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Season 13, Episode 8

Women in Ministry: The Power of Influence

What if influence has less to do with having a position and more to do with how we use the influence God has already entrusted to us? We explore what Scripture shows us about the unique influence women can have—with or without a position of authority—and examine women such as Abigail, Esther, Delilah, Jezebel, Rahab, Tamar, and others who shaped circumstances for good or for evil. We look at the difference between godly influence and selfish manipulation and identify four marks of godly influence: it is submissive to authority, sacrificial, strategic, and aimed at benefiting others and glorifying God. Ultimately, we consider how we can recognize the spheres of influence already around us and use them for the good of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. What We LearnedWomen are described at creation as a “helper” or ezer, a Hebrew word also frequently used of God as help, pointing to a role that can be deeply influential rather than merely subordinate.Influence is defined as “the capacity to be a compelling force on the actions, thoughts, and behaviors of others.”Scripture gives examples of women influencing circumstances for both good and evil, including Abigail averting a conflict with David, Esther advocating for her people, Delilah bringing down Samson, and Jezebel influencing Ahab toward evil.Women do not need a formal position, title, paycheck, platform, podcast, or position of authority to make a significant impact in the world around them.Godly influence is submissive to authority; submission does not mean having no voice or being a doormat, but recognizing and honoring legitimate authority.Godly influence is sacrificial, often involving personal risk or loss for the benefit of others.Godly influence is strategic, using wisdom, timing, shrewdness, and intentionality for God's purposes rather than selfish manipulation.Godly influence benefits others and glorifies God, seeking the advancement of God's purposes rather than personal power or control.Related Episodes⁠We did a deep dive on 1 Timothy 2 here: “So...Can Women Not Talk in Church?” “Complimentarianism (and other short words)”“Gender Roles Q&A”“She Should Cover Her Head??”“Complementarianism Isn’t About You — It’s About God”Scripture Referenced Eve & Adam – Genesis 2:18-23 God as our ezer – Psalm 121:1-2, Psalm 33:20Sarah & Abraham – Genesis 16Rebekah & Isaac – Genesis 24-27Tamar & Judah – Genesis 38Potiphar’s Wife & Joseph – Genesis 39Two Hebrew Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah – Exodus 1Zipporah & Moses – Exodus 4Daughters of Zelophehad – Numbers 27Rahab in Jericho – Joshua 2Jael & Sisera – Judges 4-5Delilah & Samson – Judges 13-16Abigail, Nabal & David – 1 Samuel 25Jezebel & Ahab – 1 Kings 16The little slave girl & Naman – 2 Kings 5Athaliah, Jehosheba & Joash – 2 Kings 8-11Herodias & John the Baptist – Mark 6Women supporting Jesus’ Ministry – Luke 8Woman at the Well – John 4Elizabeth & Mary – Luke 1-2Deborah – Judges 4-5EstherJoin our team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 9

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? (Two Perspectives)

What does it look like to faithfully engage with Halloween as a Christian? We talk honestly about the different ways families can approach October 31st, from intentional abstention to using the cultural moment as an opportunity for gospel ministry. Kelly Needham and Phylicia Masonheimer share how their families have landed in different places based on their communities, convictions, and the spiritual context around them. We explore Christian freedom, discernment, discipleship, evangelism, cultural engagement, and the importance of stewarding what God has entrusted to us. Whether Halloween is a major event in your neighborhood or something you’ve never thought much about, we hope this conversation helps us prayerfully consider what faithfulness, humility, and intentionality can look like in our own communities. What We LearnedHalloween’s name comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” the evening before All Saints Day on November 1.Phylicia and her husband chose to abstain from Halloween beyond handing out candy when they lived downtown, partly because of the strong Wiccan and witchcraft presence in their community.Their family now hosts an All Saints celebration where guests dress as people from church history, share food, sing hymns, and participate in church history trivia.Kelly and Jimmy chose to “redeem Halloween” after learning that their home had a reputation as the haunted house of Sleepy Hollow, turning it into a place known for generosity, prayer, and gospel conversations.The conversation identifies three approaches Christians might take: redemption, abstention, or passive participation—and emphasizes the importance of being intentional rather than simply going along with cultural habits.Christian freedom should be stewarded for the good of others, including believers who may have different convictions or backgrounds.Romans 14 is highlighted as a helpful passage for thinking through convictional differences without judging other believers.We are encouraged to assess what we currently do, look carefully at the community God has placed us in, pray, and ask how we can intentionally use what God has entrusted to us for the sake of the gospel.Recommended ResourcesPhylicia's Halloween resources Needham's halloween resources Want more Halloween content? Ghosts ARE real Phylicia Masonheimer’s Ministry: Every Woman a Theologian Verity Podcast Scripture ReferencedRomans 6:23Romans 14Colossians 2:8Hebrews 5:12–14Acts 17:26-27Join our team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 5

Women in Ministry: Preston Sprinkle Book Review

Teach Equip | We equip you to teach the Bible & HELP LOCAL CHURCHES DO THE SAME What does the Bible really say about women in leadership, and how should we think through the differences between complementarianism and egalitarianism? We take a deep dive into Preston Sprinkle’s From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership, exploring what we found compelling, what raised questions for us, and why we ultimately remain complementarian. We celebrate the book’s strong emphasis on the dignity, value, and essential role of women in God’s kingdom while examining questions around the definition of leadership, the interpretation of 1 Timothy 2, the meaning of “helper” in Genesis, and the significance of creation order. We also talk about why we need to know Scripture for ourselves, develop thoughtful convictions about issues the Bible addresses, and pursue greater trust, affirmation, and partnership between men and women in the church. What We LearnedPreston Sprinkle approaches the topic from a conservative theological background and ultimately moves from a complementarian position to an egalitarian one.The book strongly emphasizes the value, dignity, and essential role of women in God’s kingdom, highlighting the many women who play significant roles throughout Scripture.We question Sprinkle’s broad definition of “leadership,” arguing that complementarianism does not necessarily mean women cannot exercise leadership in any form.We examine Sprinkle’s interpretation of 1 Timothy 2, particularly his understanding of the prohibition against women teaching or exercising authority over men.We explore the Hebrew word ezer (“helper”) in Genesis, emphasizing that it conveys significant strength, dignity, and essential support rather than weakness or inferiority.Equality of worth and dignity can coexist with distinctions in role, including distinctions grounded in the creation account.We encourage listeners to study the Bible for themselves so they can thoughtfully evaluate theological arguments rather than simply accepting someone else’s conclusions.The conversation closes by encouraging complementarian churches and pastors to affirm, support, develop, and empower women to use their gifts in ministry.Resources MentionedFrom Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership — Preston SprinkleAnother great resource on 1 Timothy 2: Women in the Church: An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15Learn how to study the Bible for yourself: See For Yourself Related Episodes⁠We did a deep dive on 1 Timothy 2 here: “So...Can Women Not Talk in Church?” “Complimentarianism (and other short words)”“Gender Roles Q&A”“She Should Cover Her Head??”“Complementarianism Isn’t About You — It’s About God”DefinitionsComplementarianism – men and women have sameness in worth, but difference in roles. Egalitarianism – men and women have sameness in worth, sameness in roles. Scripture Referenced1 Timothy 2:8-15Genesis 2:18Psalm 121:1-2Ephesians 6:4Titus 2:3Mark 10:45Join our team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
6d ago

Episode 12 | How to Prepare to Speak at a Women's Event: Practical Tips for Bible Teachers

You've been asked to teach a Bible study, a retreat session or a women's event, and now you have questions you feel silly asking. Should you ask about pay? What should you wear with a headset mic? Why do you feel so low the week after? In Episode 12, Kelly Needham and Lindsay Schott cover the practical side of teaching at your own church or somewhere new, from the first invitation to the days after the event. This episode is a practical guide for women Bible teachers preparing to speak at a church, retreat or women's ministry event. It covers: How to decide whether to say yesWhat to ask the event leaderHow to handle bios, headshots, outfits, mics and travelHow to prepare spirituallyWhat to do about the slump after you teachKey topics & timestamps1:42 – Should you say yes right away when you're asked to teach?4:47 – How do you count the real cost of prep time, child care and your season of life?7:35 – Is it okay to ask whether you'll be paid to teach?8:45 – What should you ask the event leader before you teach?13:35 – Why is prayer the first step in preparing?18:38 – How do you write a speaker bio and get a headshot?23:20 – What should you wear when you speak at a church event?28:03 – How does the type of mic affect your outfit and earrings?29:47 – Can you ask a church to reimburse mileage and travel costs?33:21 – Should you spend time alone or with the attendees before you teach?37:30 – How do you handle spiritual warfare before and after teaching?42:08 – Why bring a friend when you speak out of town?43:56 – What is the slump after teaching, and how do you handle it?What should I ask before speaking at a women's event? Ask about the women who will be there: their ages and life stages, what the church has been through recently, what they're studying and what they struggle with. Also confirm the details: the date, how long you'll speak, the theme or key verse, what people usually wear, the type of mic and whether you'll be recorded. Is it wrong to ask about pay when a church asks me to teach? No. Kelly and Lindsay say either choice can be right. Some teachers choose to serve for free, while others need pay to cover child care and prep time. Make the decision with your spouse or close friends, and it's always reasonable to ask for travel costs to be reimbursed. What should a Bible teacher wear to speak at an event? Choose something you won't think about once you're on stage. Avoid fabrics that show sweat, and add a third layer such as a blazer or vest. With a headset mic, wear pockets or a waistband for the mic pack, and small stud earrings instead of hoops or dangles. How do I write a speaker bio? Ask a friend who knows you well to write three sentences about you. Or copy the format of an author bio from the back of a book you like and fill in your own details. Why do I feel down after teaching? The slump after teaching is common. It happens when the adrenaline and nervous energy from weeks of preparation wear off. Naming it helps, and so does remembering that faithfulness in everyday life at home matters to God as much as teaching on a stage. Resources Mentioned:Trained to Teach by Kelly and Lindsay. It comes out March 1, 2027 and is available for pre-order on Amazon now.The Teach Equip Program: Our comprehensive training program designed to equip women to handle God's word faithfully.Questions to ask event leaders before you teachEarlier Teach Equip episodes: When a teaching doesn't go wellScripture references:1 Corinthians 10:31 ("whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God")Matthew 6:4, 6 ("your Father who sees in secret will reward you")1 Samuel 16:7 ("the Lord does not see as man sees")Revelation 12:10 ("the accuser of the brethren")➡️ Do you know a Bible teacher with an event coming up? Send her this episode and offer to be on her prayer team. If the show has helped you, please rate and review it. That helps other teachers find it. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Connect with Teach Equip: To learn more about our ongoing curriculum, licensee programs, training labs, and upcoming resources, head over to teachequip.com 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @teachequip Have questions or want to connect? 💌 Email us at info@teachequip.com
Season 13, Episode 7

Women in Ministry: The Main Complementarianism Failure

Help train up women in your church! https://teachequip.com/clearly What if complementarianism became known for what it celebrates, not just what it restricts? Jimmy and Kelly Needham explore how complementarian churches can move beyond defining what women can and cannot do and instead create a culture where women are valued, equipped, affirmed, and actively involved in ministry. We unpack four practical ways pastors and church leaders can help women thrive: investigate how the women in their church are doing, identify women who are already faithfully serving, invest in their growth through training and resources, and involve them in the work and life of the church. We also discuss practical guardrails for healthy relationships between men and women, the importance of pastoral initiative, and how women can respond with grace, prayer, and long-suffering when their church leadership has room to grow. What We Learned Complementarianism teaches that men and women are different and complementary, with those differences being important, intentional, and valuable.Pastors and church leaders can investigate the spiritual health of the women in their church by regularly asking trusted women about discipleship, biblical knowledge, outside influences, and common struggles.Leaders should identify women who are faithfully serving, showing an appetite for deeper theology, discipling others, and consistently contributing to the life of the church.Identifying a woman’s gifting should be followed by affirming it; having a godly male leader recognize and call attention to a woman’s ministry gifting can be deeply formative.Churches can invest in women through conferences, books, courses, resources, cohorts, and other opportunities for theological and ministry development.Leaders can involve women by seeking their perspective in areas such as marriage counseling, sermon preparation, church initiatives, and other aspects of church life.Healthy involvement includes appropriate relational guardrails, such as giving affirmation publicly or including a woman’s husband when communicating privately.Women who feel unsupported by church leadership are encouraged to extend forgiveness and grace, pray for their pastors, fight bitterness, and patiently seek health and change within their church.DefinitionsComplementarianism – men and women have sameness in worth, but difference in roles. Egalitarianism – men and women have sameness in worth, sameness in roles. Related Episodes⁠We did a deep dive on 1 Timothy 2 here: “So...Can Women Not Talk in Church?” “Complimentarianism (and other short words)”“Gender Roles Q&A”“She Should Cover Her Head??”“Complementarianism Isn’t About You — It’s About God”Resources Mentioned Jen WilkinSimeon Trust WorkshopsPurpose FooledJoin our team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 2

Gluttony Isn't What You Think It Is

What if gluttony is much broader than simply overeating? We explore why gluttony has become one of the least-discussed sin issues in modern Christian discipleship and how our relationship with food can reveal deeper questions about self-control, gratitude, worship, shame, and what we ultimately believe will satisfy us. We unpack gluttony as a misuse of God’s good gift of food, examine why we tend to avoid talking about it, and look at the Bible’s positive vision for how we should eat: for God’s glory, with self-control, with gratitude, and without becoming overly picky or entitled. Most importantly, we trace food all the way back to the gospel and the way God uses food and drink throughout Scripture to point us toward Jesus, the Bread of Life and the One who truly satisfies. What We Learned Gluttony is broader than overeating; it can involve deviating from God’s design for our relationship with food.We often avoid discussing gluttony because confronting it may require us to change, and because our eating habits can carry significant shame and secrecy.Gluttony and drunkenness are connected in Scripture as examples of misusing God’s good gifts through excess.We are called to eat and drink for the glory of God rather than for our own beauty, pleasure, vanity, or sense of entitlement.Self-control is an important part of a healthy biblical relationship with food, including knowing when to eat, when to stop, and when our motivations for eating or restricting food are misplaced.Scripture calls us to receive food with gratitude because everything God created is good and is meant to be received as a gift from Him.The Bible also challenges us not to become overly picky about food, cultivating the ability to receive what is set before us with gratitude.Food ultimately points beyond itself to Jesus: as we receive God’s good gifts, we can marvel at the One who is the Bread of Life and who satisfies what our souls truly need.Resources Mentioned Our favorite Bible study about food and gluttony: Setting Captives Free (it's free and online!)The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis (Check out letter 17)Thomas Aquinas on GluttonyOther episodes where we tackle food issues: God at the Center of my Eating HabitsHealth and Wellness: How Seriously Should Christians Take ItFood and the ChristianCheck out this series of articles Kelly wrote about this issue: Food and the Bible Scripture Referenced: Proverbs 23:20–21Proverbs 25:161 Corinthians 9:27 1 Corinthians 10:31Galatians 5:22-251 Timothy 4:3–51 Timothy 5:23John 6:11Luke 10:8John 4:13-14John 6:35,48Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 6

Women in Ministry: Why You Should Have an Opinion

Should we have strong convictions about secondary issues like women in ministry—or should we simply agree to disagree and move on? We believe Scripture calls us to something more thoughtful: to study the Bible carefully, form settled convictions before God, and remain unified with Christians who may land differently. We walk through how to develop biblical convictions responsibly by assessing where our current beliefs came from, studying the whole of Scripture both personally and in community, learning from church history, and testing our conclusions against the wisdom of the broader church. We then apply that process to complementarianism, exploring why we believe Scripture presents men and women as equal in dignity and worth while giving them distinct roles in the home and church. We also talk honestly about how women’s gifts can be undervalued in the church, why experience alone shouldn’t determine our theology, and how we can hold convictions firmly while still loving and partnering with believers who disagree. What We Learned Romans 14 calls Christians to be fully convinced in their own minds about secondary issues rather than simply avoiding convictions.Forming a conviction begins with assessing what we currently believe, where those beliefs came from, and whether they were inherited, studied, or shaped by past experiences.We should study what the whole Bible says about an issue, rather than building our position primarily from what other people say about Scripture.Biblical study should happen both personally and corporately, involving other believers and the local church rather than treating ourselves as “Lone Ranger Christians.”Church history can help test our interpretations, expose novel views, and show how Christians throughout history have understood Scripture.We believe the biblical pattern points toward complementarianism: men and women have equal dignity and worth while God gives them distinct roles in the home and local church.Women are essential partners in ministry and that complementarianism is not a statement about women’s ability, giftedness, or value.We can hold firmly to our convictions while still loving, affirming, and working alongside Christians who disagree with us on secondary issues.Resources Mentioned Learn how to study the Bible for yourself: See For Yourself ⁠Websites to learn more about church fathers and church history: Newadvent.org and Ccel.org Recommended Reading on Church History: The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History Our Legacy by John Hannah Invitation to Church HistoryTeach Equip — a seven-month program for training lay-level Bible teachersRelated Episodes⁠We did a deep dive on 1 Timothy 2 here: “So...Can Women Not Talk in Church?” “Complimentarianism (and other short words)”“Gender Roles Q&A”“She Should Cover Her Head??”“Complementarianism Isn’t About You — It’s About God”Scripture Referenced: Romans 14Titus 1:5-91 Timothy 3:1-7Acts 6:1-7Judges 4-5 Join our team! patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 3

Gluttony Q&A

What if the way we eat is meant to point us to something—or Someone—far more satisfying than food itself? We continue our conversation about gluttony by looking at why food can become a substitute for Jesus, especially when we turn to it to satisfy stress, boredom, anxiety, or other spiritual needs. We talk honestly about shame, secrecy, confession, repentance, and the freedom that comes from bringing our struggles into the light. We also explore practical ways to fight gluttony: enjoying food with gratitude, fleeing temptation, knowing our personal triggers, building accountability, fasting, and depending on the Holy Spirit for self-control. Finally, we discuss how to approach gluttony in others with humility, prayer, curiosity, and a desire to help one another honor God—not shame one another. What We LearnedFood is meant to point us toward Jesus and remind us that He is truly satisfying.Gluttony can happen when we take a spiritual need—such as stress, boredom, or worry—and look to food to satisfy it instead of turning to Jesus.Confession is a necessary starting point for freedom because shame and secrecy keep people trapped in the cycle.Fighting gluttony requires both repentance and practical action, including finding trusted people who can pray, encourage, and hold us accountable.We can enjoy food as a gift from God by slowing down, savoring it, and receiving it with gratitude.Sometimes the wise response to temptation is to flee it by creating boundaries around foods, environments, and situations where we know we're vulnerable.Fasting can teach us that food is not our master and that our hunger can remind us that we depend on God for our sustenance.Holy Spirit-produced self-control does not necessarily feel easy; fighting temptation can involve real effort, discipline, and dependence on God at the same time.Resources MentionedOur favorite Bible study about food and gluttony: Setting Captives Free (it's free and online!)The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis (Check out letter 17)Other episodes where we tackle food issues: God at the Center of my Eating HabitsHealth and Wellness: How Seriously Should Christians Take ItFood and the ChristianCheck out this series of articles Kelly wrote about this issue: Food and the Bible Scripture Referenced: John 6:35Deuteronomy 8:3Galatians 5:22-231 Timothy 1:1-51 Corinthians 6:181 Corinthians 10:13-141 Timothy 6:112 Timothy 2:22Have a question you would like us to tackle? Email question@clearlypodcast.com. Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 13, Episode 4

How To Explain the Trinity to Kids: The God Party

What if the Trinity isn’t just a complicated doctrine we need to explain, but an invitation into friendship with God? Jimmy and Kelly Needham explore how we can talk with kids about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a way that is faithful to Scripture, accessible to children, and connected to the gospel. We unpack why the Trinity matters to our understanding of salvation, why common analogies like water and team members can create theological problems, and how “one what and three whos” can give kids a framework for understanding who God is. We also explore how catechisms, conversation starters, Scripture, and honest conversations can help parents disciple the next generation—even when we don’t have every answer. At the heart of it all is a beautiful truth: God invites us into His relationship and friendship with Him. What We LearnedThe Trinity is not a secondary theological topic; understanding God as three in one helps us make sense of the gospel and what Jesus accomplished on the cross.Common Trinity analogies can be misleading. The water illustration can communicate modalism, the idea that God changes between Father, Son, and Spirit rather than being three persons at the same time.A helpful framework for kids is that God is one “what” and three “whos”: one God, three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.The Trinity isn’t only about getting theological categories right. Because God is a community within Himself, He invites us into friendship and fellowship with Him.A simple phrase for children is: “God’s one what and three whos, and he wants to party with you.”Catechisms and short question-and-answer phrases can give children memorable categories they can carry with them as they read the Bible and grow in their understanding of salvation.We can teach children how each person of the Trinity is involved in salvation: God the Father planned our salvation, God the Son died for our sins, and God the Spirit opened our eyes so we trust in Him.Parents don’t need to pretend they know everything. Saying, “I don’t know, but I’d love to find out together,” can model humility, learning, and how to seek trustworthy answers.Resources MentionedDelighting in the Trinity by Michael ReevesJimmy's Spoken Word on the Trinity: The Triune GodNew City CatechismEverything a Child Should Know about God by Kenneth TaylorThe God Party by Jimmy Needham & Sebastian Martin Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com
Season 12, Episode 9

5 Bible Study Hacks We Wish We Knew Sooner

What if the key to getting more out of Bible study isn't simply reading more, but learning how to slow down, ask better questions, and carry God's Word into everyday life? We share practical Bible study hacks that have helped us dig deeper into Scripture over decades of study, from asking "in what sense?" when a passage could be misunderstood, to reading an Old Testament and New Testament book side by side. We also talk about looking for "why words" that reveal God's purposes and character, letting Scripture "simmer" instead of rushing on to the next thing, creating topical "home bases" in our Bibles, and practicing a midday recall to bring what we've read into the rest of our day. Our goal isn't simply to collect information or have all the right answers, but to know God, be transformed by His Word, and keep growing in confidence and joy as we study Scripture. What We LearnedAsking "In what sense?" can help us avoid taking a biblical statement beyond what the text actually means and protect us from interpretive errors.Reading an Old Testament book and a New Testament book at the same time can help us stay engaged when we reach portions of Scripture that feel difficult, confusing, or less interesting.Looking for "why words" such as "so that," "in order that," and "because" can reveal God's purposes and help us see His character in passages that might otherwise feel disconnected from everyday life.We can "let it simmer" after Bible reading by journaling, sitting quietly, taking a walk, doing a hands-on task without adding new information, or simply giving our minds space to process what we just read.Creating topical "home bases" in the margins of our Bibles can help us build our own cross-reference catalog, gathering passages about a particular theme in one place for future study.Writing in our Bibles—even when we might later need to cross something out or change our thinking—can help us remember and internalize what we're learning.A "midday recall" can help us remember what we read earlier, reflect on what stood out, pray about it, and connect God's Word to ordinary moments throughout the day.The purpose of Bible study isn't merely to become smarter or collect the right answers; we want to know God, be changed into His likeness, and be transformed by His Word.Resources MentionedNew Inductive Study Bible See For Yourself (Get 1 week for free!) Patreon - Clearly Podcast Produced by Sound of a Rose — https://soundofarose.com

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