John Wesley appointed women lay preachers, and within a century the leaders of the movements that grew out of his evangelical revival (the Salvation Army, Free Methodists, Nazarenes and later the
Pentecostals) were advocating full ordination. Today, most non-Catholic churches ordain women,
the Church of England voting in 2006 to ordain women bishops. But is this in harmony with Scripture? Can we apply a New Testament pattern for husband-wife marriage relationships today?

This book is written in the conviction that both our church and our family life today should be in
demonstrable harmony with New Testament teaching. It is aimed to help any who are either
wanting to decide on such issues, or wanting to know that what they have instinctively believed is
biblical. It looks both at church leadership, and at the hierarchical and egalitarian models for marriage.

“The reality I most appreciate about the life and writings of Paul Marston is his passion for truth as revealed in the Scriptures.”

Bishop Richard Snyder

Paul Marston is a university lecturer and
Lay Minister who has an MA. in theology.
He has been married for over 35 years,
has two adult children, both married, and
has previously published two books on
the Christian Family.