The Resignation of Eve: What if Adam’s Rib Is No Longer Willing to Be the Church’s Backbone?

Henderson (Jim and Casper Go to Church), who enjoys out-of-the-box looks at Christianity, examines a stealthy problem: women who are increasingly dissatisfied with being limited to nonleadership roles in many evangelical churches. He interviews women across the country who share their thoughts and experiences. Henderson places them into three categories of resignation: “resigned to,” accepting limitations; “resigned from,” leaving the church; and “re-signed,” trying to influence change from within. The author also cites information from a survey he commissioned to back up his argument that failure to rectify unequal treatment of the half of the population most responsible for the church’s stability and growth might very well result in the demise of the church. To prevent a rude awakening, Henderson urges male church leaders to take a fresh look at Jesus’ example of relating to and empowering women and to reconsider a strict interpretation of certain biblical passages regarding pastoring, eldership, and leading. (Feb.)