Leadership is Male: What Does the Bible Say?

Mr. Pawson succintly highlights the uncomfortable tension between the modern cultural norm and the plain impetus of the Biblical texts.

The book was thoughtfully, and carefully written. The author was not in your face with facts, but lovingly, and simply presented the scriptures that touched this very controversial subject!

Paternalism has been under attack for many years. Now I know why. David is unashamedly an evangelical who takes Scripture seriously and wants to do it justice. I believe he has succeeded. This book is well structured and its logic accessible and straightforward as is Scripture on this topic.

Long time fan of David Pawson. I grew up listening to his audio teachings which went through the Bible providing historical background. A little saddened to see poor exegesis in this work.He writes supporting the default view, which makes his defense much easier. Not really anything new to add to the topic. Many times he appeals to learned scholars but provides no footnotes or citations.He also used a convenient method of scripture interpretation where he demands literal interpretation but when verses are mentioned that don’t support his view, he makes concessions. He is a selective literalist who hides behind a lofty stance of literal exposition.

If you desire to honestly investigate this subject, you will find facts, history, scripture, and logic all presented fairly and concisely. Brother Pawson is skilled in the ability to stand aside and present all angles and presumptions without a personal prejudice. I always felt free to make my own conclusions.

This is a great book to provoke discussion. A few places where the exegisis was a bit "loose" but nothing critical

Well balanced without compromising the truth of the Word.

Eye opening, though it says what the Bible says about the topic. Classic David Pawson.

If you wanted a contentious subject, this is it. As a Christian I have mentally fought against this for years but here is a book that really made me think very hard. Let's be clear, Pawson is not sexist, misogynistic or chauvinistic. His point is that God expects men to take the lead, to accept their responsibilities; they are entrusted with being in charge of His church. That is not a charter for control or power or domination. Towards the end of this brief book (just 95 pages) he makes the point that the issue is not hierarchical or situational or historical or experimental. It is essentially Biblical and then, afterwards, practical. The problem is not that women aren't submissive enough in the church, but that all too often men have utterly failed to be responsible leaders. (How many churches would close if their women left!) The catastrophe has been that too often men have turned leadership into domination, and then interpreted submission as subjugation. Both are abhorrent to the Bible.He does not say that in the secular world women should not be in charge, but that God's church is different, special, and that there He expects men to lead. Their failure to do so, Pawson says, is partly the result of lack of training in leadership and partly a failure of men to accept and live up to their responsibilities. When men will do what they should do then women will be liberated to do what only they can do. His other point is that there is a vast range of ministry specifically for women. Women's ministry in the church is crucial and actually, even in our time, very much under-estimated. There is a lot of teaching to be done, and a lot of letting go of political correctness. Take a deep breath and read what Pawson is saying. It might change your mind; it did mine.So don't throw this book away as Victorian and sexist. It's actually liberating, and its most challenging message is to men, not women.

As a woman I totally agree with David . We need men to step up not down.. thank God for men of God like David Pawson who was not afraid to tell it as it is.

David Pawson is totally committed to discovering what the Bible teaches on this subject. He is not swayed by thepresent tendency to regard the Bible's teaching as being cultural or just for those who received it. He certainly is notinfluenced by the pressure of present trends which urge the Church to line up with modern attitudes and practices to have women appointed to positions of leadership and authoritative leadership.

David Pawson writes clearly and with passion. He unlocks the subject in question and leaves one in no doubt about his views. We will have to wait for the second coming to find out whether his interpretation of scripture is accurate!

Mr Pawson reviews the biblical evidence for a revision of the traditional model of male leadership, to suit the more gender neutral approach of modern western society. He does this is a balanced and non polemic manner, whilst holding firmly to his evangelical bible-believing background. The revisionist arguements are fairly presented and discussed, with difficulties in the traditional view not brushed under the carpet. A fine example of biblical exposition and faithful teaching.