Paul Fishell

Cooperative Partnerships Paul Fishell

From time to time, the question arises about women in ministry. What they can do in ministry? What they cannot do in ministry? How should men and women interact in ministry and marriage? This is another one of those books. As a professor at a Bible College, Dr. Paul E. Fishell is often asked his thoughts on the matter. This book collects those thoughts into one source. While addressing concerns expressed by those in the Hierarchy camp (the five verses that appear to support their position), this book suggest two new ideas into the conversation. First, Colossians 2: 13-15 is introduced into the conversation. The questions are asked, "If Christ forgave all sin and took away the consequences of sin, did he die for Eve's sin and take away the consequence of that sin? Is hierarchy in relationships between men and women still in place after the cross?" It is often argued that the relationship between men and women is prescribed in the curse. However, if the consequences of the curse are nailed to the cross, does that relationship still stand for Christ followers? "Does the cross place us on a pathway back to the garden?" "If we cling to the cross, should we not interact as Adam and Eve before the sin?" Second, Fishell introduces a new position on the continuum between egalitarian and hierarchy. Close to complementarians, Fishell suggest the term "Cooperative Partnership" to describe how men and women should interact. He believes this better describes the relationship in the garden before sin and how those living under the cross should behave in their marriages and in ministry after the cross.