In a day when feminism and gender-identity politics have done much to harm society, the Church, and the family, it was refreshing to consider Biblical Manhood and Biblical Womanhood at the annual Southern Presbytery Family Conference. Over eighty people gathered in Partick on 30th November to hear Rev. John Coates, Kellswater, Northern Ireland, speak on these subjects in an interesting, edifying and challenging way.

In addressing Biblical Manhood, Mr Coates began by addressing where true manhood is to be found. When man, made in the image of God, fell from his original state of innocence, he lost some aspects of true manhood. Thus it is only in the Church that a true man is to be found. Whilst biology is fundamental, and creates a clear distinction between men and women, much of what is seen as “macho-man” today is a caricature and perversion of true manhood. The ultimate male role model is not so-called influencers like Andrew Tait, but the Lord Jesus, in whom manhood is to be seen in its purest form. If we would be true men, we must be like him.

Mr Coates, centre, takes part in the morning Question & Answer session.

Showing much balance, Mr Coates indicated four areas in which manhood is to show itself. Firstly, man is to be a leader, in the state, the Church and the family. Male headship, much denied today, is God-ordained and necessary. It is not to be sub-contracted to the woman in the family. The man is responsible for leading his family and seeing to attendance at public worship. Yet he is not to be domineering, for he is, secondly, to be a lover. Christ’s love for his Church is the great example Ephesians 5:25f. This will produce sensitivity and understanding, aware that both physically and emotionally, the woman is the weaker sex. Thirdly, he is to be a protector. Adam’s absence from Eve left her exposed Genesis 3. Whether from spiritual or physical threats, the man is to protect the woman, even as Christ protects his Church. Finally, man is also to provide (1 Timothy 5:6). He is to be the bread-winner, but also to remember that more than physical bread is needed (Matthew4:4).

Mr Coates, centre, is pictured with members of the Free Southern Presbytery. Left to right, Andrew R Allan, Murray Mackay, Norman Smith, John N Gillies, Graeme Craig, Calum Smith and James I Gracie.

After lunch, the focus turned to Biblical womanhood. Having fallen first, the consequences for the woman were hard. Not only was there to be physical hardship connected with reproduction, but frustration through the battle of the sexes. Today’s “women’s lib” only exacerbates womens’ problems. True womanhood begins in the new birth, enabling women, who are one with men in the Lord (Galatians 3:28) to be true “handmaids of the Lord”. Fundamentally, Eve was made to be a helper, and women will find true fulfilment and liberty in pursuing this role. Woman is not second class, but has a different role to the man. She is to help the man to be a man; to be a leader, lover, protector and provider. As well as reminding him of his duty, she is to help him cultivate the characteristics required. She may have more natural abilities to lead, but is to use them to help him be a better leader. Rather than nagging like a dripping tap she is to help the man to be more sympathetic and caring to those around him. As in the first address, many practical suggestions were made. In closing we were reminded that Christ, the great helper, enables men and women to become heirs together of the grace of life.

James I Gracie leading the Psalmody Session after lunch.

Both addresses are available on the Partick FCC SermonAudio page. Next year’s Southern Presbytery Family Conference is scheduled DV for Saturday 29th November 2025 in Partick.