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 diffe...

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...

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 t...

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 un...

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 p...

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://every...

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...

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 Wiv...

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 ho...

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 coun...

Women often face unique challenges when it comes to growing in their leadership capacity. Balancing competing demands, the lack of presence of other women leading, and organizational structures against women are all reasons that keep women stuck. The whole church is better when women are leading at the highest level. Rev. Lisa Johnson joins the podcast and shares how she has helped women develop a...

Bathsheba is taken against her will by the most powerful man in Israel. A month later, she discovers she carries the evidence of their secret, dangerous encounter. With her husband at war, this pregnancy could mean her death or untold greatness. When the king finds out that she is with child, he immediately summons her husband home from war, a cunning plan in mind. Amanda talks with Lynn about how...

For decades, Patrick's mom and dad rescued lost and forgotten donkeys in the Irish countryside, never knowing that one day, the donkeys would rescue their son. Sanctuary is the remarkable true story of how faith turned one lost man's life around with the help of the rescue animals who loved him. It's an antidote to despair and a call to hope, revealing the beauty and wonder of Ireland as you've ne...

Paul's instruction for Timothy concerning a group of women in 1 Timothy 2 has unfortunately been used to silence many women throughout the history of the Church. Lynn and Sareen wrestle through the myths and themes around this contentious passage. Context matters and Lynn carefully provides a helpful explanation of all the different elements that were at work in this passage. 🎓 Learn more about t...

Every character of the Bible is significant and deserves to be known. Lynn, Carmen & Sareen explore some of the lesser-known women of the Bible and share the inspiring faithfulness they exhibit. Some of these characters have interesting stories so listen in to explore the lessons we can all learn from these lesser-known Biblical characters. 🎓 Learn more about these Seminary Now courses: Lynn'...

Lydia & Priscilla are two of the most prominent women of the New Testament. They also are excellent examples of how women functioned in the marketplace of the ancient world. Like all of our other Women in the Bible Series, Lynn and Sareen explore the myths, themes, and present-day applications concerning these women. 🎓 Learn more about Lynn's Women In The New Testament course on Seminary Now...

In the stories of Ruth, Hannah, Mary & Martha, we see exemplary faith, pillars of strength, and profound theological discernment. Lynn, Carmen, & Sareen explore the unfortunate common misunderstandings about these women, the unifying themes between them, and the impact these women can and should have on the lives of believers today. Just because a woman may serve domestically doesn't mean...

Repeating the same difficult task over and over requires persistence. The Canaanite Women in Matthew 15 lived a life of persistence. Lynn & Sareen explore the significance of her faith and how Jesus slowed down to highlight the courage and persistence of her bold faith. This woman in scripture provides a beautiful example of faithfulness when we slow down enough to listen to her as Jesus did.

Jesus has always been known for His compassion. In the accounts of Jesus healing Jairus' daughter and the hemorrhaging woman, we see some powerful realities of God's kingdom expressed. Lynn and Sareen discuss some important myths from these passages and the powerful message they have for us today. 🎓 Learn more about these Seminary Now courses: Lynn's Women In The New Testament - https://seminaryn...

Miriam, Hulda, Lydia, & Junia all provide powerful examples of female leadership in the Bible. Join Carmen, Lynn, and Sareen as they explore different myths, themes, and applications for women leading in the Church today. God called these women to do some incredible actions. Their gifting should be an inspiration for everyone. Learn more about Lynn's Seminary Now course on Women in the New Tes...

In this special summer series on The Alabaster Jar Podcast, we debunk common myths around significant women in the Bible, explore essential themes, and discuss the relevance of these women's stories for our faith today. Join Carmen, Lynn, and Sareen as they look at important Biblical figures like Eve, Mary, and more. Learn more about Lynn's Seminary Now course on Women in the New Testament at http...

Women played an important role in the establishment of the Protestant Reformation. Expert Church Historian, Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, shares insight from the valuable contribution that women made to the protestant movement. Many women and their significant contributions have been underrepresented in pages of history. Listen in to this episode to get a bigger picture of the valuable contributions...

Dr. Bethany Miller talks with Lynn Cohick about everything related to women, sports, and spiritual formation. Sports provide a unique microcosm of growth and development for all who participate. In this episode, you will learn about the benefit of having women be better represented in sports and the important role physical activity can play in the life of a Christian. Want to learn more about Dr....

Knowing how to help someone who has experienced trauma can be overwhelming. Dr. Berry Bishop and Megen Philips discuss with Lynn and Sareen what trauma is and how a supportive community and help encourage healing. Everyone can be aware of signs of trauma. This podcast will help you see those signs and be equipped to better support. 📚 Books recommended by Berry Bishop and Megan Phillips: 🔴 The Li...

In the Scriptures, women are often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed. Rev. Dr. Jaime Clark-Soles talks with Lynn Cohick about the pivotal role women play in the Gospel of John, difficult Old Testament passages, and the creative act with God. The conversation today will lead you to ask the question, "Who is not at our table of fellowship and why?" 💡 Learn more about Rev. Dr. Jaime Clark-Sole...