We Are Happy Complementarians

For over a decade, the three of us have partnered to create, resource and lead discipleship environments. In truth: it’s been a deep joy. We believe it is not only biblical, but beneficial and essential to see each other for what we are in Christ: brothers and sisters. For us, this involves a particular doctrinal commitment. For the entire length of our partnership, we have been (and continue to be!) convictional and joyful complementarians.

What does this doctrinal commitment mean? It means simply that we believe God’s Word is inspired and authoritative for the church’s faith and practice. And we read it to reserve the office of pastor/elder for qualified men. (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 2) Because of this, we believe the title of “Pastor/Elder” should only be used with reference to qualified men who have been ordained to serve as a pastor/elder in a local church. We believe clarity on this matter serves our partnership. JT and Kyle are both pastors. Jen is not, and does not desire or seek the office.

This is not a new position for us. We’ve held it for the entire course of our ministry partnership. It’s worth noting that we do not believe it is necessary to agree with us on this point of doctrine to be helped by the resources we create, and we ourselves benefit from discipleship resources created by those who come from differing views. We value charity on this matter, and we hope you will, too.

We also recognize that while complementarian theology is fairly consistent, its practice is by no means uniform, but is instead conscience-driven. We have been vocal about what we call “generous complementarianism”. You can listen here and here and here to learn more about where conscience has led us on this matter. Briefly, generous complementarianism stays faithful to three convictions: 1.) The office and title of pastor/elder should only be used with reference to qualified men ordained in local churches, 2.) The task of preaching in corporate worship is a central function of that office and is therefore only be done by pastors/elders (i.e. qualified men ordained by the congregation), and 3.) God’s word invites both brothers and sisters into meaningful contribution and partnership in the work of discipleship in local churches, a conviction often termed the “priesthood of all believers”.

We are happy complementarians. We’ve experienced the fruits of shared partnership between brothers and sisters in Christ. We thank God for the opportunity he has given the three of us to walk together in the sweet partnership that was instituted in Eden and that will one day be fully restored to the family of God in the New Jerusalem. Until that day, we pray that all of us would labor to be “built up together in love.” (Eph 4:16)

In Christ,

JT English, Jen Wilkin, and Kyle Worley