25 episodes

By the Well is a weekly lectionary-based podcast for preachers. Each week we take a deep dive into some of the texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, exploring their ancient setting and how we might preach them today. We aim to take the Bible seriously, but not literally, bringing the best biblical scholarship into conversation with lived experience, pastoral need, and theology.

Our name, By the Well, is a nod to the Samaritan woman in John 4. In many ways she is an ordinary woman, perhaps on the margins of her community. When she encounters Jesus during her daily task of drawing water at the well, it transforms her and her faith. In discovering the “living water” that is Christ, she becomes a preacher and evangelist for her community, bringing them to encounter the good news of God for themselves.

- Fran and Robyn (co-founders)

By the Well Fran Barber & Robyn Whitaker

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.7 • 52 Ratings

By the Well is a weekly lectionary-based podcast for preachers. Each week we take a deep dive into some of the texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, exploring their ancient setting and how we might preach them today. We aim to take the Bible seriously, but not literally, bringing the best biblical scholarship into conversation with lived experience, pastoral need, and theology.

Our name, By the Well, is a nod to the Samaritan woman in John 4. In many ways she is an ordinary woman, perhaps on the margins of her community. When she encounters Jesus during her daily task of drawing water at the well, it transforms her and her faith. In discovering the “living water” that is Christ, she becomes a preacher and evangelist for her community, bringing them to encounter the good news of God for themselves.

- Fran and Robyn (co-founders)

    B214 Palm / Passion Sunday

    B214 Palm / Passion Sunday

    Robyn Whitaker talks with liturgist, Prof. Stephen Burns, about the Palm and Passion Sunday traditions. We discuss Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:1-15:47 and ideas for "preaching" without preaching this week.
    We mention Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings and the apocryphal text "Acts of John". 

    • 32 min
    B213 Lent 5

    B213 Lent 5

    Monica and Stephen Burns discuss Jeremiah31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12 and Hebrews 5:5-10. 

    • 29 min
    B212 Lent 4

    B212 Lent 4

    Monica and Fran discuss Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107 and John 3:14-21
     

    • 32 min
    B211 Lent 3

    B211 Lent 3

    Monica and Kylie discuss Exodus 20.1–17, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 1.18–25. The themes include the context of the ten commandments readings, as the Hebrew people come out of harsh enslavement and Yahweh establishes relationship with them; creation, Torah, and salvation/forgiveness in the Psalm; and Paul's theological reflection on true wisdom and on weakness and strengh. On reflecting on sabbath, we also mention too books: Rest as Resistance by Tricia Hersey (https://thenapministry.com/), and Practicing our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People, edited by Dorothy C. Bass (https://practicingourfaith.org/the-books/).

    • 34 min
    B210 Lent 2

    B210 Lent 2

    Kylie and Robyn discuss Genesis 17.1–7, 15–16, Romans 4.13–25, and Mark 8.31–38. As we contemplate Lent, the themes in the readings we touch on include the promise to both Sarai and Abram, the reality of death and how we approach faith in impossible circumstances, and discipleship. 

    • 31 min
    B209 Lent 1

    B209 Lent 1

    For the first week in Lent Robyn and Fran discuss Mark 1:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10 and Genesis 9:8-17
    We mention Gail Ramshaw's Treasures Old and New
    Fleming Rutledge's The Crucifixion
    Garry Worete Deverell's Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
52 Ratings

52 Ratings

SallyY-B ,

By the well

Thank you so much for this Pod cast! I listen to them on my way to work while I plan what my services will be like each week.
They really help me to put the passages in context and to think through some of the quirkier passages. I really enjoy listening to special guests speakers as well as the 2 hosts. Thank you, I really believe you are helping me preach and reflect better. Blessings

dorothyl7 ,

Fantastic podcast

This is a podcast that has depth and diversity in bringing the Bible to life for today. Well worth subscribing to if you want inspiration from the Bible!

Est414 ,

Dr Wilma Gallet.

Never miss an episode. Fran and Robyn are fantastic presenters, their knowledge and insights are authentic and inspiring. Stimulating discussion and fabulous guests. So informative,

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