Kelly Dippolito Kelley Mathews We hope that this episode will encourage many of you to use the Center for Women in Leadership, particularly its Visual Museum for Women in Christianity. It is of interest to anyone, and can be a great resource for pastors and Bible teachers. There is art to download and accompanying teaching on each piece. Kelly Dippolito, Executive Director for the Center for Women in Leadership, joins BOW Ministry Team Member Kelley Mathews for this enlightening conversation about using the Visual Museum. Recommended resources Center for Women in Leadership Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Alabaster Jar Podcast Other BOW resources for Bible teachers This episode is available on video. Timestamps: 00:20 Introductions 01:55 The Alabaster Jar podcast 02:53 What is the Visual Museum for Women in Christianity? 07:02 Content on the site 09:20 What content is upcoming? 10:26 How is the best way to browse through the museum? 14:04 How can someone use the Visual Museum? 20:15 Wrap-up TranscriptKelley M. >> Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Women. This is Kelley Matthews, and I am here to introduce to you another Kelly. So we're hoping we don't get ourselves all mixed up here. This is Kelly Dippolito and she is the Executive Director of the Center for Women in Leadership. Now, I've known Kelly for a long time. It feels like several years at least. And we have a shared love for this subject that we have today. So I am super excited to talk about her ministry that she works with and also their specific project called the Visual Museum for Women in Christianity. Welcome, Kelly. Kelly D. >> Kelley, thank you so much for having me on today. And I'm really looking forward to talking about the Visual Museum and the Center for Women in Leadership with you. Kelley M. >> Yes. So give us a little bit of the origin story. Let's start with the center because it's sort of like the umbrella organization. Where did it start? Who's involved— that kind of thing? And what do you do each day? Kelly D. >> Well, I serve as the Executive Director of the Center for Women in Leadership. The center was created by Dr. Lynn Cohick when she was provost at Northern Seminary. She is currently at Houston Christian University, of which you are one of her wonderful students. Kelley M. >> Yes I am. Kelly D. >> Right. So we transitioned the center into becoming a 501C3. A little over a year ago. And within that, we have a couple of projects, including producing her podcast, The Alabaster Jar and housing The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity, which is the project we'll be talking about today. Kelley M. >> Yeah. Let's do real quick. Tell me about The Alabaster Jar. I know that you act as a cohost and sometimes it's just the two of you chatting. So what's the general focus of the podcast overall? Kelly D. >> Well, we release an episode every Monday. Dr. Cohick is the host, and we cover a variety of topics in biblical studies and in topics that affect women in ministry, both in the church, the academy, and also the marketplace. What is it that's impacting our lives? How can we support and equip women? Those are the topics that we like to cover. Also, we have some we try to do some series drops on Thursdays is related specifically to the Visual Museum, and in order to provide that content in a different way than just the website. Kelley M. >> Yeah, Okay. Those are fun. Those come periodically. They're not every week. So. Yeah. And you guys do a good job of saying here they kind of. Yeah, it's going to be fun to look forward to. So. Kelly D. >> All right. Kelley M. >> Let's talk about the Visual Museum. And I have known about it since almost the beginning. So give us I know Dr. Cohick is one of the founders. Tell us about the other two and kind of how I got started. Kelly D. >> Well, Sandra Glahn of Dallas Theological Seminary,

Jodie Niznik Kay Daigle Jodie Niznik and Kay Daigle discuss exploring spiritual practices beyond prayer and Bible study to help us walk with God. If you feel your spiritual life has become simply something to check off on a to-do list, exploring a spiritual practice that is new to you may be the key to revitalizing your soul. Jodie encourages us to try something new slowly, exploring spiritual practices one at a time. You can also watch a video version of this episode. Recommended resources Jodie’s “So Much More” podcast Jodie’s website BOW Podcast episode with Jodie: Why Take a Personal Retreat? Laura Murray’s Digital Silent Retreats Jodie’s New Season Guided Retreat Ruth Haley Barton’s book, Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again Additional resources suggested by Jodie Timestamps: 00:32 Introduction 01:50 Defining spiritual practices 05:42 Silence and solitude 18:42 Sabbath 30:17 Fasting 35:34 Community 42:43 Final encouragement 43:43 Further resources TranscriptKay >> Hi. I'm Kay Daigle of Beyond Ordinary Women Ministries. Welcome to our podcast and video. Our special guest today is Jodie Niznik. Welcome Jodie. Jodie >> Thanks, Kay. So always good to be with you. Kay >> And we always love it when you come on here. We've had some great conversations and I'll get into some of those at the end so that people know more about them. Today we're going to talk about spiritual disciplines. And Jodie, I need to tell you a little bit more about her before we get into our conversation. Jodie is an author, a Bible teacher. She desires to help people make space for God in their lives. And she has a Scripture meditation podcast, which is fabulous, and it's called So Much More. And where can I get to that, Jodie? Jodie >> Yeah, if you go to my website, which is jodieniznik.com, there are links there, but it's also on any podcast platform. So wherever you listen to podcasts, you can Google so much more scripture meditation and you'll find it. Kay >> All right. Thanks for letting us know yeah. Well, as we start talking about spiritual disciplines, I just wanted to say from the from the get go that growing up in the church, all I knew was I was supposed to pray. I supposed to read my Bible, and I was supposed to give money. So I definitely came a long way. And I'm sure that there are people out there that don't even know what spiritual disciplines are. So let's sort of start from the beginning. How would you define them? Just tell us about them. Jodie >> Yeah, I love that you started with the basic spiritual disciplines that we know prayer, Bible study, giving to the church. Those are the practices that we know. But spiritual disciplines are actually much bigger and they all come from what we see Jesus doing. So Jesus, when he invited us to be followers, he said, “Come follow me.” That's what he said to the original disciples. You all know that. And when we look at what he was actually inviting them to do, he was actually inviting them into a way of living. He was inviting them to do the things that he was doing so that they would become more like him. So spiritual practices are often called spiritual disciplines. Those two words are interchangeable. I like practices a little more than discipline because I think discipline, especially if we're breaking out of even kind of a legalistic background it feels a little harsher to us and not as invitational as a practice. Practice has a little bit more freedom in the word for me, but a spiritual practice is something we see Jesus doing, but with the intention that we are being formed to be more like him. Another thing I think is really important about spiritual practices is we're all being formed into something. We are all being formed intentionally and unintentionally, and some of the ways that we are unintentionally formed are the things that we do, the things that we read,

Nika Spaulding Kay Daigle Why celebrate Advent? In this episode Nika Spaulding talks with Kay Daigle about what Advent is, why we should consider celebrating it, and how to do that in a meaningful way. If you've only done the wreath or the calendar at Advent, this episode will give you new insights as well as ideas to make it more personal to you and your family. This episode is available on video for those who prefer watching it. Recommended resources Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas Advent by Tish Harrison Warren Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ by Fleming Rutledge Connect to the document with Advent candle lighting readings, BibleProject Advent Series and Spotify Playlist for Advent songs. If you're interested, you can connect to other BOW posts centering on Christmas. Timestamps: 00:36 Introductions 01:58 Nika & Kay's experiences with Advent 04:26 Quote from Tish Harrison Warren, author of Advent, on the big idea of Advent 05:15 The four weeks of Advent 09:22 Origins of Advent 13:26 Reasons to celebrate Advent 18:38 Advent puts us in the place of those waiting for Jesus 23:46 What John the Baptist teaches us about waiting 27:50 Suggested ways to celebrate Advent 34:35 Other Advent resources TranscriptKay >> Hi. I'm Kay Daigle of Beyond Ordinary Women Ministries. Welcome to this podcast episode and video. Whichever way you're watching or listening, we are thrilled that you have joined us. I am joined today by Nika Spaulding. Nika is a speaker, an author, a writer, and she is almost finished with her DMin in New Testament. Welcome Nika. Nika >> Thanks, Kay. I'm excited to be here. And I'm excited for this topic. I think you and I both are, so this will be fun. Kay >> Yeah, I think so too. So when do you finish this New Testament degree? Nika >> So all I have left is the thesis, so I suppose it's as quickly as I can write, which means not for a while. So it's not going as fast as I anticipated, but I think I'll be done in June 2025 and ready to graduate. So hopefully I'll knock that. Kay >> That's really right around the corner. Nika >> Yeah, it feels like it's right there. Like I've done all the, you know, the classes and you know, how it goes. Can you do all this work? And then you're like, the finish line is, I can see it, but what's between the finish line and now is like 90 pages. So I can knock that out. Kay >> Yeah, well, I can hardly wait to read it. Nika >> Thank you. Kay >> Anyway, Nika and I do want to talk about Advent and I think that we both have really benefited from celebrating Advent through the years. For me, I didn't grow up in a church that celebrated Advent in any way. We weren't a liturgical church in any way. We didn't do things like this, and it was really only as an adult that one of the churches I was in even had the Advent wreath and the candles in the church. But I have really grown to love Advent over the last few years. What about you, Nika? What is your background with Advent? Nika >> Yeah, it sounds so similar to yours. So I not only didn't grow up in a liturgical church, I didn't really grow up in the church at all. So my only experience of Advent was I had a great aunt who had sent my brother, sister and I chocolate Advent calendars, so I thought Advent was like chocolate. Like I thought it was like you get a piece of chocolate a day and my sister would eat all of hers before we even got to December 5th, and my brother would like hoard his and hide, you know? And so I had no idea Advent was a part of a church tradition until I was an adult. And it's interesting because I asked my two roommates who did grow up in the church but did not grow up in liturgical churches like you, and neither of them had any concept of it until they were adults. And I asked them as well, Did you have a concept of Lent? You know, you think of these two seasons: Advent prepares you for Christ...

Crickett Keeth Crickett Keeth, author of On Bended Knee, helps us understand the purpose of prayer in this conversation with Sharifa Stevens of Beyond Ordinary Women Ministries. Too often we are unaware of God's purpose in asking his people to pray. Crickett provides clarity. Understand the Purpose of Prayer is this first of three episodes in the series The Impact of Prayer. Don't miss the other episodes: Remove the Hindrances to Prayer and Embrace the Impact of Prayer. Optionally, you can watch all three episodes on video. Link to more BOW resources on prayer.

Kelley Mathews Sharifa Stevens What boundaries for ministry moms are helpful? How does a woman with children navigate the demands of ministry and set good boundaries? BOW Ministry Team members Kelley Mathews and Sharifa Stevens are here to help you as a leader navigate those questions. It's a matter of saying no to preserve your yes to set boundaries for ministry moms.  Listen to the other podcast episodes in the Mommies and Ministry series: The Myth of the Biblical Superwoman and Protect Your Kids' Privacy as a Bible Teacher. You can watch this episode on video if you prefer. You can also link to all the videos in the Mommies and Ministry series.

Susie Hawkins Kristen Pool Why use live teachers, not video? It's very popular in the church today to use Bible study curriculum that is video-based. But is using live teachers, not video a better way to disciple the women in your group or church? Choosing curriculum for a Bible study involves thinking biblically about the pluses and minuses of using live teachers, not videos. Find out what you may be missing in this lively three-way conversation with Kristen Pool, Women's Minister at Dallas Bible Church, Kay Daigle, Founder of Beyond Ordinary Women, and Susie Hawkins, Bible teacher/speaker and denominational leader. You can easily link to all of our podcast episodes on the topic of teaching the Bible. Kay Daigle Or watch this episode on video, and browse BOW' s Bible teaching page with links to many other helpful videos for Bible teachers.

Kristen Pool In episode three of In-Depth Message preparation, homiletics is the topic. Kristen Pool, Women's Minister at Dallas Bible Church, of three to help train those called by God to give messages from the Bible. If you missed the first two parts, they are the foundation of this one: 1-Exegesis and 2-Theology. You can watch the entire series on video instead if you prefer.

Kristen Pool The second step for in-depth Bible message preparation is incorporating theology in message preparation. BOW's series of three podcasts episodes/videos with Kristen Pool provides in-depth help for teaching a Bible message. Kristen and Kay Daigle discuss how to bring in the larger context of the whole Bible. Be sure to listen to the first episode/video that provides a foundation for this step. Or begin with the series Step-by-Step Teaching Process which gives a general overview. Videos of all three conversations are also available.

Kristen Pool In preparing a Bible message, the first in-depth step is Bible study exegesis. Kristen Pool, Women's Minister at Dallas Bible Church, joins BOW founder Kay Daigle to provide in-depth understanding of methodical Bible study, or exegesis, in this first part of a three-part series. Don't miss the rest of the podcast series: Part 2, Theology and Part 3, Homiletics. What is exegesis? It is taking the scriptures and pulling out the interpretation. All three episodes in this series, In-depth Message Preparation, are also available on video if you prefer watching.

Assessing your Bible message is an important part of teaching the Bible well. In this podcast episode Susie Hawkins and Kay Daigle unpack the devotional that Kristen Pool's taught in Episode 2. Kay Daigle explains how Kristen's teaching incorporates well the steps of teaching the Bible discussed in the first episode. Assessing your own lesson can feel really hard, but it's so important. If you prefer, you can watch all three videos now. Susie Hawkins Download the document that outlines the steps.  

Kristen Pool Kristen Pool provides a great Bible teaching example of the step by step teaching process. She teaches a short message as an example of what she, Susie Hawkins and Kay Daigle discussed in the first episode on preparing a message. It's a wonderfully encouraging message for anyone to hear, even if you aren't a Bible teacher. The final episode is a discussion of how the teaching process steps are reflected in Kristen's Bible teaching example devotional. All episodes are available on video if you prefer to watch them. Download the document that outlines all the steps for teaching the Bible.

Kristen Pool Susie Hawkins What does preparing to teach the Bible involve?  Susie Hawkins, Christian leader and speaker, and Kristen Pool, Minister to Women at Dallas Bible Church, join Kay Daigle of Beyond Ordinary Women to discuss what preparing to teach the Bible looks like. Don't miss Kristen's Pool's example of how to follow this step by step process in the next video as she teaches devotional example. Finally connect to debrief that follows the devotional in the final episode of this series. Download the document that outlines the steps. You can watch all three episodes on video. BOW also has a number of other episodes for Bible teachers. You can link to our website page or to Vimeo. Kay Daigle

Dr. Michelle Pokorny Beating burnout from ministry or any stressful situation is possible. Dr. Michelle Pokorny has helpful and practical suggestions for navigating the road back to spiritual health. If you missed the first two podcasts/videos in this series, they lay the foundation for this episode: 1-The Burn and 2-On the Brink of Burnout. Michelle has provided a resource list to help you navigate burnout. All three podcasts are also available on video.

Claudia McGuire Kay Daigle Several weeks before the election, Claudia McGuire and Kay Daigle discussed seeking joy in the Psalms. Our hope and prayer is that whether the candidate you voted for won or lost, you can raise your voice in thanks to God for his love and care today and find his joy. About half of us are likely disappointed in the results, whatever they may be. Although we may not understand what God is doing in our world, we can trust his heart and his wisdom, knowing that his priority is his kingdom, not an earthly one. Relying on what we know about God's power and his character, knowing that our God is the true ruler whom we all seek, and recognizing that he has purpose in whatever has happened, we seek joy in the Psalms today. Recommended resources Video/podcast episode with Nika Spaulding Cultivating Joy CSB Scripture Notebook: Psalms which includes journaling pages Near to the Heart of God Bible study on selected Psalms This episode is available on video as well. Timestamps 00:21 Introduction 01:08 Why be joyful and why the Psalms? 03:18 Claudia goes through Psalm 23, sharing what it has meant to her life 22:13 Kay's experience finding joy in the Psalms 27:26 Kay goes through Psalm 27, sharing how it helps her find joy 34:54 Insights 39:37 Other resources TranscriptKay >> Welcome to the Beyond Ordinary Women podcast and video. I'm Kay Daigle your host today. And I am joined by Claudia McGuire. Welcome, Claudia. I'm glad you were able to join me today. Claudia >> Me too. Kay >> Claudia and I attended Dallas Seminary together, and it's getting to be a long time since that happened. I was thinking about it's being a long time. That's where we first met, I think. She has served on our BOW ministry team since its inception, and she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in life and in ministry to our conversation. But you can read more about her on her bio on our website at BeyondOrdinaryWomen.org. Our topic today is Seeking Joy in the Psalms. Before we start, I want to make it clear that we recorded this session in October weeks ago from when it drops. So we don't know what happened in the election, but we guess that about half of the people in the country are upset this morning as this particular episode goes online. Of course, that assumes that the results are in and we have no idea when that will actually happen. But as we think about today, the day after the election, and even ongoing, it's important just to remember that joy is an important quality for Christians. Whether there's disappointment, whether there's fear—no matter what it is—God wants us to have joy instead. And joy is a fruit of the Spirit. So it is something we all should be exhibiting because we are believers and the Holy Spirit lives within us. So we should want to seek joy. That's the reason we decided to have this particular episode on Seeking Joy in the Psalms. I have found that the Psalms are a great place if you don't feel that you are joyful, If you're struggling, or if you're unhappy in any situation. It may have nothing to do with an election. But whatever it is, whatever your circumstances are, the Psalms are a great place to go. So the big question is how do we as Christians handle bad news in general? Grief? hard times? whatever it is? How do we as God's people of faith deal with those things? And how do we exhibit joy in the midst of that? So the Psalms are going to tell us to put our joy in the Lord. Claudia's going to start us out. Claudia, what Psalm has really been meaningful to you when you've dealt with things that are hard, things that your circumstances, that you're struggling in? Is there a certain psalm that you go to? Claudia >> Yes, especially for the past two years. I think I have one that I have gone to over and over. I find that sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night and I just start saying it to bring peace into my sleep,

Dr. Michelle Pokorny Recognizing burnout is necessary to handle it correctly. What does it look like? How do you identify burnout in yourself or others? Dr. Michelle Pokorny shares valuable insights with Kay Daigle about recognizing burnout. You may think that what you feel couldn't be burnout because of your job or your role, but burnout can affect anyone, not just pastors. If you missed it, be sure to catch the first episode that defines it and third episode on beating it. All episodes are available on video as an option. Connect to Michell's resource list to help you navigate burnout.

Dr. Michelle Pokorny What is burnout? Michelle Pokorny provides answers as she joins Kay Daigle for this important episode. Burnout can affect anyone; it's not just for pastors. People who minister to others in churches or in health and mental care are most susceptible to burnout. Connect to episode two: On the Brink of Burnout and episode three: Beating Burnout to hear it all. All episodes are available on video if you would like to watch. Michelle has provided a resource list to help you navigate burnout.

Rebecca Carrell Rebecca Carrell provides tips for growing as a speaker. In this episode with Kelley Mathews, Rebecca shares her own experience growing as a speaker to help other teachers and speakers develop their skills and find an audience. This episode is also available on video for those who prefer that format. BOW provides many other great resources to help you as a teacher as you prepare a lesson. This episode is part of a longer series, Navigating Speaking Engagements. Part 1 and Part 2 speak to those planing events and Part 3 encourages the speaker trying to decide whether an event is the right one for her before committing. You can access this episode and all those in Navigating Speaking Engagements on video.

Rebecca Carrell Do I speak at this event? We continue the series Navigating Speaking Events with speaker and radio personality Rebecca Carrell. Rebecca discusses red flags and other considerations for accepting an invitation to speak with Kelley Mathews, BOW Ministry Team member. This podcast episode is focused on the speaker while Part 1 and Part 2 were focused on the person choosing the speaker. As a speaker, connect to the podcast of Rebecca discussing how she grew as a speaker. Optionally, you can connect to all of these episodes on video.

The most important job in event planning it to find the right speaker for your event, and that can be tricky. Planning an event? Wondering how to find the right speaker? Speaker and Christian radio personality Rebecca Carrell is here to help you determine the qualities that make a speaker a good fit for your group. Don't miss the other podcast episodes in this series, Navigating Speaking Engagements: Questions for Potential Speakers, Growing As a Speaker, and As a Speaker, Do I Accept this Event? You can access all the episodes in this series on video if you prefer.

Rebecca Carrell Questioning possible speakers for an event is challenging. What should you ask if you are interviewing potential speakers for your Christian event? Speaker and radio personality Rebecca Carrell talks with BOW Ministry Team member Kelley Mathews with important questions to ask as you interview possible speakers. This is the first of a series of podcasts "Navigating speaking engagements" from both the event coordinator's perspective and the speaker's. Don't miss Is this Speaker a Fit? and Do I Accept this Speaking Engagement? If you are a speaker wanting to grow your skills, don't miss the episode on Growing as a Speaker. If you prefer, you can watch Rebecca discuss questioning possible speakers and talk about these other aspects of navigating speaking engagements on video.

Kay Daigle Run your race, leaders. It's so easy to get off-focus from the work that God has uniquely called us to do. Hopefully this short podcast will help you reorient your service to God's calling. It's your specific race, and don't get distracted by the races that others are running. Don't miss the other short leader tips from various experienced women leaders. Alternately, you can watch this episode and all the other leadership tips on video.

Elizabeth Woodson "Tell the truth, leaders, instead of seeking approval," according to Elizabeth Woodson in sharing her best tip for leaders, particularly those who find themselves in conflict. Elizabeth shares from her personal experiences learning to deal with conflict. Connect to the entire series of short leader tips from various experienced leaders on the Beyond Ordinary Women Podcast. This episode and the all the other Leader Tips are also available on video.

Kay Daigle Vision for ordinary places--what does that mean? As we begin a New Year, leaders often focus on vision--vision for the church, vision for a ministry, vision for launching something new. But do you realize that vision isn't necessarily about big ideas and lots of people? We each need vision for the ordinary places where we encounter people whom we influence--our children, families, friends, co-workers, neighbors and broader community. In this podcast I talk about that kind of vision that everyone needs to discover. You can access the video if you prefer. If you do lead in big places--churches, ministries, non-profits, etc., don't miss BOW's insightful series on video, Casting Vision with Debbie Stuart. We have a number of other resources on the topic of vision, just link to the list.

Nika Spaulding Ministering WITH Millennials can be difficult for older generations who think differently and don't understand them. In this third episode of the series, Millennials: the Good, the Bad and the Ministry, Nika Spaulding discusses how to overcome those differences with Kay Daigle. Don't miss the previous episodes in which Nika helps us understand her generation and minister well to them. In this third episode she provides insights into ministering WITH Millennials well. The final podcast episode is Millennials and Fame, and it's one not to miss. All podcasts are available on video as an option.

Kelly Arabie Kay Daigle If you're struggling with prayer, we have some practical prayer solutions. Kay Daigle and Kelly Arabie discuss some of the causes and practical ways to get past them. Do you long to feel successful in your prayer life instead of dealing with distractions, repetition, a disorganized prayer list or the fear of praying with others? Kay and Kelly confront all of these issues and provide practical solutions to your prayer struggles. You can link to the video version of this conversation if you prefer. Resources You can access the slides from the video version of this podcast. Or you may want to browse BOW's other resources on the topic of prayer. Suggested printed resources CSB Scripture Notebook John Bailee – Diary of Private Prayer Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions Every Moment Holy – Volumes 1,2,3 The Book of Common Prayer Lectio 365 app Time Stamps  00:33 Welcome & introductions 03:19 Solutions for distractions 10:13 Solutions for repetitive prayers 17:38 Navigating prayer requests 21:22 Organizing prayer requests 27:13 Praying aloud with others 40:51 Praying in tough times 42:27 God wants you to talk to him 43:57 Closing prayer 44:38 Other prayer resources TranscriptKelly >> Hello and welcome to the Beyond Ordinary Women podcast. I'm Kelly Arabie and today I'm talking with Kay Daigle. The podcast that we're doing today is Practical Prayer Solutions. Kay, I'm so excited that you reached out to me about this topic when we talked about the two podcasts that we would be recording this month. Bible Study and prayer were two things that I was really excited to talk with you about. So I'm glad that we're going to be talking about prayer today. I can honestly say that's not always the case. Maybe earlier in my life I can remember one of the first women's retreats I helped plan. The topic was on prayer. And when that was announced, it kind of went over like a lead balloon. It was perhaps not the most the topic that everybody was excited about. And I say that regretfully, I have learned a lot in my spiritual life in the area of prayer. And I know that there's a lot that you have experience with and have to say to that as well. Tell me a little bit about why you wanted to record today. Kay >> Well, I'm excited about this recording too, Kelly. In January. the women in charge of the Bible study that I've been part of in our church asked me if I would, they actually asked me in the fall, but they asked me if in January I would do a four part series, just more of a lecture format, on prayer. And they just really left it up to me as to what to do. And so I had a plan for that. But I also realized that there are impediments to prayer. Things that stop us from praying, or we're not comfortable with it, or whatever. So that very first week I passed out blank cards to all the women who were there, and I asked them to write down what was the hardest thing for them about prayer. And these practical solutions are the answers that we discussed over those four weeks. And I was really amazed at the variety of problems they came up with. But these were the main four. These were the ones that the most people commented on. And I thought that perhaps this would be helpful to our larger audience as well, because it really seemed to be meaningful to some of the women in the group. Kelly >> So what are some of those impediments to prayer? Kay >> Well, the first one that I covered (and this was even before I had the cards, because I needed to go ahead and talk about something), is something that people had told me over and over. I'd already been hearing it, and that is distractions. We start praying, and then we're distracted by other things, and we get our minds off it and often never go back to prayer—or just cut it short, whatever. And I think there are a lot of ways we can deal with that,

Nika Spaulding Ministering to Millennials with understanding is important for those who are in older generations. Nika Spaulding once again discusses Millennials with Dr. Kay Daigle to help those who lead and encourage them to love and minister well to them. This series, Millennials: the Good, the Bad and the Ministry, is accompanied by a downloadable document which outlines the conversations. Connect to the first podcast, Identifying Millennials, the third, Ministering With Millennials and the fourth Millennials and Fame. All episodes are also available on video if you prefer to watch them.  

Nika Spaulding Identifying Millennials is an important step in understanding them. Who are we talking about? In this podcast episode Nika Spaulding, Resident Theologian at St. Jude Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, joins Dr. Kay Daigle to identify the age group often called Millennials. Before we can minister with and to them well, we need to understand them. Identifying Millennials is merely an introduction to them. We have three other podcast episodes in this series called "Millennials: the Good, the Bad and the Ministry." Don't miss Ministering TO Millennials, Ministering WITH Millennials, and Millennials and Fame. If you prefer you can access the entire series on video.

Kat Armstrong Jesus said to love God with your mind, and Kat Armstrong shares the meaning and importance of loving God with your mind with Dr. Kay Daigle. Her concern is that women often don't develop their minds and strengths in loving God, and her hope is that women will realize its value. Don't miss Kat's podcast, Recruit the Right Volunteers. This episode is part of a three-part series "Lessons in Leadership." You can connect to all three episodes on video, or watch The video of this episode if you prefer to watch rather than listen.

Sharifa Stevens "Leader, know your people," is the answer Sharifa Stevens gave to this question we at BOW asked: "What is one thing about leadership that you want to pass on?" Sharifa says that a good leader is an attuned observer. If you prefer to watch, it's available via video. You may want to listen to all the leader tips episodes from various experienced women leaders, or connect to them on video.

Dr. Sandra Glahn What is Biblical manhood and womanhood? Most Christians agree that men and women differ by beautiful design. But does that mean we need to study how we differ (e.g., women tend to talk more than men; men tend to talk in private more than in public) and “respect” those differences by seeking to conform to a standard of masculinity or femininity? What does it mean when some say we must be “faithful to our gender”? What’s biblical and what’s cultural? How do we live faithfully embodied as male and female? Dr. Sandra Glahn shares her expertise about what is biblical manhood and womanhood with host Sharifa Stevens in this podcast of the Zoom conversation with BOW. You can watch by video if you prefer. Don't miss BOW's other insightful conversations with Dr. Glahn.

Kat Armstrong Recruiting the right volunteers often feels difficult. In many cases we leaders get stressed and even panic when we're short volunteers. That often results in having the wrong volunteer in a long-term slot. Kat Armstrong shares her thoughts and experiences in recruiting well with Dr. Kay Daigle. A video of this podcast is available for those of you who want to watch it with your entire leadership team as you prepare them to recruit volunteers. You can access other BOW resources about leading volunteers here.

Susie Hawkins Should I be a Bible teacher? Has someone asked you to teach the Bible at your church or in your neighborhood? So you have doubts about whether that's for you? Susie Hawkins and Kristen Pool join Kay Daigle to discuss their own journeys to becoming Bible teachers, helping you gain insight from their stories. Kristen Pool This podcast is also available to watch on video. You can connect to many other BOW resources for Bible teachers to help you along your journey.

Claudia McGuire God uses your gifts--yes, he does. In this second episode in BOW's series You Are On God's Team, Claudia McGuire delves into the story of Priscilla,  challenging you to follow God's lead by using the gifts that he has given you. God uses your gifts when you let him. Connect to the other podcasts in this series: God Uses Your Availability and God Uses Your Story. Or watch the entire series on video. To help you apply these stories to your own life, Claudia has also created a downloadable free resource. 

Claudia McGuire God uses the available, just as he did Lydia's (Acts 16:13-15). In this episode of the series "You ARE on God's team," BOW Ministry Team Member Claudia McGuire joins Kay Daigle to discuss this New Testament woman who willingly allowed God to use her. If you missed the other episodes in the series, connect to God Uses Your Story and God Uses Your Gifts. You can watch the entire series You ARE on God's Team on video if you prefer. Download Claudia's resource as a guide to determine how these stories apply to you.

Nika Spaulding Why team teach the Bible? Nika Spaulding, Resident Theologian at St. Jude Oak Cliff in Dallas, joins Kay Daigle to discuss why and how to build a Bible teaching team in a church setting. Learn from women who have experienced it. BOW has many other resources to help prepare those who teach the Bible. You may prefer to watch this episode on video or link to other BOW videos that help prepare you as a Bible teacher.

Kelley Mathews Becky Loyd What is the state of ministry to women today? Lifeway conducted a survey to find the answer. In this episode BOW Minister Team Member Kelly Mathews interviews Becky Loyd of Lifeway about what their survey revealed about women's ministry in the local church. The results provide facts and figures that support the need for women's ministry in the local church and encourage and challenge the women in its leadership. These findings reveal how valuable a women's ministry is to a church. You can link to the video version of this episode if you prefer watching it. You may also benefit from looking over BOW's other resources on the topic of women's ministry. Time Stamps: 00:21 Introductions 02:51 Survey results 11:00 Work still needing to be done 15:26 Volunteer vs. paid women leaders 22:44 Why approach your pastor? 25:38 Encouraging women leaders who are underpaid, etc. 29:14 Closing comments & other resources Resources: https://research.lifeway.com/state-of-ministry-to-women/ TranscriptKelley >> Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Women Ministries. I am Kelley Mathews, your host today. And with me I have Becky Loyd. Becky is with Lifeway, but I feel like you've had a new title change here recently. Can you give me a sense of what you're doing now? Becky >> Yes, I have had a new title change, but I am acting as my previous title as the director of Lifeway Women. So I have actually been at Lifeway for 24 years, if you can believe it. I worked a lot my time in our kids ministry area until about 2010. And then I grew up and graduated to work with adult and women's ministries. And just in the past few months, I don't know if this is growing up or I don't know exactly what this is, but I am working on our really strategic planning for all of Lifeway. So working across all of our different ministry areas and making sure we're aligned going in the same direction to serve church leaders. It's interesting, I was called to ministry. My dad was a Minister of Music. So ministry is in my blood and when I was about to kind of enter the workforce, I had a moment where it was, should I go to seminary? And I applied and did all the things and then I ended up in business school. And so I've been doing. You hate to call it the business of ministry but that's really the gifting that God gave me. And so I have been working at Lifeway serving church leaders and churches for the last 24 years. And it's been the time of my life. I love it. Kelley >> Fantastic. And no one at a business like that would want to ignore such talent on the business end of things because it's certainly needed. So that's awesome. So we heard of you because of your time as director of the women's ministry there, and there is a survey that was put out. Before I go there, I understand you're an LSU tigers fan? Becky >> Well, yes, I did get my undergrad and graduate degree from LSU. Go Tigers. Kelley >> Well, go Tigers. Same here. So we have a lot in common already just like that. Becky >> Woo-hoo! Kelley >> I know. I love it. Couldn't resist. Sorry. But also, I have been in the Baptist world in ministry and women's ministry. And so I feel like this connection is pretty natural here. And I was very interested to see the report that came out just last year on the state of women or the state of ministry to women. So let's talk a little bit about that and what caused you and your team to put it out. Becky >> Yeah, it's really interesting. Lifeway is an entity that serves all parts of the local church - worship ministry, kids ministry. We serve many, many different parts. And as a person who my job is really to advocate for the work that we are doing for women at Lifeway, I found myself saying over and over again, women are underrepresented on the church staff. I think I said it so many times that the guys just kind of rolled their eyes. When I'm in a meeting and my guys don't forget,

Sharifa Stevens Empathize in racial reconciliation. In this last of four episodes in BOW's series, BOW Ministry Team Member Sharifa Stevens and special guest Susan Seay focus on the difference between empathy and sympathy and the ramifications that has for racial unity in the church. We are called to empathize in racial reconciliation, not merely be sympathetic. The previous podcasts from The Road to Racial Unity include 1-Where to Begin, 2-Evaluating and Listening and 3-Do's and Don'ts. Another option is to access the video versions. Susan Seay If you are growing in your awareness of this issue, BOW has a list of resources that you may find helpful.

Susan Seay What do's and don'ts in racial reconciliation should we know about if we want to pursue unity and move toward racial unity in the church? Susan Seay & Sharifa Stevens provide wise answers. If you missed the previous podcasts in this series, check out 1-Where to Begin and 2-Evaluating and Listening.  and don't miss the final episode 4-Empathy, Not Sympathy. All podcasts in this series are available on video. For a list of suggested resources on this topic, you can download BOW's document. Sharifa Stevens

Sharifa Stevens Susan Seay   Racial reconciliation requires listening and then evaluating. In this second of four podcasts in our series,  BOW Ministry Team member Sharifa Stevens is joined by Susan Seay to discuss how listening and then evaluating beyond our comfort zones is an essential starting point in understanding the racial divide. When you're ready to start working on this issue, racial reconciliation, requires listening and evaluating. To begin the listening part,  you may want to download our list of suggested resources on this topic and connect with several of them. You can link to the first podcast in this series, Where to Begin, the third, Dos and Donts, or the fourth, Empathy not Sympathy. The entire series is available on video.

Susan Seay Sharifa Stevens Beginning racial reconciliation is difficult.  The issue is so big that we're left immobile and uncertain as to what to do. BOW Ministry Team member Sharifa Stevens is joined by Susan Seay to offer suggestions for beginning racial reconciliation. You can also view it on video.  Click these links to the second episode, "Evaluating and Listening," the third, Do's and Don'ts or the final one, Empathy not Sympathy. All of these episodes and others on racial reconciliation are available on video. You can download a list of suggested resources on the topic here.

Kelley Mathews Sharifa Stevens Do you know that racial unity is a gospel issue? BOW Ministry Team members Sharifa Stevens and Kelley Mathews discuss why moving toward racial reconciliation should matter so much to the church. Jesus prayed for our unity, and we need to listen. If you missed them, listen to the other two podcasts Racial Reconciliation 101 and White Privilege. The entire series, Leading Toward Racial Reconciliation, is available on video. If you want further education on these issues, we have a free downloadable resource to help you get started.

Kelley Mathews Sharifa Stevens Is white privilege real? What is it anyway? BOW Ministry Team members Sharifa Stevens and Kelley Mathews discuss the issue. Don't miss the other two episodes in this series to help leaders lead others toward biblical reconciliation:  Reconciliation 101 and It's a Gospel Issue. The entire series, Leading Toward Racial Reconciliation, is available on video along with other video series on the topic of racial reconciliation. If you want further education on these issues, we have a downloadable resource list to help you get started.

Sharifa Stevens Kelley Mathews Racial reconciliation 101--a subject that is often misunderstood. The world doesn't even consider it from a biblical perspective. As leaders, how do you lead others toward racial reconciliation? BOW Ministry Team members Sharifa Stevens and Kelley Mathews discuss practical ideas anyone can implement to move toward biblical racial reconciliation. Racial reconciliation 101 is only the first episode of a three-part series. Don't miss It's a Gospel Issue and White Privilege. The entire series Leading Toward Racial Reconciliation is available on video  along with two other series on that topic. BOW has also prepared a downloadable resource on racial issues.

Nika Spaulding Finding orthodox resources that are true to the central beliefs of Christianity can be difficult. In this third episode of the series Choosing Trustworthy Resources, Nika Spaulding of St. Jude Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, shares common sense guidelines for determining if a resource would be right for your group. Catch up with the first and second podcasts or watch the whole series on video. Get Nika's free resource that provides a great visual aid to help you sort through the process of finding orthodox resources that fit your particular church or group.

Nika Spaulding Sorting through Christian resources can be daunting. Do you choose material for your small group, church class or Bible study? Nika Spaulding, Resident Theologian of St. Jude Oak Cliff in Dallas, provides advice in helping you determine what's theologically sound for your group. Sorting through Christian resources doesn't have to be overwhelming anymore. Catch up with the first podcast and don't miss the third podcast on determining the key truths of our faith. Or you can  watch the whole series on video. Get Nika's free resource that provides a great visual aid to help you go through this process.

Nika Spaulding Church leaders face the problem of choosing trustworthy resources. They must contend with a vast array of theology that may lead Christians astray. Nika Spaulding, Resident Theologian at St. Jude Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas, sits down with Dr. Kay Daigle in this first episode of this three-part series to discuss why and how leaders have a problem choosing Christian resources well. Don't miss the others episodes: 2-Sorting Through and 3- Determining the Central Truths of our Faith. Nika has developed a free resource to download. The entire series is available on video.

Nika Spaulding Sharifa Stevens Cultivating joy is an important part of our discipleship, as Nika Spaulding explains to Sharifa Stevens, BOW Team Member. Nika explains what joy is and why it is important for disciples of Jesus to manifest this fruit of the Spirit. We can have joy even when experiencing sorrow and duress. Both can be true at once. Cultivating joy in any situation of life allows us to look more like Jesus, especially during this time when leaders are causing God's people to fear. This episode is also available on video if you prefer watching it. Timestamps: 00:33 –Introductions 02:47 - What is joy and how do we see it in others? 07:37 - God delights in us 14:50 - How does believing that God delights in us affect us? 15:17 - God's love and joy are constant 16:00 - What does cultivating joy look like? 21:45 - Joy under duress and sorrow 25:14 - Feeling two things at once 28:00 – Jesus' example 29:19 – Giving people permission to lament 30:54 - Importance of modeling joy 34:03 - The goal is looking like Jesus 34:10 - Joy is vulnerable 38:49 - Resources Resources The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation By Jim Wilder BOW series with Nika Spaulding on Lament: 1- Understanding Lament and 2- Practicing Lament. TranscriptSharifa >> Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of Beyond Ordinary Women. I am your host for today, Sharifa Stevens and I have the distinct pleasure of talking with Nika Spaulding today. Let me tell you a little bit about Nika. Nika is a proud graduate of both the University of Oklahoma and Dallas Theological Seminary, where she has a Master of Theology. She's currently working on her Doctor of Ministry at Northern Seminary. God gave her the privilege of planting a church in Oak Cliff, Texas, called St Jude Oak Cliff, where she is Resident Theologian. And when she's not cheering on her Sooners, playing with her cat, Clive, who we might see later, or enjoying a good meal with her friends, she's probably sneaking off to Oklahoma to snuggle with her favorite humans, her nieces and nephew. Nika, thank you for joining us today. Nika >> Oh, I'm excited to be here. It's good to see you, friend. Sharifa >> Good to see you, too. And I'm really excited about the subject for today, which is Cultivating Joy. Nika >> Yeah. A big topic. Sharifa >> Right. It is! So let's get into it. Nika >> Yeah. Love it. It's interesting. Before we started recording, you and I were talking about how this topic of joy seems to be coming up in our individual lives. And then, of course, we're talking about here. And really, I would argue starting in 2020, because of both global tragedy and then just tragedy in my own personal life, I was very acquainted with the idea of lament and grief and all of that. And it's been a really sweet gift to come up a little bit and have the Lord drop this idea, this massive, huge idea of joy in front of me. And so it's a topic that I've talked about in both teaching opportunities as well as something I'm trying to cultivate on my current staff team at my church, and then also just in my own personal life. And so it's a small, tiny, big, huge topic that we get to try to talk about today. Sharifa >> Absolutely. And I hope later you can touch on this more, but it seems like there's always accompanied with joy, there's a sense of grief. Nika >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Sharifa >> Let's just let's get into it. What is joy and can it be recognized in us and God, is it written all over our face? Nika >> Yeah, it tends to be. One of the ways that I was reintroduced to the idea of Joy was I was talking to a friend about wanting to really come up with really good questions as part of a discipleship program. So my idea was, hey, I'd love to partner people together, have them ask really important questions about God, about themselves, about their neighbor,

Donna Skell What to include in the gospel as you share your faith story? Do you want to share it in a non-threatening way with friends? Donna Skell and Kelley Mathews discuss what to include in the gospel (4 EASY Steps) as you share your faith story in this final podcast of the series. You can download Donna's free step by step guide to sharing the gospel through your faith story as well. You can watch three episodes in this series on video. Or link to the two previous podcasts on sharing your faith story: 1-Why? and 2-When and With Whom? Donna has prepared a downloadable worksheet for preparing your story.

Donna Skell When share the gospel? And with whom? Donna Skell of Roaring Lambs continues her series "Sharing Your Faith Story." In this second part, she and Kelley Mathews discuss how to determine when it's appropriate to talk with someone about your faith story. The first episode concerned WHY share your story, and the final episode answers the question of what to include.  This episode asking when and with whom to share the gospel is available on video, along with the other two episodes in this series. Donna has also provided a free worksheet outlining her series.

Donna Selle Why share the gospel through your faith story? Donna Skell of Roaring Lambs joins Kelley Mathews to discuss why Christians should prepare and share their faith stories with others. Why share the gospel through your faith story provides answers to the first question in this 3-part podcast series. Don't miss Part 2 for the answers of when and with whom to share your faith story and Part 3 with the practical answers for what to include in your story. You can watch all three episodes of this series on video. Don't miss the downloadable worksheet for preparing your story, one of BOW's many free resources.