Why the Church Needs Women’s Voices in 2026 | Mid-Season Reflections
Since Hear Women’s launch in March, we’ve heard from an array of guests who are inspiring entire communities to thrive, even amid our ever-changing and unpredictable cultural moment.
In this special mid-season episode, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta gather for an honest check-in, reflecting on life, ministry, and the remarkable guests who’ve been on the show so far. They look back on standout moments, sharing how guests’ stories are sparking change, courage, and holy imagination in the church.
From discussing the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent vote on women pastors to politically motivated attempts to box women in, the hosts also process how current events continue to reveal why truly hearing women is essential. Rather than adding to online debates, they focus on what the church can learn by listening to and highlighting women’s giftings, grit, and unique leadership.
Tune in to join in celebrating women’s stories and what you can expect from the rest of this season of Hear Women.
This episode highlights the following themes:
- Why real, vulnerable conversations with women matter for the health and future of the church
- The impact of elevating women’s stories
- How to cultivate empathy, biblical literacy, and curiosity as we reflect on women’s gifts and leadership
Links from this episode:
- Read the transcript here
- Learn more about Hear Women
- Learn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Nijay Gupta, and Tara Beth Leach
- Read Redeemer by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
- Read Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta
- Read Emboldened by Tara Beth Leach
SPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu to learn more.
Credits:
✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton
✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
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