What is a women’s role in ministry and leadership in the church?
Should a woman be allowed to preach or even pastor a church? What is the biblical role of a deaconness, and can a woman hold a position of eldership in the church?
These are all important questions that are being asked today and require a clear and biblical answer.
Many denominations have already sanctioned women to hold senior pastoral positions in the church while others are pushing those boundaries long held by their predecessors.
Christian women’s teachers are speaking out about denominational leaders, calling them misogynists and objectifying because they were not granted the same platform as their male counterparts.
A Women’s Role in Ministry and Leadership
While this is where were are culturally, we must address the fact that God’s Word stands alone.
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89
God’s Word does not change neither does it bow the knee to cultural norms and practices just because they are more tolerable and politically correct.
God’s Word is established for eternity and does not change.
This is why I felt compelled to write a biblical perspective on women in ministry and leadership.
What did Paul mean when he said that women should stay silent in the church?
What is the role of women is in the body of Christ?
Can a woman hold a position in the church and stay true to biblical text?
Maybe you’ve asked these questions and others, and would like to know what the Bible really has to say beyond the talking points of the debate that has surrounded this subject for decades.
Made by Design pulls back the curtain on the feminist movement that has infiltrated the body of Christ while simultaneously decrying the argument of men who have routinely devalued the worth and contribution of women to ministry.
In Made by Design, Dr. Hackett uses biblical text to show how Jesus chose to destroy societal norms to honor women in His day and how His example, both supported what the Bible, as a whole, says about women and gave women a valuable role in kingdom work.
Made by Design addresses topics such as:
- What does the Bible mean when it says women should have their heads covered
- How #MeToo has affected the church
- Can a woman be a pastor or elder
- How have women in the corporate world changed this generation
- What the Proverbs 31 women really tells us about the biblical view of women
Made by Design is available in both Paperback and on Kindle
What Others Are Saying About Made By Design:
“I enjoyed reading Made by Design because it examines women’s roles thoroughly and Biblically.
As Hackett explains, our modern culture needs to rethink the consequences of ignoring Scriptural guidelines because the feminist movement has not brought “greater meaning, more value, and deeper fulfillment to women.”
Hackett starts with the premise that men and women are equal in God’s eyes, but they are designed for different roles in the church. He also explains that a man’s role as leader of his family involves “self-sacrifice for his wife, laying his life down to lead her, affirm her, and to protect her.”
But the clearest strength of this book lies in the fact that Hackett carefully examines the context and original language of all pertinent Scriptures, not just the “easy” passages. I’ve never read such an understandable explanation of “Let the women learn in silence” (1 Corinthians 14:34).
Hackett encourages women that we have a great many valuable roles available in the church, but some leadership roles are reserved for men. As a Christian woman, I know I can trust Scripture to know what is best for me.”
Gail Purath, founder of 1-Minute Bible Love Notes
“Written in a comprehensive style as a comparative scriptural and theological study, “Made by Design” by Dr. Dean Hackett addresses several important misconceptions about women in ministry, leadership positions and roles within the family dynamics.
Starting with the book of Genesis all the way thru the New Testament, the author creates parallel analysis of the scriptures in order to reveal the Biblical aspect of God’s original design for women. It’s a study of encouragement, empowerment and liberation for single and married women, and those who feel called to a certain level of leadership and ministry within a church setting.
Dr. Hackett also addresses within his final chapters some of the current cultural trends and social movements, such as the “#metoo” movement and the dangers they present if taken out of proper Biblical contexts.
I believe this book could be a great resource not only for personal studies, but also for pastors and small group leaders desiring to create a safe environment for further discussions, objective views and comprehensive studies of scriptural passages concerning women and their role within the historical, cultural and Biblical context.
It’s an important book, with an important message that carries forth God’s freedom and purpose for every woman desiring to fulfill her destiny on this earth.”
Ceitci Demirkova, Founder & CEO of Changing a Generation and Best-Selling & Award-Winning Author of Motivated by the Impossible
“It was a privilege to review the book, Made by Design, A Biblical Perspective of Women in Ministry and Leadership written by F. Dean Hackett, PhD.
The title of this book totally grabbed my attention and I knew this was a book I desperately needed to read.
I sat down and started reading early in the morning with the intention of finishing only one chapter. The urgency of everything I needed to accomplish faded as I became absorbed in this engaging book.
Through the years I have read many books directed towards women but Made by Design cleared many questions, confirming the calling I have for my ministry to women.
Dr. Dean clarifies many popular misconceptions about the roles of women in ministry and leadership in the church. Each concept presented in his book was solidly backed by scripture and clearly explained in an easy-to-grasp manner.
What impressed me the most about Made by Design was reading how a woman’s impact in ministry and leadership hinges on the honor, respect, and affirmation she receives from her husband or father.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Made by Design as it timelessly clarifies many issues Christian women currently face in their leadership in American churches and para-ministries.”
Judith Kowles, founder of His Unmeasured Grace
“In today’s society, it is hard pressed to find materials that help women to discover what their role is in ministry. Made by Design does just that! In it, there are Biblical accounts of women of the Bible, their roles in spreading the gospel and a simple reminder of just what we are called to do! This is an amazing read for anyone curious about the importance of women of the Church.”
Bridget Childress, founder of Little House in the Cove
Made by Design delves deep into a woman’s calling from God since the beginning of time. Over the years, women have been taken from one extreme to the other, from being torn down to being idolized. This has caused confusion regarding a woman’s mission and place in the world., family, and the church. Pastor Dean Hackett tackles these questions from a Biblical standpoint using Scripture to back up Scripture, revealing the heart of God’s plan for women. I believe every Christian woman should spend time in God’s Word and prayer while reading Made by Design in order to be educated, empowered, and blessed as to her calling from the Heavenly Father.
Misty Leask, founder of Year Round Homeschooling and Beautiful Ashes
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