Side by Side: Women and Men Leading Together in the Church

by Dave Hess

What did God mean when He declared over the first man and “LET THEM RULE”?I invite you to join me on a journey—a quest to discover God’s original intent for His daughters and sons. •Have men and women been designed by God to co-labor in shared ministry? •Or has He assigned them gender-exclusive roles and responsibilities? •Does the Bible clearly indicate that women and men can lead together? •Or do the scriptures forbid women from even considering such positions?Side by Side describes my personal expedition to discover God’s heart on the issue of men and women in ministry—an issue that will not go away anytime soon. Ignoring it or deploring it will not bring resolve—only further hurt and division. Could the collaborative leadership of women and men in the church be an answer to Jesus’ prayer for us to be one? Though uniquely diverse, we are part of the same spiritual family. Can we tangibly love one another with the same love?Can we truly serve side by side in the same army, standing together in the same battle against the same enemy whom we will overcome with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead? Let’s spend some time prayerfully processing this—together!

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2020

Reviews

[Karl Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In preparation for a course I am facilitating this fall called "Women and Men Leading Together" I purchased this book on the recommendation of a friend. I found "Side by Side" to be an easy to read, non-academic, but thoroughly researched book on the issues surrounding women in leadership in church and ministry. I'm glad I purchased the book and for the help it will be in preparing for the course I am facilitating. The author grapples with Scripture without being overly academic. His writing is logical and easy to read. I especially appreciated Chapter 10 where he provides a brief history of a Puritan woman who had a huge impact in her community during the 1600's and an African-American woman who became an effective preacher and leader in the late 1700s and early 1800's. Great stories. I can easily recommend the book to you.

[Jalana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hoping for more of a deep dive on the most commonly misunderstood portions of scripture that have caused many to believe that women are forbidden from leadership. It's a portion of the book as opposed to the main focus; however, this book is very well rounded and also gives plenty of recommendations for further reading.

You can hear so much of Dave Hess' heart for God's children in his writing, and his passion and compassion have stirred my own heart. This book made me feel seen. I enjoyed hearing about the process of his church as they considered opening up all areas of leadership to women. It was eye-opening to see how some people processed such a change in their own ways.

[Fire and Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women an men leading together

Great book, gives in sites and references for further reading. Great book to read if you feel the Lord has called you into ministry, even if you don't have issues with this topic it will help you explain your position. Also you could refer this book to them.

[Carolyn Billington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, concise overview of women and men as church leaders. In depth study of Bible passages on the subject. I quoted from it in a church board meeting and people now are ordering book to study. Nice to have Cindy Jacobs foreword also.

I read this April 2023.