What is complementarianism?

from the old testament

• Complementarianism is rooted in the equal value yet distinctions established in Genesis, where God formed men and women with different roles that work together for His purposes. The creation account presents these distinctions as part of God’s good design (Genesis 1:26-27).
• God formed Adam first from the dust (Genesis 2:7). While all of the animals had a female counterpart, Adam was alone and “for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:20b). He was, in a real sense, lacking his other half. This is why God created Eve from his side, so that she would be “a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:21–22). Her origin from Adam highlights both equality of nature and relational distinction.
• Also critical in understanding Complementarianism is the fact that Eve ate the forbidden fruit first (Genesis 3:6a). Adam wrongly allowed her to lead (Genesis 3:6b). This relational reversal contributed to the disorder introduced through the fall. One such result was that God’s curse hinted at the fact that men would abuse their power and women would refuse to submit (Genesis 3:16b).

from the new testament

• Ephesians 5:22–33 teaches husbands and wives to fulfill their different but complementary responsibilities within marriage. Husbands are called to sacrificial leadership that seeks the good of their wives, while wives are called to respond to that leadership with willing submission and respect. Paul was saying that when a household is structured like this, it serves as an example of Christ’s relationship to the church.
• While there are distinctions, not just between genders but between every member of a church body, Paul taught that every believer is both necessary and honored by God (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). That is, no one is more valuable than another. Instead, despite different roles, everyone is working together, contributing to the life and health of the church.
• Complementarianism acknowledges that value despite distinction while showing that Scripture defines pastoral and other leadership over the entire body as an endeavor restricted to men. We see this in his descriptions of elders as male-specific, such as “the husband of one wife” and the leader of his house (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
• In addition to the implication of male leadership, Paul also gives direct instructions in 1 Timothy 2:11–15 against women being in an authoritative position over men. His reasoning rests on creation order (Adam created first) and the events of the fall (Eve deceived first). Because his foundation is creation, not his culture, it is not enough to argue that male leadership was only true in a first-century context. It is based on the order that God built into His creation.

implications for today

We admit it—saying that men and women have different roles in the church sounds so offensive! That’s because our culture has been infiltrated by feminism, which is always on a quest to prove that women are at least as good as men. The Bible agrees that men and women are of equal value, both being image bearers. However, that value is inherent to who they are as humans and is despite their gender differences. Conversely, society feels that unless the two genders are virtually indistinguishable, then things aren’t fair. Ironically, this is often done at the expense of what makes women unique by forcing them to act more like their male counterparts. It’s not progressive to remove gender distinctions. It’s a rebellion against God’s wisdom in His design, and it hurts women.

Because of societal pressures, this teaching requires humility. For women, it means gladly serving under the spiritual leadership of imperfect men and trusting God to honor obedience even when the leaders fall short. For men, it means remembering that being “over” others means being beneath them in service. Jesus laid down His life for His people, and any man who leads in the church or home is called to that same path of costly, daily self-sacrifice. In short, God has given both men and women paths in this life that require dying to self in gender-specific ways.

Why didn’t God give men and women identical strengths and roles? It is because He designed us to need each other. Our inherent differences complement each other for the good of families and churches. When men and women embrace God’s design with humility, the church is healthier, women’s gifts are honored rather than suppressed, and Christ receives the glory.