Exploring Nuanced Complementarianism: A Conversation with Alan Frow

Nov 8, 2019

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How can complementarian theology be both faithful to Scripture and deeply honoring toward women? Mike Erre sits down with Pastor Alan Frow from Southlands Church in Brea, California, for a respectful and thought-provoking conversation about women in ministry, complementarian leadership, and the infamous John MacArthur-Beth Moore controversy. Alan, a self-avowed complementarian, pushes back against harmful caricatures and offers a more nuanced model—one anchored in mutuality, Scripture, and genuine partnership between men and women.

Together, Mike and Alan reflect on what it means to hold strong convictions without straying into rigidity, and how churches can recover a theology of gender that mirrors both the Trinity and the self-giving love of Jesus. They also tackle the nature of authority, the role of women in leadership, and what the modern church can learn from biblical models like Priscilla, Deborah, and Phoebe.

This episode features rich theological back-and-forth as the hosts and their guest model respectful dialogue amidst theological disagreement—reminding us all that the way we hold our beliefs matters as much as the beliefs themselves.

Key Takeaways: • Beyond Caricatures – Alan shares why he rejects John MacArthur’s tone and example, arguing for a more generous and respectful form of complementarianism that affirms the dignity and giftedness of women. • Team-Based Leadership – Exploring how Alan and his wife lead together in their church context, avoiding hierarchical stereotypes and embodying mutuality within complementarian convictions. • Office vs. Gifting – Breaking down the distinction between the roles of elder and teacher, and how non-elder men and women can teach under elder oversight. • Scripture, Creation, and Gender – A deep dive into Genesis, Ephesians 5, and the New Testament household codes to examine how theology emerges from biblical design and redeemed relationships. • Countering Misuse of Authority – Why both complementarian and egalitarian settings are susceptible to abuse, and how the church can cultivate healthier cultures through shared leadership and spiritual parenting.

Guest Highlight: Alan Frow – Lead pastor at Southlands Church in Brea, California and author of Broken for Blessing: The Underrated Potential of the Medium-Sized Multiplying Church. Alan brings decades of pastoral experience, deep biblical insight, and an open-hearted humility to this conversation on theology, family, and church leadership.

Resources Mentioned: • Southlands Church • Alan’s Blog • Broken for Blessing by Alan Frow – [Amazon Link] • Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 1–3, Ephesians 5, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Peter 3, Romans 12, Galatians 3 • Previous Voxology Episode on John MacArthur & Beth Moore

Let’s keep the conversation going. Whether you’re complementarian, egalitarian, or still sorting it out—your voice matters. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to join our growing community of listeners striving to follow the way of Jesus over ideology.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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