In this episode we welcome Need to Know contributors Mariah Humphries and Carolyn Whatley, to discuss the role of gender empowerment and cultural awareness in building a flourishing future church. From an Indigenous and Indigenous-informed perspective, they share about the importance of lamenting injustices, the need for diverse voices in leadership, and how men can become allies in supporting women. We reflect on the necessity of personal spiritual transformation and the responsibility of individuals to engage wholeheartedly in these discussions. You’ll also find many resources and recommendations to continue your journey.

Show Notes

Link to order the book: Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It’s Essential for the Future of the Church

keywords

Need to Know, empowerment, women in church, cultural awareness, allyship, lament, healing, diversity, inclusion, spiritual transformation

takeaways

* Empowerment of women is crucial for a flourishing church.

* Allies play a significant role in supporting women and marginalized voices.

* Lamenting injustices is essential for healing within the church.

* The future church must embrace diversity and inclusion.

* Spiritual transformation is a personal responsibility.

* Men need to actively support women in leadership roles.

* Diverse voices and perspectives are vital for a healthy church.

* Reading works by diverse authors can enhance understanding and empathy.

* The Need to Know book serves as a resource for leaders seeking to create equitable spaces.

Sound Bites

* "There has to first be lament over injustice."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 'Need to Know' and the Authors

07:46 The Future of the Church and the Importance of Lament

14:12 Men's Emotions and the Healing of the Church

31:05 Prioritizing Growth and Change Over Comfort in the Church

31:37 The Beauty of Humility and Backtracking

32:15 Embracing Discomfort and Reflecting on Marginalized Voices

33:39 Addressing Fragility and Shifting Mindsets

36:00 Diversifying Reading and Amplifying Marginalized Voices

37:27 The Role of Male Leaders in Creating an Inclusive Church

In this episode, we feature a special guest who did not contribute to the book, Need to Know: Paul Young. Well-known as the author of The Shack, Eve, and other books, Paul has always impressed me as someone who truly values and elevates women. We discuss the power of storytelling, the role of women in the church, and the importance of truth-telling for pastors. Paul shares his powerful personal story detailing how women were safer figures for him than men, the impact of early childhood trauma on his faith, and the need for authenticity in leadership. We also explore metaphors for God and the rehabilitation of Eve’s reputation in the Biblical narrative.

Show Notes

Link to order the book: Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It’s Essential for the Future of the Church

keywords

Need to Know, Paul Young, The Shack, Eve, women in the church, storytelling, trauma, faith, authenticity, theology, redemption

takeaways

* Women play a crucial role in the future of the church.

* Trauma can significantly impact one's faith and identity.

* Authenticity in leadership is essential for church growth.

* Truth-telling is vital for pastors to foster genuine connections.

* The metaphors we use for God shape our understanding of God.

* Eve's story highlights the need for women's empowerment.

* Healing and restoration are necessary for personal and communal growth.

* Community and connection are vital for overcoming trauma.

* Men must become allies in the movement for women's flourishing in the church.

Sound Bites

* "The unexposed is the unhealed."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:23 The Power of Fiction and Storytelling

07:35 Encountering God Outside of Traditional Beliefs

09:57 Questioning Assumptions and Theology

13:46 The Impact of The Shack and Authenticity in Art

18:49 Healing and Personal Growth as a Foundation for Writing

20:27 Navigating Success and Criticism

27:32 Exploring Women's Stories and Challenging Traditional Beliefs

28:30 The Power of Metaphors in Shaping Our Understanding of God

31:47 Challenging Gender and Racial Stereotypes in 'The Shack'

37:02 Confronting Brokenness and Embracing Love and Humility

38:11 Addressing the Damage of Abuse and Creating a Healthier Church

45:34 Advice for Male Pastors: Truth-Telling, Challenging Doctrines, and Prioritizing Love

51:44 A word to the perpetrators