Friends! Welcome to the Need to Know season of The Right Side Up. This season is all about supporting the forthcoming compilation book, Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It’s Essential for the Future of the Church. In this introductory episode I share why empowering women is so important for the future of the church. You’ll hear me emphasize the importance of collaboration between men and women, the need for systemic change, and the role of theology in promoting gender equity. I reflect on the historical context of female leadership, the challenges of addressing abuse within church systems, and the necessity of honest hope and lament in the journey towards transformation.

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keywords

female leadership, church, empowerment, theology, equity, abuse, collaboration, hope, transformation, systemic change

takeaways

Empowering female leadership is essential for the future of the church.

Cultural awareness is crucial for understanding gender dynamics.

The cost of allyship can be surprising for men.

Theology plays a significant role in gender equity discussions.

Church systems often perpetuate abuse and harm.

Historical examples, like the Salvation Army, show the impact of female leadership.

Collaboration between genders is vital for church growth.

Honest hope requires acknowledging and lamenting past injustices.

Transformation involves a deep personal and collective metanoia.

Listening and learning are the first steps towards living differently.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Need to Know

02:27 The Cost and Challenges of Empowering Female Leadership

06:09 The Interconnectedness of Power, Empire, and Leadership

08:01 The Importance of Doing Exegetical Work on Women

11:20 The Historical Role of Women in the Church

18:48 A Call to Repentance, Learning, and Living Differently

Bob is someone I have long admired for his witness of the ways of Jesus. He talks with us about his own story, the need to break allegiances with our dominant cultural idols (even national ones), and the ongoing journey of being faithful to Jesus in an age of rising nationalism disguised as Christianity. This is so eye opening and beautiful.

tierra-nueva.org

peoplesseminary.org

S05 E04 Bonus podcast episode - An Easter message on two snapshots of the death and resurrection of Jesus and why it matters for our daily lives. This was a message preached at The Meeting House in Toronto, Canada. If you'd like some other great teaching check out their podcast! 

S05 E03 We are living in unprecedented times and asking ourselves some important and life altering questions, namely, 'what really matters?'. Although difficult, these may be the most important days of our lives... what we do now, will matter in the foundations of our lives for the rest of our lives. So, what really matters to you? How do you begin to practise building your life when all the 'extra' things have faded away? Who are you when no one is looking? 

S05 E02 Revelations, rants and ramblings from this season of releasing Better Together: How Women and Men can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future. 

S05 E01 Every wonder how you can get 'unstuck' from your regular grind of living and thinking? In some research on the Creative Brain by Dr. Eagleman, Danielle shares some resistance exercises that might help you to think creatively and why Better Together, her new book is designed to help people think 'outside the box' to create creative solutions to complex situations around women and men working together. 

Join Judah (my 10 year old son), and me in a rare interview on all things 2020. How do we say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020? What are things that might help us move forward with confidence? How do we know what to do? Judah has some exceptional tips for this new year! The word that might best describe his advice is BOOST! I hope you will enjoy the wisdom and have a wonderful New Years! Grace 

Things change. What we do during those shifts is important. We are living in one of those times so figuring out how to let go and agree with God is paramount for seeing new things come to be. An end of year challenge. It's time. 

Happy thanksgiving and merry christmas and other thoughts on how mass consumption is consuming us. How do we fight back against our insatiable appetite and inclination to ‘get’ more - the ‘zombie’ disease? I’ve got two revolutionary ideas - check them out on this podcast. 

S04 E07: It's time to listen to voices we don't normally hear. It's time to move those confined to the margins to the center of the story. The power of story brings truth that can set us free - find out how this posture shift can change everything... 

S04 E06: The 20th year celebration of the 24/7 prayer movement had me reflect on my own journey of prayer... I'm sharing thoughts/practices/postures/ideas/strategies that might help you in your own journey. let the good times begin! 

S04 E05: Reflections from the GLS 2019 and the invitation to go deep and wide with God. How does that work? How can we cultivate a life of depth and ALSO have a wide impact in this world... those things go together much more than we might understand. Find an invitation to join in this journey as leaders who want to live deeply and invite others to do the same... 

infinitumlife.com or Daniellestrickland.com/deepdive 

S04 E04: I'm not sure we really get what living a blessed life means. So often we confuse blessing with prosperity or success or achievement... but Jesus offers us a radically different way to live. I want to live a truly blessed life and I hope this episode might increase your desire for a Kingdom life. 

S04 E03: From South Africa to Toronto, Canada - my adventures have included getting intentional about spotting the cultural currents of oppression and the ways to get out. 

S04 E02: What if there was a way forward together? It's time to stop fighting and start thriving through collaboration and connection. But how? Never before have we been so polarized and divided. Does pro-life mean anti-immigration? It sure doesn't. Let's talk about why we can escape the boxes people try to put us in and let Jesus show us another way. 

S04 E01: Welcome to Season 4!  Hope you enjoy our time together.

Learning how to change is deeply connected to embracing truth. But how? Listen in on some thoughts of how to position our lives to be open to truth, willing to change and try to adjust our lives to a new reality. Wow. 
Far from big resolutions that involve more wishful thinking than reality - this year could be filled with small adjustments made to your everyday life that at the end of this year might just surprise you by the ground you gain and distance you travel! 

S03 E09: Learning to practice Peace as the presence of wholeness in the MIDST of turmoil is a secret that Jesus offers and that many others have come to discover. But how? A recent trip to Rwanda gave some clues and tips that are helpful to anyone looking to live a life of blessing. In the Christmas story an Angel announced that Jesus' arrival was Good News to EVERYONE - and I believe it! Here are some thoughts and reflections on my time in Rwanda, the Advent reflections of Aaron White (Jesus in the Caravan) and the tasks ahead. May you discover and live in Peace this season. 

S03 E08: A joy filled description and debrief on the first two-day Speaker Bootcamp and the Women Speakers Collective that continues to unfold as a hope infused strategy to empower others together! We rise by lifting others. A divine co-conspiracy of Kingdom Come. Yes! 

Find out more at www.womenspeakerscollective.com 

S03 E07: We are living in an unprecedented time of opportunity... From Lebanon, to Austria to Long Beach, come catch up with my experiences and convictions. We are living in a strategic time in history for God's kingdom to come. Reconciliation between the church, peace-making, bold witnesses of Jesus, strategic good news, womens' empowerment, and much more... you are invited to be part of this time, this kingdom. 

S03 E06: The Global Leadership Summit 2018 was filled with controversy, tension and lots of learning! In this episode I share some of the takeaway lessons of speaking at this event, at this time. 

S03 E05: Micah Bournes recently spoke at a Brave Global vision night about the reality of humanities shared culpability and potential around sexual exploitation. I just finished a book entitled Unwanted about the battle of unwanted sexual behavior by Jay Stringer and I'm continued to be inspired by the work of Melinda Tankard Reist who founded Collective Shout inviting everyone to stop the sexual exploitation of our children. You may already see how these are connected but have a listen to the implications and the possibilities and enjoy the spoken word that invites us to get honest, humble and hopeful about creating a new world. 

S03 E04: After a long and hard winter, I'm observing and commenting on the stunning effect of spring! Join me as I talk about 5 ideas on living a springtime life!

Wow. What a season. It's been an incredible privilege to talk to such amazing humans - being such great examples of people living NOW in a way that matters. I've been challenged and disrupted and equally inspired to move towards living a legacy. I hope you have to. This is the final wrap-up episode - I share my closing thoughts - challenges and inspirations and things that have stuck with me and ways I think this might matter to you! I pray it's been a helpful season to your everyday life and want to remind you that what you do and who you are MATTER. Special shout out to @strongwomenstrongworld for being such an awesome bunch of humans doing such good in the world - take a minute to get connected with those world changers and friends - let's waste no time in living a life that matters now. Grace and peace. strongwomenstrongworld.com daniellestrickland.com boundlessenterprise.org

S03 E03: "Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Justice." MLK 

How do we MAKE more peace in a world filled with conflict and fear? Following Jesus will lead us to a whole peace - with God, ourselves and others... and those spheres of peace will change the way we work in the world. Hear about Amplify peace, what Absalom has to do with Easter and how you can engage in peace making in your own community. 

S03 E02: A fast and furious overview of a campaign that has the potential to move the needle on human trafficking. Tune in to find out why I'm so excited about Brave Global and the potential impact it could have on a whole generation of girls. If we could get this right we could prevent 80% of domestic sex trafficking. Please listen and then get involved. 

www.braveglobal.org

S03 E01: Welcome to Season 3!  Tag along on this journey with me.

God is doing a NEW THING. What does that mean? Well, tune in to discover what I'm learning about the new thing in my own life and how to navigate transitions and overcome fear and live what God has called you to. Exciting times. 

S02 E11: Taanis talks about her life from abandonment to abuse to despair and then resurrection and new life. An incredible witness of the power of God and determination and courage, Taanis hopes telling the truth about sexual exploitation and it's costs will help people avoid it and help others out of it's grip. She is currently fighting alongside a bunch of non-profits in Edmonton, helping others experience the transformation that has saved her. 

S02 E10: Storming the forts of darkness and still fighting for the end of sex-trafficking around the globe. 150 years of experience agitating the status quo of sexual slavery to liberate people. Hear the inspiration and then let's do more TODAY. 

S02 E09: Sweated labor (the match box factory). 

S02 E08: Here we will examine and listen as they talk about William Booth's Book "In Darkest England and The Way Out" that had a real big reaction. Let's tune in....

S02 E07: The maiden tribute of modern Babylon and exploring the crazy details of the Salvation Army's 150 year history of combatting trafficking.

S02 E06: Robby and I sit down at the More Love More Power Conference in Illinois and talk about learning how to grow in prayer and healings and living a life that's naturally supernatural! 

S02 E05: Learn about the Fight for Freedom - a ten year strategic plan to combat trafficking. The Salvation Army Western Territory (based in LA) leads the charge with Priscilla Santos breaking down the details... don't just listen - get involved. 

Ever wonder what holds people back from living fully now? What's in the way? Or how people can be so toxic AND successful? It's next to impossible to live a legacy now with genuine abandon and joy without a journey of personal wholeness. Jenna Riemersma explains the internal journey we make to free ourselves internally. Using the IFS (internal family systems therapy) we discuss embarrassing habits, debilitating anxiety, selfish motives, addiction and toxic thoughts as real struggles facing us all. How do we approach inner healing to really live differently? Jenna is the founder and clinical director of The Atlanta Center for Relational Healing. She is teaching faculty for the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and core faculty for Addo Recovery. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. Her two books Altogether You and Altogether Us offer great wisdom to anyone on a journey to wholeness. This episode is full of wisdom, insights and practical steps! Jenna is transparently joyful, open, wise and qualified to lead us toward wholeness as we seek to live lives that matter now. https://jennariemersma.com | https://ifs-institute.com/nobadparts | www.movetoward.com | https://www.wvi.org/publications/research/water-sanitation-and-hygiene/strong-women-strong-world-beyond-access-learning

S02 E04: Jason Pope is the technical advisor on anti human trafficking and livelihoods for the Salvation Army world services. Tune in to a global conversation with its feet in the earth - what happens to trafficking survivors after they are free? What can sustain freedom? How do you do this kind of work and not get burnt out? Is change possible? What brings us hope on a global scale? Some great questions and conversation... 

S02 E03: Listen to this fascinating interview in a beautiful and transformative Cafe in Auckland, New Zealand with Blue Bradley.

How does the church move from a once a week gathering to a group of people transforming the neighborhood? Here are some challenging and inspiring thoughts along with an incredible story of redemption in todays world. GOOD NEWS found in this podcast! 

S02 E02: Lisa, Melody and I reflect on our time in the Middle East. Lessons learned, challenges received, loads of thoughts... all live from a hotel room in Amman, Jordan. Fresh and spontaneous. Enjoy!

S02 E01: Welcome to Season 2!  Pleasure to have you.

Hear from Camille Melki and Tom Atema, recorded in Beirut Lebanon! They are the co-founders of Heart For Lebanon (check them out at heartforlebanon.org). Listen to our conversation about the ongoing efforts to transform the world through loving our enemies, strategic compassion for refugees and empowering the church. Some amazing stories of God's Kingdom coming in this podcast. 

S01 E10: My 7 year old son Judah and I talk about the holidays and more... Christmas, New Years, refugees, dragons, and lighting fires.  

S01 E09: A remarkable global leader in The Salvation Army, Commissioner Jim Knaggs retires from leadership this week. I was privileged to ask him about some lessons, advice and encouragement he has for those of us working on our own leadership in God's Kingdom. Some profound, simple but not easy advice ahead... 

S01 E08: If the truth be told, loving those who are similar to us comes easy. Loving those different from us ... maybe not so much. Follow along as I share the most simple yet profound way of living while generating change on earth as demonstrated by Jesus in His Word. Here are steps to obeying Christ's command to loving ALL your neighbors and the exciting, adventurous, fun effect it can have on you, me, and everyone! 

S01 E07: All throughout scripture God tells us not to fear, "do not worry", He is sovereign, He's in charge. Our culture screams, "BE AFRAID! if 'they're' different than you", "fear them!", "certainly DO NOT get to know them!" 

God has created ALL of us and for His purpose! Rohida Kahn shares what it's like to be Muslim (and female) in America. She dispels the myths and lies our culture feeds us instead of listening to what God tells us. Join us as we listen to God's truths spoken through a Muslim. 

S01 E06: Join me in this conversation with Micah Bournes; an amazing man of God, filled with incredible talent and a keen intellect. He talks with me about the reality of racial tension in America, being an African American male and the way I can learn and live differently to help create a better world. 

http://micahbournes.com

S01 E05: I sat down with this global advocate and asked about her latest project, global prostitution, porn, the sex industry and why they hate her AND her latest book Prostitution Narratives... Melinda Tankard Reist is an author, speaker, media commentator, blogger and advocate for women and girls. She is best known for her work addressing sexualisation, objectification, harms of pornography, sexual exploitation, trafficking and violence against women. http://melindatankardreist.com

Welcome to this awesome episode: the one and only Liz Bohannan is in the house!!! In addition to being the founder and CEO of socially conscious fashion brand Sseko Designs, Liz Bohannon is a world-class communicator, named a “Top 20 public speaker in the U.S.” by Forbes. From founding an ethical fashion brand that disrupts the injustice of global supply chains to living in an intentional community challenging social norms and expectations to discover what true success looks like (hint: its connection over money!) Liz is also a mother, friend and truly authentically and refreshingly honest human being! Did I mention she’s also really funny!! You are gonna love this. And what a great addition to the living legacy conversations @strongwomenstrongworld. Check out Liz Bohannan below: Lizbohannan.co | ssekodesigns.com | strongwomenstrongworld.com

S01 E04: I sat down with Ken Wytsma (http://kenwytsma.com) in New Zealand at The Justice Conference (which he founded) and asked him a bunch of questions around why he started it and why it matters and what he is up to now (a book on white privilege?!).

Tune in to find out more.

S01 E03: This conversation with Danielle Strickland, Amy Reardon and Kelly Pope finishes strong with the final part of a three part series on Cooking Up A Great Talk. You can have wonderful food but the delivery is essential! Check it out. 

S01 E02: To make something absolutely scrumptious you need to do the prep. How do you get to the nitty gritty of message prep.?  How do you prepare? What tools do you use etc... 

Hear more of the conversation about this from Amy Reardon (Seattle) Kelly Pope (Washington DC) and Danielle Strickland.