In this conversation, Lisa Harper joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito to discuss the importance of theological education and the role of women in ministry. Lisa shares her journey of overcoming limitations and embracing her calling. They also discuss the need for a redemptive hermeneutic and a compassionate understanding of God's character as Lisa emphasizes the importance of learning from people who love Jesus and diving deeper into God's word. This conversation also touches on the impact of inherited theology and the need for honest conversations and understanding while also talking about the challenges and experiences of women in ministry and academia.

Key Takeaways: 

• Theological education is important for deepening our understanding of God and His word.   
• Women should embrace their calling and not limit themselves based on societal expectations. 
• A redemptive hermeneutic is needed to understand God's character and His love for women.
• Inherited theology can lead to misconceptions and limitations, but honest conversations and learning can bring about change.
• God is both holy and kind, and theology should reflect His compassionate nature. Women in ministry and academia often face invisibility and inherent danger.
• Studying and understanding the Bible is crucial for challenging misconceptions and stereotypes.
• Kindness and respect are important in conversations with those who hold different views. 
• Gratitude and worship are powerful tools in the pursuit of theological education.       
• Creating a safe and sacred sisterhood is essential for women in ministry. 

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 - Embracing Theological Education and Calling
09:51 - The Importance of Learning and Heart Understanding
23:33 - Studying the Bible to Challenge Misconceptions
32:56 - The Power of Gratitude and Worship in Theological Education 

Episode Resources: 

Luke: Gut-Level Compassion (Bible Study) by Lisa Harper  

Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second through Fifth Centuries by Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Amy Brown Hughes  

How Scripture Interprets Scripture: What Biblical Writers Can Teach Us About Reading the Bible by Dr. Michael Graves  

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/.