This week’s author interview is with Benjamin Reaoch, author of Women, Slaves, and the Gender Debate: A Complementarian Response to the Redemptive Movement.

• Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what do you do in your spare time, etc.

My wife, Stacy, and I are both originally from Midland, Michigan. We met and dated in high school, went our separate ways in college, and then began dating again during our senior year of college. We have now been married for almost 15 years and have 4 wonderful children. Since 2006 I have been serving as pastor at Three Rivers Grace Church in Pittsburgh, PA. I enjoy running, and when I can find the time also biking and swimming.  Last year I did my first triathlon. Stacy and I like going on creative dates all around Pittsburgh.

 

• Question #2 – Which writers inspire you?

John Piper has been a role model for me in many ways. After college I spent 2 years doing an apprenticeship program at Bethlehem Baptist where I sat under his preaching, teaching, and mentoring. His passion for the glory of God, and his effort at communicating that passion through speaking and writing, is a great inspiration to me.

 

• Question #3 – What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

During our time at Southern Seminary my wife became very involved in the seminary wives’ institute led by Mary Mohler and others. In those classes, and through various other influences, the issue of biblical manhood and womanhood became a topic that Stacy and I discussed often. When I was trying to choose a dissertation topic, Stacy suggested I focus on something related to this issue. After much reading, and through interaction with my advisor, Tom Schreiner, I landed on this particular subject of the redemptive-movement hermeneutic. The book came from that dissertation.

 

• Question #4 – What book are you reading now?

I’ve been reading Center Church by Tim Keller and listening to an audio book of To Kill A Mockingbird. I also recently read, and really enjoyed, a book by my friend Stephen Witmer – Eternity Changes Everything. Also on my weekly reading list (reading to our 10 month old son) is Good Night Moon, Moo, Baa, La La La, and an assortment of other board books.

 

• Question #5 – Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia? Why?

Tough call. Our family is reading through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe right now. I especially like seeing our 6 year old getting into the story. But I also really like the action and intensity of the Lord of the Rings stories.

 

• Question #6 – Is there anything you would like to add that you have not been asked about?

The same thing my friend, Noah Toly, added at this point in his interview: Noah and I were roommates at Wheaton College. We were best men in each other’s weddings and have sons named after each other.  I have a lot of respect for Noah and his scholarship, and I am grateful for his friendship.

 

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Interested in learning more about Ben Reaoch and his ministry?

Visit his church’s website: www.3riversgrace.org

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