Episode 280: What Does the Bible Say About Gender Roles? | The Case for Complementarianism
What does the Bible actually teach about men and women, gender roles, and leadership in the church?
In this episode of The Postscript Show, Brandon Briscoe sits down with Thomas Harding, pastor of Portland Gospel Church, to examine the debate between egalitarianism and complementarianism. They discuss biblical authority and hermeneutics, whether Galatians 3:28 teaches that gender distinctions have been erased in Christ, and why the doctrine of creation is foundational to understanding God’s design for men and women.
The conversation also examines Jesus’ teaching, Paul’s instructions in Ephesians and 1 Timothy, the qualifications for pastors and deacons, and why Paul’s teaching on gender roles is rooted in creation rather than merely first-century culture.
Does complementarianism diminish women? Brandon and Thomas address this question from Scripture, showing how equal value in Christ does not require identical responsibilities. They also discuss how biblical distinctions between men and women allow both to serve the church in meaningful and complementary ways.
Finally, they discuss how pastors and church members can hold firmly to biblical convictions while showing grace and compassion toward people wrestling with these questions—and why discipleship and the gospel should remain central.
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