SHEcclesiology--Girls Talking Church Jayne Wilcox

In this episode the SHE-Team discusses abuses of power and deception and vulnerability within the church. Inspired by Diane Langberg's 'Redeeming Power' and the 'Shiny Happy People' documentary on the Duggars, the discussion addresses the power dynamics revealed in the Duggar family's story and the broader implications within religious communities, especially concerning the Institute for Basic Life Principles (IBLP). Through a detailed examination of male headship, dominance, and the exploitation of vulnerable members within faith-based settings, the episode sheds light on the mechanisms that enable and conceal abuses. It also evaluates the role of accountability structures in preventing abuse, alongside the critical importance of empowering individuals within the church to promote transparency and justice. This episode not only critiques the existing power structures and abuses within Christian communities but also suggests a paradigm shift towards a more equitable and Kingdom-centered approach in church leadership and community life.



Find the Episode Show Notes on our website with links to our sources referenced in the episode here.

In this episode the SHE-Team delves into themes of power, deception, and vulnerability within the church. We discuss Diane Langberg's work on power dynamics, "Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church" and the documentary on the Duggars titled “Shiny Happy People”. The episode unpacks various forms of power, including verbal, emotional, physical, specialized knowledge, economic, spiritual, and cultural power, and emphasizes the responsibility of wielding power justly to avoid abuse. The team explores the definitions of vulnerability and deception, with insights from Langberg's work, highlighting how responses to vulnerability reveal truths about personal character and the potential for exploitation within power dynamics. Personal reflections and examples are shared throughout the episode to illustrate how power can be both a source of blessing and harm, depending on its use. The SHE-Team encourages awareness and literacy in recognizing power dynamics and vulnerabilities to foster healthier church environments.

The SHE-Team returns after a short furlough through the Fall season. We look back at 2023 and catch up with each other about our transitions in life and work. We ponder the weightiness of new titles and how much we haven’t changed even while we transition into new roles, responsibilities, and life stages. And the peculiar life of Ohio Amish get some air time as it piques our curiosity.

The SHE team watches the Barbie movie! We're are super excited to talk about the fun and glitter of Barbie Land, our take on various scenes, our most favorite lines, and of course we bring it home with some application between the church, Barbies and Kens, and the patriarchy represented by Ken being patriarchalized when he visits the Real World.


Find the Episode Show Notes on our website with links to our sources referenced in the episode here.

Are there signs that we hang on the metaphorical front door of our churches or our denominations, that unwittingly, subtly, in the most gentlest of fonts communicate “Go Away” to certain individuals that don't fit comfortably into our communities or our theology, or certain kinds of people that are different than us–in gender, ethnicity, or sexuality?”

Jayne recently gave a message to a room of mostly pastors–mostly men and mostly white–starting with an introduction about the subtle Go-Away signs on the front doors of our Churches. It was essentially a message about the need to diversify leadership among a tribe of churches that is mostly white and mostly male, both at the local level and national level.

At this event, a bit later a pastor in attendance asked this question: “Where are we excluding people– how are we excluding women and poc in our churches? I don’t see it. I don’t see how we are excluding others.”

In part one of this episode, the SHE-Team work through definitions and examples of Second Generation Gender Bias that are barriers for women rising in leadership roles.


Find the Episode Show Notes on our website with links to our sources referenced in the episode here.

The SHE Team is talking about Mother’s Day and the annual celebration we hold at our churches and how it has become–or has always been–problematic for some women and maybe for some men as well. Before the four of us settled on doing a Mother’s Day episode, we agreed that it would definitely fall in the category or genre of disruption–meaning, our conversation will intentionally seek to disrupt the accepted norms and behaviors of how the church celebrates Mother’s Day. This is #anti-donut ministry at its finest. However, while in the spirit of deconstructing the current state of Mother’s Day, we want to finish up the episode with a bit of re-construction and talk about how the church can honor the vocation of motherhood first, as partnering with God in God’s work in the world and also, motherhood as a journey to holiness that sanctifies through sacrificial and selfless service to the little people entrusted to them.


Find the Episode Show Notes on our website with links to our sources referenced in the episode here.