“God’s design.”

It sounds holy. But it became a leash.

In this episode, we trace how a phrase meant to honor creation became a tool to control it—shaping churches, homes, and the women inside them.

What if “God’s design” was never God’s at all?

What happens when theology doesn’t stay in the pulpit—but moves into the living room? In this episode, we follow complementarian doctrine from the page to the home, where “servant leadership” often translates into control, and submission becomes a spiritual mandate for silence. We examine how marriage books, sermons, and counseling models have used Scripture to justify hierarchy—and sometimes even excuse abuse. We’ll also unpack what Paul really meant in Ephesians 5, and how the gospel reframes power, not reinforces it. Because Christlike love doesn’t demand authority. It lays it down.

In this episode of Ordained Inequality, we roll the tape.

From John MacArthur’s infamous “Go home” dismissal of Beth Moore at the 2019 Truth Matters Conference…

To John Piper’s teaching that a wife might “endure being smacked one night” before seeking help…

To Paige Patterson’s story about a woman with two black eyes—told with a grin…

You’ll hear real audio from the most influential voices behind complementarianism—MacArthur, Piper, Patterson, Ware, Grudem, and Duncan—and then you’ll hear what Scripture, scholars, and survivors say in response.

This episode examines the cracks in a theology that claims women are equal… as long as they stay quiet, stay small, and stay home.

Episode 7 - “That’s What HE Said.”

What happens when theology is weaponized to define womanhood? In this episode, we examine the True Woman Manifesto—a 2008 declaration rooted in complementarian doctrine and shaped by leaders connected to the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Behind its language of “design” and “submission” lies a theological framework that reorders authority, identity, and calling. We contrast its affirmations with Scripture, explore its implications for discipleship and dignity, and ask: Is this really the gospel’s vision for women?

Why have so many Christians never heard a biblical case for women in ministry?

Maybe it’s not because the arguments weren’t strong.

Maybe they just weren’t… published.

In this episode, we follow the paper trail—from locked editorial doors to selective bookstore shelves.

We name the publishers.

We expose the platforms.

And we uncover how a small group of gatekeepers shaped what millions of Christians could read, hear, and believe.

This isn’t just about theology.

It’s about power, distribution, and whose voices got silenced before they ever had a chance to speak.

In Episode 6 of Ordained Inequality, we turn our attention to the lesser-known names attached to the Danvers Statement—the women listed at the end.

Who were these women?

This episode explores how six women were publicly framed by their domestic roles—homemaker, pastor’s wife—even when they held advanced degrees or public influence. Two were married to male council members. And nearly all went on to author books that promoted complementarian theology, submission, and traditional gender roles.

Why have so many Christians never heard a biblical case for women in ministry?

Maybe it’s not because the arguments weren’t strong.

Maybe they just weren’t… published.

In this episode, we follow the paper trail—from locked editorial doors to selective bookstore shelves.

We name the publishers.

We expose the platforms.

And we uncover how a small group of gatekeepers shaped what millions of Christians could read, hear, and believe.

This isn’t just about theology.

It’s about power, distribution, and whose voices got silenced before they ever had a chance to speak.

What happens when theology meets a printing press? In Episode 4 of Ordained Inequality, we pull back the curtain on the publishing empire that helped cement complementarianism into the evangelical bloodstream. From study Bibles to bestsellers, we trace how ideas once debated in academic corners became untouchable truth in the hands of everyday believers.

Before we dive into Episode 4, this bonus episode takes a step back to answer a bigger question: Why this podcast, and why now? Shannon Patterson offers a personal and pastoral reflection on the purpose behind Ordained Inequality—and the double standards that still silence women’s voices in the Church. It’s not about blame. It’s about giftedness. And it’s time we start asking better questions.

Episode 3 explores the biblical foundations often cited to restrict women’s roles in the church and home. We examine how scripture has been interpreted, misused, and weaponized — and how Jesus himself challenged those cultural norms.