In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Mary Jo Sharp as she discusses her journey from atheism to Christianity and the importance of doubt. She also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in the church and how to heal from church wounds. Dr. Sharp emphasizes the need to appreciate the beauty of women in the church while recognizing the objectification that takes place for so many women in this context. She also shares her experience of turning outward and partnering with God in her ministry and reflects on the importance of trusting God in difficult times.

Key Takeaways: 

• Doubt is a complex process that involves intellectual and emotional aspects.
• Hypocrisy in the church can cause deep wounds, but healing is possible through self-reflection and forgiveness.
• Beauty is an important aspect of God's creation and should be appreciated and celebrated.   
• Turning outward and partnering with God can lead to meaningful ministry and personal growth.     
• Trusting God in difficult times is a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and reliance on His goodness.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:49 - Understanding Doubt
10:17 - Dealing with Hypocrisy in the Church
16:20 - Healing from Church Wounds
25:09 - Objectification of Women in the Church
31:53 - Turning Outward and Partnering with God
35:25 - Learning to Trust God 

Episode Resources:   

Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist’s Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God by Dr. Mary Jo Sharp  

A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing by Dr. Scot McKnight  

Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture by Dr. Scot McKnight  

The Visual Museum Of Women In Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.