In this episode of ADM Conversations, Mary Andrews College Dean of Education Becki Philips speaks with Old Testament scholar Dr Kamina Wüst about her unexpected journey into theological study, the barriers women can face in pursuing further study, and why learning theology can shape far more than a career.Kamina also shares how burnout led her to step away from ministry-adjacent work for several years, how encouragement from others helped her return to academic study, and why she believes theological education is “for everyone.”They also explore Kamina’s specialist work on the Song of Songs — including why she thinks Solomon is key to understanding the book, what the Song reveals about women’s voices and experiences, and why this often-overlooked part of Scripture deserves more attention.If you’ve ever wondered whether Bible college might be for you, this conversation is an encouraging place to start.ADM is a Christian organisation based in Sydney, Australia, that equips and empowers women through theological education, community, compassionate ministry and public gospel witness, helping women bring the love of Jesus to a hurting world. Find out more: https://www.deaconessministries.org.au

Who was Mary Magdalene, and what do the Gospels actually tell us about her?In the 2026 ADM Public Lecture, historian and theologian Jennifer Powell McNutt takes a fresh look at Mary Magdalene — stripping away centuries of assumptions, legends and popular portrayals to return to the biblical text.Drawing particularly on John 20, Jennifer explores Mary’s place in Jesus’ ministry, her presence at the cross and burial, her encounter with the risen Christ, and her role as a witness to the resurrection. She also considers how interpretations of Mary Magdalene have changed throughout church history — from the “penitent prostitute” tradition to modern conspiracy theories and alternative gospels. At the centre of the lecture is a simple but striking question: what does Mary Magdalene’s story reveal to us about Jesus?Jennifer argues that Mary’s significance is ultimately not about elevating Mary for her own sake, but about seeing more clearly the identity and work of the risen Christ — “Saviour, Messiah, but King and Lord.” The lecture is followed by a conversation with Laurel Moffatt, Principle of Mary Andrews College exploring how Christians can read Scripture and church history well, why women such as Mary Magdalene have sometimes been overlooked, and what Jennifer’s research has taught her about following Christ. Her final reflection focuses on Mary’s life becoming centred on Jesus: staying near him, receiving his teaching and giving her resources to his ministry.Jennifer Powell McNutt is a professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. Her work explores the Reformation, women in church history, and the relationship between theology, Scripture and the life of the church. Buy and review Jennifer Powell McNutt’s book, The Mary We Forgot, on AmazonADM is a Christian organisation based in Sydney, Australia, that equips and empowers women through theological education, community, compassionate ministry and public gospel witness, helping women bring the love of Jesus to a hurting world. Find out more: https://www.deaconessministries.org.auOUR SOCIALS: ADMTikTok YouTube FacebookInstagram OUR SOCIALS: MARY ANDREWS COLLEGEFacebookInstagram

What does faithful Christian leadership look like for women? How do we grow in humility without shrinking back from the responsibilities and gifts God has given us? In this conversation, Jennifer Powell McNutt joins Mary Un, CEO of ADM, to reflect on leadership, calling and character. Drawing on her experience as a professor, church historian, teacher and mentor, Jennifer explores how Scripture shapes the way Christians lead — and why women in particular may need to hold together both humility and confidence in God’s calling. Jennifer Powell McNutt is a professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. Her work explores the Reformation, women in church history, and the relationship between theology, Scripture and the life of the church. This conversation was recorded during Jennifer’s visit to Anglican Deaconess Ministries in Sydney. Buy and review Jennifer Powell McNutt’s book, The Mary We Forgot, on Amazon ADM is a Christian organisation based in Sydney, Australia, that equips and empowers women through theological education, community, compassionate ministry and public gospel witness, helping women bring the love of Jesus to a hurting world. Find out more#ChristianLeadership #WomenInLeadership #ChristianWomen #Leadership #Faith