As in All the Churches: A Close Look at the Call for Full Female Participation and Leadership in the Church

What other's have said: "I endorse your general view ... as being very true to the Bible. I am pleased that you base your conclusions on a very solid view of Biblical authority, a very solid approach to truth and sound doctrine, and an honorable view of Biblical interpretation." - Jack Cottrell, Professor of Theology, (ret.)"Fewkes' work is comprehensive, thoughtful, Biblical, and irenic."- F. LaGard Smith - Compiler and narrator of The Daily Bible."John Fewkes sets forth in strong terms the Biblical teaching on women's place in the assemblies of the church. He exposes the errors and inconsistencies of those who advocate an egalitarian position. For those still considering what to do on this issue, his book will clarify matters."- Everett Ferguson, Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Abilene Christian University.At this point in Western culture, few topics could be more critical for the Lord's church than the content that John provides in "As In All the Churches." As our Creator, God provides us, both male and female, with certain roles to fulfill. If we are willing to do His will, then our happiness in life and fulfillment of the purposes that God has prepared aforetime for us depends on our embrace and obedient trust within these God given roles. It is no surprise when cultures rebel against God's roles or purposes, but it is surprising when rebellion finds foothold within the beliefs of Christ's church. We must always be vigilant to conform our thoughts to the thoughts of God ... even when it is counter-cultural. John helps us do just that with "As in All the Churches." - Brian Davis - World Bible School, Executive Vice PresidentIt is abundantly clear that churches continue to be challenged in new interpretations and applications of scripture that historically were perceived as clearly understood - with troubling ramifications for many of those churches and believers. We intend to examine in some detail some of those challenges for the purpose that the people of God may base their practices on a sure foundation of Biblical truth.CHAPTER SYNOPSIS1.What is Truth? - Reason, feelings, conscience, tradition, and revelation are considered as potential sources of truth.2.Faith and Opinion - There is a Biblical faith. How that faith relates to individual opinions of what is essential are considered and how we relate to one another in areas of opinion.3.Principles of Interpretation - What "tools" do we use in understanding the language and meaning of Biblical texts, and how do those tools shape our understanding and application of Scripture?4.Beginning at the Beginning - In Genesis 1-3 we find the first interactions between man and woman. What can we learn from the first pair?5.Galatians 3:28 - The Magna Carta of Equality? Most who seek a wider role for women in participation and leadership in the church view this passage as central to their argumentation. Does it really apply?6.Heads and Hair - 1 Corinthians 11 and 14. At first glance these passages seem at odds with each other; looking at them together, is there really a contradiction?7.Subjection, Submission, or Mutual Submission? - Ephesians 5. In what ways, if any, are women subject to men in the church? In what areas might there be mutual submission?8.Speaking, Shush, or Silence? - Timothy, Titus and Peter. Paul and Peter discuss specific activities for women. Where and how do any such restrictions apply?9.What About the Women? - Biblical Women in the Bible. Numerous women are given significant attention through the narrative of Scripture. What do we learn about their role in the religious life of their communities?10.Conclusions. - So what? How then should we live? Is this discussion one that benefits the church? Are we likely to see peace or dissension and division?

John Fewkes began preaching as a young teenager. He graduated from Columbia Christian and Abilene Christian Colleges with degrees in Bible and Communication. While a businessman, he never stopped serious study, teaching and preaching. He has taught and preached in Austria, Guatemala, Mozambique, Taiwan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as well as in numerous states in America. Along with his wife Jacque and numerous others, he is involved in freely providing visual teaching materials to mission areas (Global Seedsowers) in the USA and around the world. Raised in Washington, and after forty years in Oregon, the family moved to Abilene, Texas to make Global Seedsowers a more productive ministry.