The Alabaster Jar

The topic of women's role in ministry can often be a contentious conversation. Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews approach the topic with the goal of bringing more light and less heat to the conversation. They put together a straightforward Q&A guide to women in ministry. In this book they cover questions like: What did God mean by the woman as man's "helper"? How is it that Christians reach different conclusions about 1 Timothy 2:11-15? How did Western culture influence the role of women in society and the church? Lynn talks with Sue and Kelley about their new book and how it can be used by all. Purchase your copy of 40 Questions About Women in Ministry: kregel.com/ministry/40-questions-about-women-in-ministry/ Read More on Kelley Mathews' blog: http://patheos.com/blogs/theestuary

Life flows in seasons as summer fades into fall. As the heat of summer is replaced by cool fall breezes, seasons of our life change with the passage of time. Through acknowledging the dynamic nature of life, we can be more content in the present and better prepared for the future. Lynn talks with Andrea Robinson about her journey of working in chemical engineering to pursuing Biblical studies. Her life and career have focused her to pay attention to the beauty and importance of God's creation. Send Andrea an email: [email protected] Purchase Andrea's new devotional: https://www.amazon.com/Flora-Fauna-Faith-Devotionals-Flourishing/dp/1951252209/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Women have been leading in Christianity from the start. For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders in the church. But there is ample evidence right in the New Testament that women were actively involved in ministry, at the frontier of the gospel mission, and as respected leaders. In this episode of Alabaster Jar, Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches. He sets the context by exploring the lives of first-century women and addressing common misconceptions, then focuses on the women leaders of the early churches as revealed in Paul’s writings. Purchase Her Story by Nijay Gupta - https://www.ivpress.com/tell-her-story Other Suggested Resources: 15 New Testament Words of Life - https://zondervanacademic.com/products/15-new-testament-words-of-life Crux Sola Blog - https://www.patheos.com/blogs/cruxsola/

In this special broadcast of Kingdom Roots with Scot McKnight, we highlight the exceptional work by Lisa Bowens on the Apostle Paul. In African American Readings of Paul, she surveys a wealth of primary sources from the early 1700s to the mid-twentieth century, including sermons, conversion stories, slave petitions, and autobiographies of ex-slaves, many of which introduce readers to previously unknown names in the history of New Testament interpretation. Along with their hermeneutical value, these texts also provide fresh documentation of Black religious life through wide swaths of American history. African American Readings of Paul promises to change the landscape of Pauline studies and fill an important gap in the rising field of reception history.

Like a Kaleidoscope, when life shifts, new beauty appears.​ Karen Guess shares how Kaleid women are on a journey together, connecting our stories with stories God is telling in our city. Shifts can be messy, confusing, hopeful, or uncomfortable. Kaleid embraces shifts. They welcome God's work within them as they gain new perspectives about themselves, others, and their city. Kaleid Circles are a place to practice seeing and engaging reality so that we and our world will be changed. Through contemplation, learning, and action we pursue clarity, compassion, courage, and confidence. Learn more about the Kaleid Project: www.thekaleidproject.com

Christian theological education should reflect the rich diversity of the global body of Christ. Dr. Brittany Kim helped found and now leads Every Voice. Lynn and Sareen discuss with Brittany how Every Voice supports minority students and offers resources to help theological educators develop more diverse and inclusive learning environments. Learn more about this great organization at https://everyvoicekingdomdiversity.org/

The Bible exists as a narrative. Dr. Ruth Anne Reese has spent her life helping students of the Bible better understand the larger Biblical story. Misinterpretation runs rampant when Bible students don't place the Biblical texts in their larger context. Ruth Anne and Lynn talk through accessible ways to remember the Biblical narrative. They even work through some difficult passages that some have used to manipulate women into unhealthy forms of submission. Suggested Resources: 1 Peter Commentary - https://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/religion/biblical-studies-new-testament/1-peter?format=PB Paul Borgman. Genesis: The Story We Haven't Heard (IVP, 2001)

The Bible is full of examples of male and female mutuality. Marg Mowczko talks with Lynn Cohick about her journey of exploring these many examples on a deeper level. The experience has deeply impacted her life and journey with God. Read Marg's Blog: Links ---------------- Phoebe: Deacon of the Church at Cenchrea https://margmowczko.com/tag/was-phoebe-a-deacon/ Plutarch and Paul on Husbands and Wives https://margmowczko.com/plutarch-and-paul-on-men-and-women-and-marriage/ Paul’s Female Coworkers https://margmowczko.com/paul-romans-16-women-coworkers/ Paul’s Masculine and Feminine Leadership https://margmowczko.com/masculine-and-feminine-leadership/ Women in the Church at Smyrna https://margmowczko.com/tag/smyrna/

If God is calling women to lead, what's holding them back? Susan Harris Howell has spent years helping students investigate this question. In Buried Talents, she makes clear how gender disparity in leadership is directly connected to a larger, less overt issue: gendered socialization. Howell examines gendered messages people encounter inside and outside the church in each stage of life, showing how they often create misconceptions about who women are, what they're capable of, and how they fit into God's work Purchase your copy of Buried Talents - https://www.susanharrishowell.com/buriedtalents

Many Christian leaders use their fame and influence to great effect. Whether that popularity resides at the local church level or represents national or international influence, many leaders have effectively said to their followers, "Follow me as I follow Christ." But fame that is cultivated for its own sake, without attendant spiritual maturity and accountability, has a shadow side that runs counter to the heart of the gospel. In this episode, Katelyn Beaty shares with Lynn Cohick how celebrity has led to abuses of power, the cultivation of persona, and a fixation on profits. Purchase a copy of Katelyn's new book - https://www.katelynbeaty.com/