In this episode of Need to Know we welcome book contributors Liz Ríos and Lisa Rodriguez-Watson to discuss resistance against empire, and embracing the confrontation of the Jesus-way. We explore the lived experiences of women leaders, the role of resistance against oppressive structures, and the significance of listening to marginalized voices. Liz and Lisa each emphasize the necessity of love, community, and the rejection of fear even as we deal with those who don’t agree with us, as we move towards a flourishing church.

Show Notes

Link to order the book: Need to Know: Empowering Female Leadership and Why It’s Essential for the Future of the Church

takeaways

* Women’s empowerment is essential for the flourishing of the church.

* Collaborative leadership is necessary to counteract the influence of empire.

* Listening to marginalized voices is vital for understanding the impact of empire.

* Resistance against oppressive structures is ongoing work.

* Maintaining grace and hope is important for leaders facing challenges.

* The church's decline is often due to a failure to embrace justice and inclusivity.

* Love and community are foundational for church growth and health.

* Education and awareness are critical for understanding the complexities of leadership.

keywords

church leadership, empowerment of women, collaborative leadership, resistance, allies, voices from the margins, Billy Graham rule, community, love, justice

Sound Bites

* "The church needs women."

* "Don't be afraid."

* "The empire runs on fear."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Need to Know book

03:28 The Impact of Empire and the Kingdom Way of Doing Things

06:32 Collaborative Leadership and the Need for Change

10:46 The At Odds Nature of Empire and the Church

16:31 Choosing Life and Undoing the Co-Opting of the Church

19:07 Shifting the DNA of the Church and Fostering Community

21:23 The Importance of Love and Following Jesus

26:49 The Holy Work of Resistance

28:08 Subverting Tokenism and Embracing Real Influence

29:15 Challenging the Billy Graham Rule and Fear-Based Mindsets

33:39 Education, Awareness, and Listening as Tools for Change