The Alabaster Jar - podcast cover

The Alabaster Jar

Dr. Lynn Cohickwww.spreaker.com
The Alabaster Jar Podcast is a weekly conversation that takes on current issues impacting women at the intersection of faith, theology, and ministry. Dr. Lynn Cohick, Kelly Dippolito, and Sareen Musselman pour out their wisdom from years in ministry and academia to inspire women to continue advancing God’s mission in the world.

Episodes

S5 E11 | Dr. Donna Pisani | Embracing The Privilege Of Entrusted Leadership

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Donna Pisani to discuss her new book, Entrusted to Lead: Cultivate Your Gifts. Build Your Confidence. Discover Your God-Given Influence and share her journey of discovering her calling to preach and pastor a congregation. She emphasizes the importance of understanding leadership as a privilege and being entrusted with God-given influence. Dr. Pisani highlights the need for women to lead alongside men in churches and work environments and the p...

Sep 09, 202439 minSeason 4Ep. 44

S5 E10 | Dr. Emily H. Bruff | Painting The Unseen: How Visual Art Illuminates The Divine

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews visual artist and Marketing Manager at Zondervan Academic, Dr. Emily H. Bruff, about the intersection of art and spirituality. She shares her personal journey as an artist and discusses the role of art in spiritual formation and worship. They also explore the biblical perspective on art and address concerns about idolatry. Dr. Bruff talks about her dissertation on the theological basis for art and shares insights from a retreat she organized that ...

Sep 02, 202435 minSeason 4Ep. 43

S5 E9 | Dr. Christina Embree | Breaking Down Age Segregation In Churches

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Christina Embree discuss the importance of intergenerational ministry and passing on faith through relationships. She shares her journey of starting Refocus Ministry , a nonprofit that connects generations in meaningful relationships. Dr. Embree also highlights the key findings from her dissertation research on age segregation in churches and the need for purpose-driven communities. She encourages churches to create spaces for intergenerational conve...

Aug 26, 202432 minSeason 4Ep. 42

S5 E8 | Rev. Tracey Bianchi | Navigating Gospel Distractions: Pastoral Strategies For Turbulent Times

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the distractions that can pull Christians away from the gospel and how to stay focused on following Jesus. They are joined by Rev. Tracy Bianchi, the pastor of Adult Ministries at Christ Church Oak Brook near Chicago, Illinois, who shares pastoral strategies for navigating these distractions. They discuss the challenges of living in a culture where news is constantly changing and how to avoid getting drawn into divisive conversati...

Aug 19, 202429 minSeason 4Ep. 41

S5 E7 | Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing | Lead Like The Real You: Part 2

In this two-part interview on the Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing discusses her book Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage with Dr. Lynn Cohick. This book explores women's challenges and opportunities in male-dominated spaces and offers practical advice on finding and using their voices. It also delves into the topics of work, intellectual integrity, and love in leadership. In this episode, Dr. Orr-Ewing and Dr. ...

Aug 12, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 40

S5 E6 | Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing | Lead Like The Real You: Part 1

In this two-part interview on the Alabaster Jar podcast, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing discusses her book Lead Like the Real You: Wisdom for Women on Finding Your Voice, Pursuing God's Calling, and Leading with Courage with Dr. Lynn Cohick. This book explores women's challenges and opportunities in male-dominated spaces and offers practical advice on finding and using their voices. It also delves into the topics of work, intellectual integrity, and love in leadership. Dr. Orr-Ewing shares personal stories, ...

Aug 05, 202441 minSeason 4Ep. 39

S5 E5 | Dr. Carol M. Kaminski | Unlocking The Riches Of The Old Testament

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the spiritual significance of the Old Testament and the importance of understanding it in light of the New Testament. Dr. Kaminski offers principles for interpreting Old Testament scriptures and discusses the importance of context in interpreting blessings and curses and finding hope in the Psalms. This conversation highlights the importance of serious Bible study in understanding and applying the Old Testament. Key Tak...

Jul 29, 202429 minSeason 4Ep. 38

S5 E4 | Karen Smith | From Lament To Lyric: How Taylor Swift's Music Gave Voice To Church Hurt

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Kelly Dippolito sit down with Karen Smith to discuss her journey as an artist and how her theological education has influenced her art. She shares how studying scripture has influenced her paintings and how she uses art to explore the stories of women in the Bible. Karen also talks about her experience of church hurt and how she used Taylor Swift's lyrics to express her emotions and process her grief. This conversation highlights the ...

Jul 22, 202442 minSeason 4Ep. 37

S5 E3 | Dr. Michelle Keener | Trauma, Tragedy & Truth: Unveiling God's Heart In Judges 19

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Michelle Keener discuss the traumatic events in Judges 19 and the importance of a trauma-informed reading of the passage. They explore the themes of betrayal, silence, and the failure of religious authority. They emphasize the need to give trauma survivors the space to tell their own stories and the importance of acknowledging their pain. Despite the darkness of the story, they find hope in the character of God, who sees and knows the...

Jul 15, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 36

S5 E2 | Phoebe, Priscilla & Junia - The Powerful Women Of Romans 16 (Women In Ministry Series)

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the stories of Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia, mentioned in Romans 16. They emphasize the importance of hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting the Bible, and its ethical ramifications. Dr. Cohick also explores the narratives behind these names and highlights the biases and prejudices that can influence our understanding of leadership roles in the church. She also delves into the significance of Phoebe as a...

Jul 08, 202441 minSeason 4Ep. 35

S5 E1 | Dr. Carmen Imes | Miriam: Prophetess, Drummer & Unsung Hero Of The Exodus (Women In Ministry Series)

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Carmen Imes discuss Miriam's role as a worship leader, drummer, and moral guide in the Exodus story. They highlight her agency and affirmation of God's actions while acknowledging the cultural context of women's drumming and dancing in ancient times. They also offer a nuanced understanding of Miriam's leadership and moral responsibility in the Hebrew Bible. Key Takeaways: Miriam was a drummer, not a tambourine player, as often depicte...

Jul 01, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 34

S4 E33 | Debunking Gender Hierarchy In 1 Timothy 2 (Women In Ministry Series)

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the importance of historical context when interpreting scripture, specifically focusing on 1 Timothy 2. They emphasize that understanding Ephesus's cultural and religious context in the first century is crucial to understanding Paul's message. They debunk the idea that Paul is establishing a gender hierarchy or limiting women's roles in the church. Instead, they argue that Paul addresses heretical teachings and fal...

Jun 24, 202440 minSeason 4Ep. 33

S4 E32 | A Deeper Look At 1 Corinthians 11 (Women In Ministry Series)

In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:3 and the role of women in the church. They explore the Wesleyan quadrilateral as a tool for studying scripture and the importance of tradition and theology. They also examine the passage's meaning of the term 'head' and its implications for hierarchical relationships. Dr. Cohick and Kelly highlight the complexity of the verse and the various interpretations, including the pos...

Jun 17, 202437 minSeason 4Ep. 32

S4 E31 | Dr. Lynn Cohick, Dr. Beth Allison Barr, Dr. Lissa Wray Beal | Regent College Panel Discussion (Women In Ministry Series)

In this special episode of the Alabaster Jar, the podcast features a recent panel discussion hosted at Regent College during their summer series featuring Dr. Lynn Cohick, Dr. Beth Allison Barr, and Dr. Lissa Wray Beal with the conversation hosted by Dr. Brittan Melton. This discussion explores the roles of women in ancient and recent Christian history. The panelists also share their personal journeys and research findings on the important topic of women in ministry. They also cover biblical tex...

Jun 10, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 31

S4 E30 | Kat Armstrong | What Creation Reveals About Women (Women In Ministry Series)

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the creation story in Genesis 1 and 2 and explore the hermeneutical approach of speech act theory. They highlight the importance of understanding and interpreting scripture well, especially in relation to women and women in leadership. They delve into the concept of being made in God's image and how it is significant in the Old and New Testaments. They also examine the woman's role as a helper and the mutual relationship between m...

Jun 03, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 30

S4 E29 | Kat Armstrong | The Power Of Scripture As Story (Women In Ministry Series)

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the topic of hermeneutics, which is the study of interpreting and understanding the Bible. They explore the challenges of interpreting scripture and the importance of considering the lens through which we read it. They also discuss various approaches to hermeneutics, such as the Wesleyan quadrilateral and historical criticism. Dr. Cohick emphasizes the value of reading the Bible as a story and understanding its metanarrative of re...

May 27, 202449 minSeason 4Ep. 29

S4 E28 | Understanding Childhood In The Early Church

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the view of childhood in the ancient world and how the gospel message shaped the idea of children and childhood. They explore the challenges of understanding children in the first century, including the lack of information and the differences in cultural assumptions. They highlight the importance of education in the early church and how it challenged the Roman status quo. The conversation also emphasizes the value of children and ...

May 20, 202442 minSeason 4Ep. 28

S4 E27 | Dr. Carmen Imes | Rethinking God's Hardening Of Pharaoh's Heart

In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the book of Exodus, exploring the different Hebrew words used and their nuanced meanings. They highlight the idea that God is not overriding Pharaoh's free will, but rather strengthening his resolve to carry out his own desires. They also discuss the cultural context of ancient Egypt and the significance of the signs and wonders in the narrative. Key Takeaways: The hardening of Pharaoh's he...

May 13, 202427 minSeason 4Ep. 27

S4 E26 | Dr. Carmen Imes | Uncovering Women's Voices In Scripture: A Discussion On The Every Woman's Bible

In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss their involvement in creating a study Bible for women, addressing problematic passages, and answering objections to the Bible and Christianity. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the Proverbs 31 woman and the purity laws in Leviticus, providing insights into the cultural and historical context. They emphasize the importance of including women's voices and perspectives in teaching and preaching and the need for resour...

May 06, 202436 minSeason 4Ep. 26

VM 14 | Mary Magdalene - A Model of Devotion and Discipleship

In this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito discuss the Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, an online database showcasing women in church leadership roles through curated images. Dr. Cohick discusses the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Italian art, her significance in Christian history, and interpretations of her character. They delve into her presence during Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, exploring artistic depictions and biblical narratives. The conversation e...

May 02, 202436 minEp. 14

S4 E25 | Dr. Michelle Keener | Looking At The Book Of Job Through The Lens Of Trauma

In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Keener joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her upcoming book “Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors” and her study of the Book of Job through the lens of trauma. She explains that trauma is a response to an event that overwhelms our ordinary coping capacity and leaves a wound that remains unhealed. Dr. Keener explores the retribution principle in the book of Job, where Job's friends try to impose their agenda on his stor...

Apr 29, 202448 minSeason 4Ep. 25

S4 E24 | Dr. Carol M. Kaminski | Seeking God’s Face In Studying The Bible

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the importance of women's Bible studies and the need for deeper biblical teaching. She emphasizes the beauty and artistry of the Old Testament and how it can inspire women to study the Scriptures. Dr. Kaminski also explores the themes of humility and seeking God's face in the book of 2 Chronicles while highlighting the significance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in our lives. Key Takeaways: Women's Bible studies s...

Apr 22, 202434 minSeason 4Ep. 24

VM 13 | Kelly Dippolito & Christine Calareso Bleecker | Recap & Looking Ahead

The first season of the Visual Museum podcast series is officially wrapping up as Kelly Dippolito and Christine Calareso Bleecker share their favorite moments from this season while also discussing the impact the episodes already have. The goal of this podcast has always been to help listeners orient themselves in time, space, and location from first-century art to pieces from the 14th and 15th centuries. This series introduced listeners to women not specifically named in the Bible and shed ligh...

Apr 18, 202422 minEp. 13

S4 E23 | Lisa Harper | A Heart For Jesus & His Word: Lisa Harper's Story Of Theological Education & Ministry

In this conversation, Lisa Harper joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito to discuss the importance of theological education and the role of women in ministry. Lisa shares her journey of overcoming limitations and embracing her calling. They also discuss the need for a redemptive hermeneutic and a compassionate understanding of God's character as Lisa emphasizes the importance of learning from people who love Jesus and diving deeper into God's word. This conversation also touches on the impact...

Apr 15, 202444 minSeason 4Ep. 23

VM 12 | Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh | The Contributors - Luce Foundation

In this conversation, Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh joins Kelly Dippolito to discuss his involvement with the Luce Foundation and the grant that kickstarted the Visual Museum project. He highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the challenges of digital humanities. He emphasizes the potential impact of the Visual Museum in providing a user-friendly experience and rectifying the void in women's history. Key Takeaways: The Luce Foundation grant played a crucial role in kickstarting t...

Apr 11, 202435 minEp. 12

S4 E22 | Dr. Lanta Davis | Cultivating The Christian Imagination: How Stories, Art & Prayer Can Transform Our Spiritual Lives

In this conversation, Dr. Lanta Davis joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss her book, Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, as they talk about the concept of spiritual formation through the imagination and the role of art in shaping our faith. They explore the idea that forming the soul means forming the imagination and how ancient Christians viewed the imagination to receive and be shaped by images and stories. They also discuss the practice of imaginative praye...

Apr 08, 202447 minSeason 4Ep. 22

VM 11 | Dr. Amy Brown Hughes & Dr. George Kalantzis | Relics & The Regular Christian

In this conversation, Dr. Amy Brown Hughes and Dr. George Kalantzis join Dr. Lynn Cohick to explore the significance of baptism, Eucharist, and relics in the worship of the fourth and fifth centuries. It delves into the political and social implications of these practices, highlighting how they challenged societal norms and hierarchies. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of the physicality and materiality of Christian worship, as well as the belief in resurrection and the continuity...

Apr 04, 202439 minEp. 11

S4 E21 | Rev. Kaye Kolde | A Journey Of Faith, Gifts & Humility: Rev. Kaye Kolde's Path To Ministry

In this conversation, Reverend Kaye Kolde joins Dr. Lynn Cohick and Kelly Dippolito to share her journey of discerning her call to the pastorate and her subsequent roles in the church. She discusses the challenges and joys of leadership, the importance of submission, collaboration, and accountability, and the need for self-care and refreshment. Kaye also reflects on the challenges facing denominations and offers encouragement to those seeking God's guidance in their own lives. Key Takeaways: Dis...

Apr 01, 202442 minSeason 4Ep. 21

VM 10 | Dr. Grace Hamman | Visionaries – St. Julian of Norwich

In this episode, Dr. Grace Hamman joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the medieval mystic Julian of Norwich and her theological reflections on Jesus as a mother. Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century anchorite, had a series of visions and wrote about them in her book 'The Shewings.' She used the metaphor of Jesus as a mother to explore the character of God's love and the church's relationship with Christ. This image of Jesus as a mother was not meant to be taken literally but as a metaphor drawn from S...

Mar 28, 202442 minEp. 10

S4 E20 | Dr. Carol M. Kaminski | Understanding Easter Through The Lens Of The Old Testament

In this conversation, Dr. Carol M. Kaminski joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the Old Testament background of Easter and the importance of understanding the Old Testament with the New Testament. They explore the concepts of blessing and curse in the Old Testament, the failure of Israel to obey God's laws, and the significance of the New Covenant. They also delve into Paul's explanation in Galatians 3 and the Holy Spirit's role in the believers' redemption and adoption into God's family. The conve...

Mar 25, 202433 minSeason 4Ep. 20