationship between men and women in the church in America, finds it falling short of biblical description, offers explanations for the current situation, and ultimately suggests ways to cultivate more biblical relationships between men and women in the church. The primary explanation discussed is the over-sexualization of American culture, how this has affected men and women in ministry, and how those working in ministry might navigate their way to a more biblical modus operandi.

I must admit, even though I have had some unfortunate experiences regarding men and women in ministry (I have had some great experiences, too), I was still shocked by a few of the anecdotes given. I was alarmed at some of the more extreme examples of the Body falling short of sibling-hood. I hope this book will be widely read by those working in ministry today and sincerely hope that it might light the way to more fruitful community.

This is a must read for anyone in ministry today and a recommended read for any female who has ever worked in ministry and found themselves at the receiving end of odd (or downright unjust) behaviors when it comes to working with men in ministry. Especially if you’ve wondered if you’re crazy – this book is for you. (If you’re looking for a position on women’s roles in the church, you may want to find another title, however, as the authors steer widely clear of that issue.)

Finally, I gave the book only four stars because I found the writing (as in writing style and choices) overall to be weak. The ideas and research were well formulated and generally clearly communicated, but the vehicle wasn’t the pleasure it might have been. Still, this is a must read for those in ministry in the church in America today. And wives, please recommend it to your Serving husbands!

[Jenny Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

healing balm to my soul. not a fine work of literature, but great thoughts and encouraging piece for women AND men in the church to read. basically written to encourage men and women in the church to cultivate "sacred sibling relationships". cultivating this in your church body will produce POWERFUL ministry.

what I recommend drinking while reading this book. a cup of coffee - if you are a women who was burned by the church, you won't want to put it down.

[Samantha Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. Super easy read. Most of it feels more like a “duh” for women—the value of having us “on the team.” Maybe it would be a good read for a perspective shift for men who feel hesitant about working closely with women.

[Anna Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few helpful nuggets and several significant questions to consider.

Unfortunately, the Bill Hybels quotes didn’t age well