The player is loading ...
Join the Difference Makers community for exclusive content!
In a world where women's voices are marginalized, join Liz Cooledge Jenkins as she challenges patriarchal structures in evangelicalism and empowers women to reclaim their humanity. But will she be able to make a difference in a system resistant to change? Discover the shocking truth in this gripping journey of faith and advocacy.
In this episode of the A World of Difference podcast, you'll join host Lori Adams-Brown as she chats with guest Liz Cooledge Jenkins about reclaiming women's humanity from evangelicalism. Liz shares her own experiences and insights, drawing from her background as a writer, preacher, and former college campus minister. The conversation explores the impact of patriarchal structures within the church and the importance of speaking out against gender inequality. Liz's book, Nice Churchy Patriarchy, is praised for its compelling title and narrative approach, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to challenge patriarchal norms in evangelicalism. Through personal narratives and thought-provoking discussions, this episode empowers individuals to reclaim their humanity and advocate for gender equality in religious communities. So grab your headphones and get ready to dive into this inspiring conversation on A World of Difference.
Our special guest is: Liz Coledge Jenkins
Liz Cooledge Jenkins is not your typical preacher and writer. With a BS in Symbolic Systems from Stanford and a Master of Divinity, Liz brings a unique blend of intellect and spirituality to her work. She is passionate about challenging patriarchal norms within evangelicalism and advocating for gender equality in religious communities. Through her writing, Liz fearlessly delves into the complex issues surrounding women's rights and roles in the church. Her book, "Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism," is a powerful exploration of her own journey and experiences within the evangelical world. With a mix of personal narrative and insightful analysis, Liz offers a fresh perspective on how we can create faith communities that are inclusive, just, and life-giving for everyone. Prepare to be inspired and empowered as Liz Cooledge Jenkins invites you to join her in reclaiming women's humanity and transforming the religious landscape.
Even if progress has been made, there's still work to do. We deserve full equality and we won't settle for anything less. - Liz Cooledge Jenkins
Amplifying Women's Voices
The importance of amplifying women's voices is a primary factor in challenging and shifting age-old patriarchal structures, particularly within evangelical contexts. Women's experiences, insights, and perspectives can bring a fresh understanding and significant contributions to religious and societal discourses. Actively seeking and valuing women's voices is a crucial step towards attaining gender equality and smashing restrictive norms.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
In this episode, you will be able to:
Challenging Patriarchal Power Structures
Patriarchal power structures are deeply ingrained, not only in religious communities but also in broader society. They can perpetuate gender inequality and hinder progress towards a just and inclusive world. Challenging these structures requires courage, collective action, and mindful efforts to uplift marginalized voices, fostering a shift toward equality and fairness.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction and Sponsorship
00:02:00 - Introduction of Liz Cooledge Jenkins
00:05:06 - Writing Style and Personal Narrative
00:07:48 - Dave's Comment on Women in Ministry
00:10:49 - Reflection on College Experience
00:15:20 - Neutrality and its Impact on Women in the Church
00:16:40 - The Threat of Speaking Up
00:18:22 - Marginalizing Voices of Change
00:19:59 - The Importance of Advocacy
00:21:54 - The Impact of the Barbie Movie on Gender Equality
00:30:47 - Rethinking Leadership and Gender
00:33:23 - Navigating Challenges in Evangelical Spaces
00:36:25 - Dealing with Silencing and Marginalization
00:37:58 - Reflecting on Experiences and Finding Empowerment
00:41:24 - Calls to Action for Male Pastors
00:47:14 - The Importance of Women's Perspectives
00:47:57 - Liz's Experience in Seminary
00:48:47 - Book Recommendation: "Nice. Churchy Patriarchy"
00:49:11 - Difference Maker Community and Deeper Conversations
Uncovering hidden stories
Hidden stories are powerful narratives often overlooked or suppressed due to their challenging nature towards established norms. In the context of evangelicalism, these stories often stem from marginalized voices speaking up against patriarchal power structures. These narratives play a crucial role in fostering empathy, broadening perspective, and ultimately empowering individuals who may be experiencing similar struggles.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:02 - Introduction and Sponsorship
Lori introduces the podcast and the sponsor, BetterHelp.com, which offers therapy services. She shares her positive experience with therapy and encourages listeners to take advantage of the 10% off offer.
00:02:00 - Introduction of Liz Cooledge Jenkins
Lori introduces Liz Cooledge Jenkins as a writer, preacher, and former college campus minister. She mentions Liz's educational background and her writing contributions to various publications. Lori also mentions Liz's new book, "Nice Churchy Patriarchy."
00:05:06 - Writing Style and Personal Narrative
Lori discusses how Liz chose to incorporate personal narratives into her book and why she believes stories are powerful. They also touch on the challenge of making academic writing accessible to a broader audience.
00:07:48 - Dave's Comment on Women in Ministry
Liz shares an experience from her college years when a church member named Dave made a patronizing comment about women in ministry. She reflects on how it made her feel and the importance of women defining what is best for themselves.
00:10:49 - Reflection on College Experience
Lori asks Liz how she felt during that jarring experience as a college student and what she would say to her younger self. Liz expresses her shock and the lack of words to respond at the time, but affirms that her feelings were valid.
00:15:20 - Neutrality and its Impact on Women in the Church
The discussion begins with the question of neutrality and its implications. The guest shares her experience in a patriarchal church and how it made it difficult for any change to occur. Speaking up for gender equality was often seen as causing trouble.
00:16:40 - The Threat of Speaking Up
The conversation delves into the fear that speaking up against the system poses for those in power. Drawing parallels to the Civil Rights Movement, the guest emphasizes the importance of raising questions and advocating for change, even if it disrupts the status quo.
00:18:22 - Marginalizing Voices of Change
The guest recounts the experience of a woman in her church who faced labeling and marginalization for pushing for gender equality. Many voices that advocate for change are squashed and silenced. It highlights the significance of those who can speak out about their experiences.
00:19:59 - The Importance of Advocacy
The conversation addresses the misconception that women should be content with their relatively better situation compared to others. The guest emphasizes the need for equality and justice, and how it is essential to dream and work towards a better world for women.
00:21:54 - The Impact of the Barbie Movie on Gender Equality
The guest reflects on the Barbie movie and its impact on addressing patriarchy directly. The powerful speech by America Ferrera's character resonated with many, highlighting the impossible expectations and the need for women to be empowered to be their
00:30:47 - Rethinking Leadership and Gender
The conversation explores the socialization of women and the need to redefine what a leader looks like in terms of gender and style. It emphasizes the importance of considering women's ambitions and assertiveness positively and reexamining assumptions about leadership and gender roles.
00:33:23 - Navigating Challenges in Evangelical Spaces
The discussion delves into the challenges faced by women in evangelical spaces and the difficulty of speaking up for equality. It suggests embracing agency, having conversations about experiences, and being open to the possibility of leaving if necessary to find spaces where women's gifts are valued.
00:36:25 - Dealing with Silencing and Marginalization
The conversation acknowledges the silencing and marginalization experienced by women who advocate for equality. It encourages women to find communities that take them seriously and honor their value. It reassures them that leaving an unsupportive environment is not walking away from faith and that God is present in the journey of change.
00:37:58 - Reflecting on Experiences and Finding Empowerment
Reflection on difficult experiences, even when women are aware that others have it worse, is deemed important. It highlights the value of processing and not being afraid to take seriously the things that feel wrong. Exploring resources from different thinkers and finding empowering expressions of faith is also recommended.
00:41:24 - Calls to Action for Male Pastors
Male pastors are urged to seek feedback from women in their congregations and
00:47:14 - The Importance of Women's Perspectives
The speaker acknowledges that exposure to new communities can sometimes stifle curiosity, especially in faith communities. She highlights the importance of women's perspectives, even those that contradict dominant viewpoints, in order to create a more equitable and wonderful world.
00:47:57 - Liz's Experience in Seminary
The speaker mentions Liz's book and her journey of trying to find her voice as a woman in seminary classes that were not always supportive. She emphasizes the need for women's opinions in churches, classrooms, and society at large.
00:48:47 - Book Recommendation: "Nice. Churchy Patriarchy"
The speaker recommends Liz's book, "Nice. Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism," and encourages listeners to read it for themselves. The book delves into issues of patriarchy and the importance of women's perspectives.
00:49:11 - Difference Maker Community and Deeper Conversations
The speaker invites listeners to join the Difference Maker community and announces that Liz will be a part of exclusive conversations there. The community offers additional content and a platform for deeper discussions on the topics addressed in the podcast.
Follow the podcast at:
Join our Difference Maker membership community for a ton of exclusive content for as little as $5/month. (The price of your a latte at your local coffee shop to enjoy a whole month of content.) Lori's Travel Tips are included as well as exclusive minisodes with our guests not available anywhere else. Join for deeper conversations and a little fun today at https://www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference
Keep making a difference wherever you are!
Lori Adams-Brown, Host & Executive Producer
A World of Difference Podcast
Here are some great episodes to start with.
If you're feeling bewildered and unsure about how to navigate the influence of white male voters in the US election, then you are not alone! The current political landscape can leave you feeling overwhelmed and lost, especially when it seems …
Have you ever heard these myths about voting as a Christian woman? 1) You have to vote a certain way to be a good Christian. 2) Your vote doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. 3) Politics and …
Do you want to join a movement that's changing the face of American democracy and empowering women of color like never before? Imagine being part of electing the first woman of color as the President of the United States. I've …
Are you ready to uncover the unexpected connection between racial justice and Christianity in US history? Get ready to be inspired and engaged as we reveal the surprising insights from this powerful conversation. Stay tuned to discover how this unexpected …
If you're feeling the weight of past trauma and struggling to heal, then you are not alone! The journey to healing from abuse and trauma is often filled with challenges, and finding the right tools to navigate this journey can …
Does this sound familiar? You've been told to work harder, take on more tasks, and just push through those workplace challenges, but the pain of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and undervalued still lingers. It's time for a different approach to handle …
An Immigrant's Journey of Purpose with Dr. Esther Zeledón
A Lawyer's Perspective with Robert Callahan
From Slave Ships to Freedom Roads
Are you ready for the unexpected? Dive into the world of adoptee-centered approaches with Cameron Lee Small, a licensed clinical counselor and transracial adoptee. Get ready to be moved as we unravel the layers of grief, loss, and empowerment in …
Groomed for Submission, Desperate to Escape
Unlearning silence isn't just about finding your voice; it's about recognizing the ways we've all been complicit in silencing others. And the surprising insights from a Harvard lecturer will have you rethinking the impact of silence in your world. Join …
Hey, have you ever felt like you're trying to do the right thing in your business, but it just feels like too much? Like you want to merge profit with purpose, but it seems overwhelming. You're not alone. Many leaders …
Uncover the unexpected impact of the Trump campaign on the evangelical community as NPR journalist Sarah McCammon shares her personal journey. Her book delves into the complex experiences of those navigating a transition away...
Does the experience of abuse within religious communities sound familiar to you? Have you been told to simply pray it away and forgive without addressing the pain and trauma you've endured? The weight of carrying this burden alone can be …
Cordell Carter, II, the visionary advocate, ignites a revolution of inclusion as he rallies leaders to create a professional learning community, challenging the status quo and dismantling barriers in the pursuit of a fair and...
Does this sound familiar? Have you been told that in order to advance in your tech leadership career, you need to simply work harder and prove yourself? But despite your efforts, you still feel like you're hitting a glass cei...
In the depths of despair, Naghmeh Panahi's story holds an unexpected twist that will leave you breathless. From the war-torn streets of her homeland to the foreign shores of America, she battled not just with oppression, but with her own …
Do you long for a renewed sense of strength and self-discovery in the face of life's challenges? Are you seeking inspiration and guidance to navigate major transitions with resilience? Look no further! In this episode, we hav...
Jeff Le has had a career at the highest levels of public policy and politics at the state, federal and international levels. A recognized thought leader in political advocacy and representation, his analysis and opinions have been featured on MSNBC,
Join our Patreon community of Difference-MakersJo Saxton is a speaker, author, podcast host, and leadership coach who has dedicated her career to investing in women leaders own their voice and find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership.
Corey Nathan, host of the podcast Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other! is on the show this week talking about, you guessed it, politics and religion. Buckle up because this conversation goes deep fast.
Dave Johnson is a lawyer, teacher and writer. He has served as general counsel for several tech companies in Silicon Valley across the last twenty years. For the last decade he has held teaching and research posts at Stanford Law …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Dr. Paul D. Miller (PhD, Georgetown University) is a Christian scholar, political theorist, veteran, and former White House staffer,
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of abuse especially in a faith-b...
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so they can share their stories …
Become a patron of this podcast, and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon. **********JESSICA STONE’S WORK HAS APPEARED IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, YAHOO FINANCE, STANSBERRY RESEARCH, PUBLIC RADIO INTERNATIONAL, USA TODAY,
Experience the power of overcoming pain and discovering purpose through Angela’s inspiring journey."It's not about the stuff, and it's not about all these luxury things. People spend $5 million on a wedding, and I'm like,
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Please consider signing the petition by Echo Survivors to release former staff at Echo.church from NDAs so the...
Allyson McKinney Timm, a global justice advocate and founder of Justice Revival, leads an interfaith campaign to support women's rights, gender equality and the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, despite the culture war drama, religious resistance and financial …
In this episode of the World of Difference podcast, Dr. Nijay Gupta, a Hindu background Christian and seminary professor, uses his privilege to uncover the hidden female figures in the New Testament and challenge the long-sta...
Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and works as a biochemist in the Boston area. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can …
Celebrate the courage to explore, learn and grow with empathy, as TCKs show us how to thrive with multiple dimensions of belonging. "The biggest tool in our tool bag is something that we're good at, but we need to focus …
Lori and Jason Adams-Brown share their story of spiritual abuse, emotional abuse and psychological abuse at Echo.church in San Jose, CA at the hands of Andy Wood and Filipe Santos. Their story is by no means the worst story of …
Tahmima Anam is an award-winning novelist, anthropologist, and author of The Startup Wife . She is a Contributing Opinion Writer for the International New York Times and Board Director at ROLl , a tech startup. Her latest Ted...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of...
Become a patron of this podcast , and enjoy free merch. Join other patrons of this podcast at Patreon . ********** Trigger warning: If you have experienced spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or any type of ...
Sheila Wray Gregoire on She Deserves Better: Redefining Women's Worth Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of sex, marriage, and the impact of messaging on girls' lives in this episode of A World of Difference. Host ...
