A paragon of irenic discourse, Palma takes care to fairly represent a diversity of perspectives. With attention to the ancient world, and refreshingly thorough attention to the diversity of settings in our contemporary experience, Palma’s research invites a serious contemplation of the many expressions of God’s Kingdom in the local church. I do not agree with every conclusion in this book, and that is precisely the reason I recommend others read it. Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock unsettles our thinking, and it is in freshly tilled soil where the best fruit can grow.

Amy Peeler, Wheaton College

To understand the exciting phenomenon and biblical basis of women in Christian ministry across the globe today, Paul J. Palma’s forthcoming book, Beyond the Evangelical Gender Roles Gridlock: Reimagining Paul’s Views on Women, Marriage, and Ministry is a must read.
Connecting the foundational reality of gender equality rooted “in His image” (Gen. 1:27) as pervasive in the Apostle Paul’s theology, Palma’s work uncovers that the ontological and Pauline views are integrated mutual concepts, connected by relationality, echoing God’s creational design of female and male as “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Palma reveals how Pauline Scriptural text particularly frames its gender discourse, in both marriage and ministry, in this “shared identity as the apex of the created order.”
Seamlessly combining exegetical analysis with rigorous historical reconstruction and relevant applications in view of twenty-first-century trends, Palma’s refreshing efforts just might provide the spark that ends Pauline chauvinism in the Church today.

Lynne Marie Kohm, Regent University School of Law

If you are looking for a primer to acquaint you with the names of people involved in the evangelical debate on women in leadership, this book might be for you. Professor Palma offers sociological data, his own biblical commentary, and a variety of quotes as he loads the reader up with references to countless other sources. His egalitarian theology is stated with civility and respect.

Sarah Sumner, president of Right On Mission

I have long wished that "complegalitarian" were not so hard to pronounce! Although my friends who are thoroughgoing complementarians or thoroughgoing egalitarians assure me that such a position is impossible, Palma is one of a small number of authors who convinces me that mediating positions remain viable. In a crowded field of scholarship that has experimented with just about every combination of interpretations of the key biblical passages, Palma succeeds in carving out some fresh space with a very welcome, irenic spirit. This book should be required reading for all who care about gender roles in church, especially if they are convinced that nothing new and helpful can be said.

Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary