Authors: Charles W. Deweese
ISBN-13: 9780865544383, ISBN-10: 0865544387
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mercer University Press
Date Published: September 2005
Edition: (Non-applicable)
Divided opinion on the topic of this book has caused controversy in Baptist history and life. Most Baptist individuals and churches have strongly opposed women deacons. Some Baptist associations have even disfellowshipped churches that have approved women deacons. And women in general have been suppressed by many recent actions of the Southern Baptist Convention, thereby affecting women deacons. However, thousands of Baptist churches include women in their deacon bodies and find that they make invaluable contributions. This book presents arguments on both sides of the topic, but lands squarely in support of women deacons.
Introduction : the issues at stake | 1 | |
1 | Biblical and historical backgrounds | 23 |
2 | Patterns in early Baptist development, 1600s-1700s | 49 |
3 | Deaconess decline, affirmation, and renewal, 1800s-1950s | 65 |
4 | Women deacon resurgence and opposition, 1960s-1970s | 97 |
5 | Women deacon ordination crisis, 1980s | 123 |
6 | Women deacons/deaconess trends, 1990-2005 | 149 |
7 | Women deacons/deaconesses in other countries | 179 |
8 | Women deacons tell their stories | 187 |
Conclusion : the lessons of history | 213 | |
App | Selected Baptist churches with women deacon chairs | 221 |