Many Christian groups pride themselves on biblical fidelity, but too often they assume their reverence for God’s Word automatically translates into correct biblical interpretations. That’s not necessarily the case. Many well-intentioned Bible believers fall prey to poor readings of Scripture through ignorance or errant traditions, unaware of their theological blind spots.
A parallel assumption can blind Christians into thinking that a solid reading of Scripture will translate into correct actions. Specifically, egalitarians may fall into thinking their belief in mutuality automatically leads to egalitarian results. This means that our passion for theological equality may never go beyond a functional hierarchy in spite of our best intentions.
With Your Daughters Shall Prophecy, Todd Korpi articulates a missional vision for egalitarianism in which individuals and organizations move from being passive supporters of women in ministry to passionate advocates. The reality of such a vision necessarily involves the task of eliminating any roadblocks that hinder the ministry of women and any that we unconsciously erect to hinder that task. As Korpi notes in his introductory chapter one, “[M]ost egalitarian churches and egalitarian pastors do not consciously set up barriers for their female counterparts . . .. But many do so out of well-intentioned ignorance or through maintaining existing systems that make ministry extra-difficult for women without realizing it.”[1]
This book is primarily for those who already agree with the egalitarian position and want to be empowered to advocate for women. Its practicality and numerous recommendations should draw the attention of egalitarian men and women.
In chapters two and three, Korpi explores the callings of women in ministry and their wide diversity. This includes an excellent overview of various biblical examples of women in ministry: Deborah the executive leader, Phoebe the strong supporter, Martha the administrator, and Priscilla the instructor, among others. This is a helpful reminder of the broadness of Christian ministry, which includes other roles no less important than pastor.
How do we support and empower the calling of a woman? How do we avoid accidentally becoming a roadblock? This necessarily involves listening with a critical openness to being impacted by other perspectives. It involves avoiding the imposition of our assumptions about what a woman’s calling should be. It necessitates expecting that the personal calling of a woman in our lives may change with time. It means passionate advocacy for the calling of women—the need of the hour.
In chapter four, Korpi examines assumptions about power and its stewardship. Again, our assumptions about power can impede our intentions. He offers two different conceptions of power. One is “Babel power,” a limited resource of upwards accumulation. The other is “Passover power,” a limitless resource flowing sacrificially downwards. In this second, superior power, men are to model their conduct towards women as Christ self-emptied himself.
Additionally, Korpi suggests, “We can actually use the systemic prejudices woven into the DNA of the organizations in which we work for the precise purpose of undoing the systemic prejudice woven into the DNA of the organizations in which we work.”[2] This specifically includes men wielding their privilege as a stepping stool for women within organizations.
Chapter five outlines the ways in which well-meaning supporters of women can unintentionally hurt in their attempts to help. This chapter offers a much-needed self-examination for men and husbands, inside both church and home.
Korpi’s strength here is identifying the potential blind spots. Do we honor Mother’s Day as an opportunity to empower women in the church and home or only to pat our egalitarian selves on the back? Are we elevating unqualified women to leadership for the sole reason of their gender, thereby doing long-term damage to the egalitarian cause? Are we giving qualified women pastoral titles but limiting their power to minister? Korpi offers various scenarios and recommendations to seriously consider. One may either question or dismiss some of the proposed practices, but readers will find the majority helpful.
Chapters six and seven get into the “nitty gritty of the home.” Korpi offers a vision for egalitarian marriage that helps navigate disagreement and competing assumptions of what egalitarianism looks like in practice. He also looks at egalitarian parenting and the broader social dimensions to sexuality in the home and culture.
Chapters eight and nine explore the experiences of women working in egalitarian churches and organizations. Korpi’s purpose is to move egalitarians beyond the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to empowerment. His points and recommendations are meant to invite women to shape the very nature of organizations, not simply to add value to something foundationally male.
While Korpi’s personal anecdotes and the testimony of women ministers pervade the book, the latter’s perspective is most important in chapter nine. Here egalitarian women hear from their sisters in Christ about developing and empowering the next generation of women. Importantly, such development involves avoiding the pitfalls that hinder fellow sisters from advancing in ministry. As Korpi aptly says, “Empowering women is not the pet hobby of a few men. It is the biblical duty of us all.”[3]
Chapter ten deals with Korpi’s personal vision for the future of women in the church. His missiological background comes through most clearly here. Empowering women so they can flourish in ministry advances the overall mission of the Church. That’s a central point too often forgotten in egalitarian circles, but it is one that fits Korpi’s intention of providing practical and theological insight from which anyone can benefit.
This book is recommended for both egalitarian men and women interested in advancing beyond passive support to active advocacy of women in ministry. Korpi encourages careful self-reflection while recommending concrete actions. One might quibble with some of his readings of certain biblical passages, but that hardly diminishes the impact of the overall book. (It should be noted that his reading of Galatians 3:28 as the dismantlement of the false social implications of sexual differences is excellent.[4]) The main importance of this book for egalitarians is Korpi’s awareness and examination of the potential blind spots that hinder the flourishing of women within the church and the home. I encourage fellow egalitarians to read this book with openness and humility.
[1] Todd Korpi, Your Daughters Shall Prophecy (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2023), 6.
[2] Korpi, 51.
[3] Korpi, 103.
[4] Korpi, 116.
Related Resources
Book Review: Women in the Mission of the Church: Their Opportunities and Obstacles throughout Christian History
Book Review: A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing
Book Review: We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis
Book Review: On Purpose: Understanding God’s Freedom for Women Through Scripture
Book Review: Calm and Quiet My Soul: A Holistic Approach to Spiritual Care for the Mothering Pastor
Book Review: The Struggle to Stay: Why Single Evangelical Women Are Leaving the Church
Book Review: Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age