Jesus Over Everything

When the Church Treats Women Like Risk: Fear-Based Boundaries and the Cost to Women in the Church

Have you ever encountered a policy that made you feel suspicious, unsafe, or undervalued simply because of your gender? Continuing the podcast mini-series, “WOMEN,” Lisa Whittle shines a light on how fear-driven policies—intended to protect—can sometimes send damaging messages to women, making them feel like “risks” rather than beloved members of God's family. She explores the true cost of viewing women through a lens of suspicion, revealing how these messages can quietly erode identity, trust, and unity within the church. If you’ve ever wondered how to reconcile safety with biblical truth, this episode is a must-listen. Listen in to learn more: (0:45) The quiet tension in the church: fear-based boundaries for men and women (6:18) How policies can promote avoidance rather than integrity and trust (10:37) What is the cost to men? What message are they being sent? (14:20) The impact on the next generation: distance or discipline? (16:23) Can men and women work together as friends in ministry? (20:27) Practical steps for leaders to implement healthy, transparent, and biblical boundaries (29:25) How the church can model safety, trust, and unity in cross-gender relationships (32:10) The importance of whole body theology and diverse leadership in fostering trust Mentioned in the episode: Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership: https://a.co/d/0dt6Crm4 Lisa Whittle’s Bible Study – Body and Soul: https://www.lisawhittle.com/body One-on-One Coaching: https://www.lisawhittle.com/coaching-with-lisa Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

WOMEN: SkinnyTok and Staying Small: Why the Church Has to Lead This Conversation Differently

Join Lisa Whittle for an honest and courageous conversation about why the church must stand up and lead differently in today’s cultural climate. In this episode, she unpacks the subtle ways fear-based messaging—whether through policies or social media narratives—can diminish women’s identity and value in the church. Lisa discusses how the church’s response to trends like "SkinnyTok" and the pressure to "stay small" often reflect a deeper issue of fear and a lack of biblical clarity. She calls the church to move beyond reactive policies and instead embrace a theology rooted in trust, respect, and the biblical understanding of men and women as co-heirs in Christ. Whether you’re a leader or a believer longing for a healthier, more honest church culture, this episode offers hope, challenge, and a renewed call to lead with integrity and love. Listen in to learn more: (1:14) Lisa’s take on Biblical womanhood and what led to this mini-series (2:23) Church attendance is declining for women. Why? (5:33) What is "SkinnyTok" culture? (9:38) Why the church should lead in clarity, not silence or retreat (14:00) The connection between physical and spiritual “smallness” (20:00) How misunderstanding women’s spiritual gifts impacts the conversation  (28:06) Practical steps for church leaders to foster health, respect, and unity (34:45) Reclaiming the church’s role as a safe, honoring family for women and men alike   Mentioned in the episode: Barna Study: https://www.barna.com/trends/church-attendance-women-men/ Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership: https://a.co/d/0dt6Crm4   Lisa Whittle’s Bible Study – Body and Soul: https://www.lisawhittle.com/body Invite Lisa to Speak: https://www.lisawhittle.com/speaking Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

WOMEN: Biblical Womanhood, Women's Gifts, and Why I'm Sickened by the Cultural Gender Wars

In this powerful continuation of the “WOMEN” podcast mini-series, join Lisa Whittle for an honest and heartfelt reflection on biblical womanhood. In this episode, she unpacks how our identity as image-bearers of God shapes our understanding of womanhood, emphasizing that women are not lesser or secondary, but equal in dignity and purpose. Lisa discusses the importance of stewarding our spiritual gifts—whether prophecy, teaching, or service—and how the church’s health depends on men and women working together in mutual respect. Addressing the cultural gender wars, Lisa passionately calls believers to reject division, champion unity, and embrace the biblical vision of men and women functioning together in the body of Christ. Whether you’re a woman seeking clarity or a leader desiring to foster healthy gender dynamics, this episode is a “MUST-listen” – offering biblical clarity and hope in these uncertain times. Listen in to learn more: (0:07) What’s ahead in the series and an intro to biblical womanhood   (2:20) Why the church must lead in the conversation about gender and unity   (4:00) The cultural gender wars and their impact on believers and the church   (9:45) The biblical basis of Imago Dei  (12:30) Why biblical womanhood starts before roles   (18:00) The danger of silencing women  (23:00) Why we must use our spiritual gifts for God's glory, not power or control   (28:15) Biblical womanhood truly defined Mentioned in the episode: Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa   Lisa Whittle’s Bible Study – Body and Soul: https://www.lisawhittle.com/body Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

WOMEN: An Interview with Dr. Preston Sprinkle on What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership

Join Lisa Whittle in this compelling kickoff episode of her new podcast mini-series, "Women," as she interviews Dr. Preston Sprinkle about what the Bible really says regarding women in leadership. From the complexities of Pauline texts to the leadership roles of women in the early church, this conversation emphasizes the importance of thorough biblical investigation, cultural understanding, and humility. Preston shares how his own journey from a complementarian background to a more nuanced view was shaped by years of diligent study. This episode encourages believers to pursue biblical literacy and respectful dialogue, recognizing that this issue divides and heals the church at the same time. Whether you lean complementarian or egalitarian, or are still exploring, you will find wisdom and grace in this honest discussion.   Listen in to learn more: (0:20) Introduction to Preston Sprinkle and his scholarly background (1:50) Why Lisa felt compelled to bring this conversation to the series (5:27) Preston's personal journey from a complementarian upbringing to biblical investigation (8:32) The importance of careful hermeneutics in understanding Scripture on women in leadership (25:39) The complexity of Pauline passages like 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, and 1 Timothy 2 (36:33) How the early church and house churches inform women’s roles today (40:15) The significance of biblical examples like Lydia and Priscilla (44:50) Labels and the importance of humility and respectful dialogue in controversial topics (51:40) Comparing biblical texts with structures of modern church leadership (57:02) How to model and practice responsible leadership and unity in the church   Mentioned in the episode: Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa   Preston’s Book – From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership: https://a.co/d/0dt6Crm4 Embodied: Living as Whole People in A Fractured World: https://a.co/d/0bkdSWKv Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender: https://centerforfaith.com Theology in the Raw Podcast: https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts Lisa Whittle’s Bible Study – Body and Soul: https://www.lisawhittle.com/body Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial

Come Back to God: How to Be an Everyday Revivalist

In this closing episode of the “Come Back to God” mini-series, Lisa Whittle challenges believers to see themselves as carriers of revival—everyday revivalists who live intentionally in God’s presence. She reminds us that revival isn’t reserved for history books or revival meetings of the past; it’s for today. Drawing inspiration from the Azusa Street revival and other historic moves of God, Lisa challenges us to seek God intentionally, even through simple actions like reducing phone use to pray more. She emphasizes that revival begins in us and flows outward—impacting our families, workplaces, and communities. Practical steps include staying connected to God, living in repentance, loving others deeply, and walking in expectation each day. Lisa invites you to join her in her new Bible study, Come Back to God, to deepen your revival journey and see God move through your life. Listen in to learn more: (1:10) Why revival isn’t just a thing of the past; it’s for now (3:20) The Azusa Street revival: a humble prayer meeting that changed history (4:28) How Global Christian Relief is currently supporting revival around the world (5:40) Living as an everyday revivalist: how small actions can make a big impact (7:10) You are a carrier of revival: where you go, revival can grow (7:50) Practical steps and how to walk with a “yes” in your step (9:30) The importance of living intentionally for ongoing revival (10:20)  Invitation to join Lisa’s Bible study: Come Back to God Mentioned in the episode: Come Back to God Bible Study: https://www.lisawhittle.com/comeback Global Christian Relief: http://link.globalchristianrelief.org/lisa Invite Lisa to Speak: https://www.lisawhittle.com/speaking Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.lisawhittle.comSubstack: https://letsbeclear.substack.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisawhittleofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisawhittleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisawhittleofficial