The Women’s Cast

The Women's Cast is the podcast of the Women’s Ministry at The Austin Stone. This year, we’re focusing on the theme of joy.

In this episode, our host Alison Mezger (Central Women's Ministry Director) chats with Barbara Sleet of our West Congregation. Barbara was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was in hospice care at the time of recording and publishing. Barbara is a hope-filled example of what pursuing Jesus and joy can look like, even—and perhaps, especially—when death is near.

Episode Transcript

Welcome back to The Women’s Cast! That’s short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, our Women’s Ministry at The Austin Stone is focusing on JOY.

In this episode, our entire Women’s Staff Team (all seven of us!) sit down to reflect on our most recent Women’s Retreat, Presence of Joy, which took place at the beginning of March. In Psalm 107:2, the psalmist says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,” and that’s exactly what we do in this episode.

God was so faithful to move at Women’s Retreat this year! And whether or not you attended the retreat, we hope this episode is an encouragement to you—that God is always faithfully moving on behalf of His kids. Enjoy!

Episode Transcript

Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we're focusing on joy as a ministry, which has led us to our Women's Retreat theme: Presence of Joy.

In this episode, our entire Women's Team sits down for a conversation on God's presence and our joy through the lens of loneliness. What if our joylessness and loneliness have more in common than we realize? How does God's presence help us in both? We'll dive into these questions and more! We hope this honest conversation encourages you as much as it encourages us.

Episode Transcript

Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between.

Forgiven and Set Free is a 10-week small group study for women who have experienced abortion and are seeking the hope and healing of Christ in the context of a safe, confidential, grace-filled community. In this episode, our friends and leaders of Forgiven and Set Free, Brittany Brown and Pam Cobern, have a vulnerable conversation about finding forgiveness and freedom in the gospel after their abortions. We’re so thankful for their desire to bravely share their stories in hopes that other women would experience God's grace through the gospel like they have. 

This conversation contains personal testimony. For The Austin Stone’s position on the sanctity of life please read this paper.

Episode Transcript

If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].

Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year our Women’s Ministry at The Austin Stone is focusing on the theme of JOY.

In this first episode of our two-episode mini-series, Julie Kotulek (Central Women’s Ministry Program Coordinator), Christine Hoover (Northwest Women's Associate), and, host, Alison Mezger (Central Women's Ministry Director) sit down to kick off this next year with an honest conversation about joy.

Episode Transcript

Stay tuned for Women’s Workshop registration opening on August 7! Registration for our Psalms study is officially open, and many class options are available. Sign up here.

Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year our Women’s Ministry at The Austin Stone is focusing on the theme of JOY.

In this second episode of our two-episode mini-series, Purshia Gambles (South Women's & Groups Director), Annette Haralson (North Women's & Equipping Director), and, host, Alison Mezger (Central Women's Ministry Director) sit down to continue the conversation about joy and what pursuit of it looks like.

Episode Transcript

Stay tuned for Women’s Workshop registration opening on August 7! Registration for our Psalms study is officially open, and we have so many class options available. Sign up here.

Resources

The Things of Earth, by Joe Rigney

Welcome back to The Women’s Cast. That’s short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between.

On this bonus episode, our Central Women’s Team has a bittersweet conversation reflecting on Leyna Cromarty’s (Central Women’s Ministry resident) residency that’s ending this July. Join Leyna, host Alison Mezger (Central Women’s Ministry director), and Julie Kotulek (Central Women’s Ministry program coordinator) for a deeper look into what residency has looked like for her over the past two years!

Episode Transcript

Are you looking to pursue deeper community at your congregation? Get connected here.

You can also join us for some Women’s summer fun gatherings by signing up for one of both now!

Interested in the Austin Stone Development Program? We’re excited to let you know that this program will start again this fall for our Northwest, St. John, and West Campuses! Check out the details here. 

Already taken ASDP and looking for more development? Reach out to the Women’s Ministry lead at your congregation here.

Residency applications open in August. If this piqued your interest, check out some of the opportunities for the 2024 year here.

Last but not least, don’t forget, Psalms Bible Study registration opens in less than a month! Registration coming soon!

Welcome back to The Women’s Cast. That’s short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we’re focusing on the theme of strength as a ministry.

On this episode, a couple of lay leaders get together to talk about their experience with our 2 Corinthians and Joshua Bible studies. Our host, Alison Mezger (Central Women’s Ministry Director), sits down with Jenna Homan (Downtown partner) and Denise Stephens (West deacon and partner) for a reflection on what the Lord has done throughout their time as leaders in these studies over this past year. Happy listening!

Episode Transcript

Interested in pursuing deeper community at your congregation? Get connected here.

Stay tuned for Women’s summer fun sign-ups and Psalms Bible Study registration!

Recommended Resources

• The Other Half of Church, by Jim Wilder

Welcome back to The Women’s Cast. That’s short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we’re focusing on the theme of strength as a ministry.

On this episode, a group of accountability partners recap their experience with Women’s Retreat 2023: Refuge. Our host Alison Mezger (Central Women’s Ministry Director) sits down with Julie Kotulek (Central Women’s Ministry Program Coordinator), Alma Vazquez, and Amy Hester (Austin Stone Downtown partners) for a genuine conversation about what it looks like to take refuge in Jesus alongside each other in life-on-life relationships. We hope you enjoy!

Episode Transcript

During their conversation, Amy mentions going through The Austin Stone Development Program (ASDP) with Alma and Julie. We’re excited to let you know that this program will start again this fall for our North, Northwest, St. John, and West Campuses! Interested? Check out the details here.

Interested in pursuing deeper community at your congregation? Get connected here.

Welcome back to The Women's Cast. That's short for podcast, forecast, our cast of characters, and all the casts in between. This year, we're focusing on the theme of strength.

This episode of “The Road to Refuge” finishes our conversation about taking refuge in Jesus by dispelling lies, distraction, apathy, and hustle through key spiritual disciplines. Our host Alison Mezger (central Women's Ministry director) sits down with Annette Haralson (North Equipping & Women's director) and Julie Kotulek (central Women’s Ministry program coordinator) for a conversation about resisting hustle and taking refuge in Jesus through the practice of Sabbath.

Episode Transcript

Recommended Resources

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer
Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene Peterson
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter Scazzero