You are not signed in. Sign in.

List Books: Buy books on ListBooks.org

Women Deacons and Deaconesses: 400 Years of Baptist Service »

Book cover image of Women Deacons and Deaconesses: 400 Years of Baptist Service by Charles W. Deweese

Authors: Charles W. Deweese
ISBN-13: 9780865544383, ISBN-10: 0865544387
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mercer University Press
Date Published: September 2005
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Find Best Prices for This Book »

Author Biography: Charles W. Deweese

Book Synopsis

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction : the issues at stake1
1Biblical and historical backgrounds23
2Patterns in early Baptist development, 1600s-1700s49
3Deaconess decline, affirmation, and renewal, 1800s-1950s65
4Women deacon resurgence and opposition, 1960s-1970s97
5Women deacon ordination crisis, 1980s123
6Women deacons/deaconess trends, 1990-2005149
7Women deacons/deaconesses in other countries179
8Women deacons tell their stories187
Conclusion : the lessons of history213
AppSelected Baptist churches with women deacon chairs221

Subjects