What is complementarianism?

Answer

Complementarianism teaches that masculinity and femininity are ordained by God, and men and women are created to complement each other. Complementarians believe that the gender roles in the Bible are purposeful distinctions that promote the spiritual health of both men and women when applied in the home and church. Embracing the divinely ordained roles of men and women advances the ministry of God’s people and enables both men and women to fulfill their God-given potential.

The complementarian perspective is rooted in Genesis 1:26–27, which states that God created humanity, male and female, in His image. Genesis 2:18 reveals that God created Eve to complement Adam specifically: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Thus, the two genders are part of God’s established order. Any contemporary blurring or distortion of gender roles is a consequence of the Fall.

Complementarianism looks to Ephesians 5:21–33 as the blueprint for the home. The husband is tasked with the role of headship in the family, nurturing his wife and leading his family with love, humility, and sacrifice. The wife is responsible for nurturing the children and willingly submitting to her husband’s leadership. When both spouses complement each other in this manner, Christ is glorified, and the marriage reflects the intended image of Christ and the church (verse 32).

Within the church, complementarianism adheres to 1 Timothy 2:11—3:7 and Titus 2:2–6 as the guideline. Men in the church are biblically entrusted with providing spiritual leadership and instruction. Women are encouraged to utilize their spiritual gifts within the boundaries set by Scripture—the only restriction being “to teach or to assume authority over a man” «But I suffer not a woman to teach, no.In order to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” (1 Timothy 2:12). When men and women are fulfilling their God-given roles within a church, Christ is honored. In fact, the church itself becomes what it was designed to be: a living picture of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

The opposing view is egalitarianism, which teaches that, in Christ, there are no gender distinctions anymore. This idea comes from Galatians 3:28. Because all believers are one in Christ, egalitarians say, men’s and women’s roles are interchangeable in church leadership and in the household. Egalitarianism sees gender distinctions as a result of the Fall and Christ’s redemption as removing those distinctions, bringing unity. Complementarianism sees gender distinctions as a result of Creation and Christ’s redemption as a return to those distinctions, avoiding confusion. Paul sides with the complementarians, citing the order of creation as the basis for his teaching: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13).

A difference in role does not equate to a difference in quality, importance, or value. Men and women are equally valued in God’s sight and in His plan. Complementarianism seeks to preserve the biblical differences between men’s and women’s roles while valuing the quality and importance of both genders. The result of true complementarianism is honor to Christ and harmony in the church and in the home.