Podcast
The Alabaster Jar
Hosted by Dr. Lynn Cohick · EN
The Alabaster Jar is a weekly podcast hosted by Dr. Lynn Cohick. Dr. Cohick is a highly respected New Testament scholar and the founding president of the Center for Women in Leadership, a 501C3 organization designed to encourage women as they minister and lead in the church and in the academy.
33episodes
Episodes
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S6 E45 | 1 Corinthians Part 5: Resurrection, New Creation, and Everyday Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 15–16)
5d ago00:41:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer complete the final episode of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring Paul’s rich teaching on the resurrection in chapters 15–16 and why a bodily resurrection is central to the Christian faith. They unpack how Christ’s resurrection defeats both sin and death, securing not only our personal hope but the restoration of the whole creation. They discuss the role of the Trinity in redemption, the promise of our own transformed, glorified bodies, and what it means to live in the “already and not yet” between Christ’s resurrection and His return. Resources Mentioned: The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E44 | 1 Corinthians Part 4: Headship, Hierarchy, and the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 11-14)
2w ago00:42:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer cover part 4 of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians 11–14, where Paul addresses worship, headship, and life together in the church. Dr. Cohick unpacks the debated term kephalē (“head”) and considers how early church voices, cultural context, and Paul’s own rhetoric shape our understanding of hierarchy, source, and representation. They then move to women praying and prophesying, spiritual gifts, and the call for orderly worship that builds up the whole body of Christ. Then they conclude on the Lord’s Supper and how status, power, and neglect of the vulnerable can distort true communion, challenging listeners to embody a freedom that expresses itself in love for one another. Resources Mentioned: 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral, and Missional Commentary by Dr. Michael J. GormanWomen and Worship at Corinth: Paul's Rhetorical Arguments in 1 Corinthians by Dr. Lucy PeppiattThe Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E43 | 1 Corinthians Part 3: Freedom to Love in Community (1 Corinthians 7–10)
3w ago00:34:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer begin part 3 of their 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians, un 7-10, showing that Paul’s vision of freedom in Christ is not for personal autonomy but for loving service within community. They highlight Paul’s radically countercultural teaching on mutuality in marriage and his affirmation of singleness as a faithful vocation, especially for women. Dr. Cohick also unpacks the complex issue of food sacrificed to idols, explaining how knowledge without love can damage weaker believers and compromise Christian witness. Resources Mentioned: The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E42 | 1 Corinthians Part 2: Relearning the Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1–6)
4w ago00:39:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer embark on episode 2 of this 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by exploring 1 Corinthians 1–6, unpacking Paul’s call to a cross-shaped life marked by humility rather than status or eloquence. Lynn explains how the Corinthians’ fascination with elite leaders, worldly wisdom, and personal freedom clashes with the shame and power of the cross. She also highlights Paul’s warnings about divisions in the church, misguided ideas of “servant leadership,” sexual immorality, and lawsuits among believers, all rooted in a distorted view of spiritual freedom. Resources Mentioned: The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E41 | 1 Corinthians Part 1: Setting the Stage for Corinth
Apr 1300:38:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar Podcast, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer introduce a 5-part series on the book of 1 Corinthians by setting the historical and cultural scene of ancient Corinth. Dr. Cohick explains Paul’s 18‑month ministry there, the city’s significance as a hub for the Isthmian Games, and how its love of rhetoric, status, and public performance shaped the church’s problems and priorities. She also highlights the presence and agency of influential women such as Junia Theodora, Phoebe, and Priscilla, challenging assumptions about women’s roles in Corinth and the early church. They also sketch Paul’s multi‑letter, sometimes painful relationship with the Corinthian church and preview key theological themes of the series: the cross and resurrection, the church as the body of Christ, Christian love, and living in the “now and not yet” between Christ’s resurrection and his return. Resources Mentioned: The Satires by JuvenalThe Visual Museum of Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E40 | Dr. Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson | How Trauma-Informed Ministry Heals the Body of Christ
Apr 600:48:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Scot McKnight and trauma counselor Adrienne Gibson to discuss their new book, Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting. Adrienne explains what trauma is, how it impacts the body and brain, and unpacks key concepts like complex trauma and the survival responses of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Scot then applies trauma theory to 2 Corinthians, exploring how the Apostle Paul himself shows signs of trauma in his relationship with the Corinthian church. Together, they outline what a trauma-informed church might look like today, highlighting pillars such as safety, boundaries, empowerment, and emotional awareness for both pastors and congregations. Resources Mentioned: Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who Are Hurting by Dr. Scot McKnight and Adrienne Gibson2 Corinthians: Leading in the Middle of Tension (New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series) by Dr. Scot McKnightComfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors by Dr. Michelle K. KeenerTrauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror by Dr. Judith L. Herman The Visual Museum for Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E39 | Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing | True Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Slide
Mar 3000:44:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with theologian and author Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing about her new book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear. Together they explore why forgiveness is often misunderstood in both secular culture and the church, and how it can uphold, rather than undermine, justice. Dr. Orr-Ewing unpacks different models of forgiveness, the relationship between forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation, and how trauma survivors can move toward healing without minimizing the evil done to them. They also discuss self-forgiveness, the role of community and church liturgy, and how a robust theology of forgiveness can reshape our lives, our churches, and even our national stories. Resources Mentioned: Forgiveness: Reclaiming Its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear by Dr. Amy Orr-EwingMary's Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ by Dr. Amy Orr-EwingAmy Orr-EwingBowling Alone: Revised and Updated: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Dr. Robert D. Putnam The Visual Museum for Women in Christianity The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E38 | More Than a Beauty Pageant: The Real Story of Esther and Vashti
Mar 2300:33:46Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Josephine Stringer explore the Book of Esther through the lives of Esther and Vashti, highlighting how both women display courage under an abusive and volatile king. They set the story in its historical context in the Persian palace at Susa, unpacking Vashti’s costly refusal and Esther’s hidden, strategic path to influencing the king. Along the way, they examine themes of power, dignity, and the isolation faced by women in the royal court.Resources Mentioned: The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityThe Center for Women in LeadershipEpisode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E37 | Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and Mattie Mae Motl | Conquerors, Not Captives: Rethinking Romans 7
Mar 1600:39:15Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and his daughter Maddie Mae Motl about their book, Conquerors, Not Captives: Reframing Romans 7 for the Christian Life. They challenge the popular view that the “I” in Romans 7 is Paul describing the normal Christian struggle with sin and instead argue that Paul is using a rhetorical persona, not speaking autobiographically. Drawing on the wider context of Romans 5–8, church history (from Origen and Augustine to Luther and Calvin), and an apocalyptic/cosmological view of sin and death, they present Romans 7 as depicting life under sin and the law rather than Spirit-empowered Christian existence.Resources Mentioned: The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityConquerors Not Captives: Reframing Romans 7 for the Christian Life by Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and Mattie Mae MotlPaul and the Giants of Philosophy: Reading the Apostle in Greco-Roman Context by Dr. Joseph R. Dodson and Dr. David E. BrionesThe Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
Transcribe →S6 E36 | Dr. Cyndi Parker | Hidden Women, Holy Places: The Samaritan Woman at the Well and the Sisters of Bethany (Part 2)
Mar 900:41:34Tap to summarizeIn Part 2 of their conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Cyndi Parker, an expert in biblical context, continue their discussion about the women in Jesus’ life and the importance of place in understanding Scripture. They focus on the Samaritan woman at the well and Dr. Parker first situates the story in its rich geographical and Old Testament context, explaining the significance of Shechem/Samaria, Jacob’s well, and the deep historical “thickness” of that place in Israel’s narrative.They also unpack the complex history between Jews and Samaritans, showing how questions about the true place of worship and who is the “real” people of God form the backdrop for John 4. They challenge common shame-based interpretations of the Samaritan woman’s marital history and midday trip to the well, arguing instead for a more historically grounded and theologically rich reading that highlights her insight and response to Jesus. To conclude, they unpack a different perspective on what we see in the interaction between Jesus and the Sisters of Bethany. Resources Mentioned: The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityEncountering Jesus in the Real World of the Gospels by Dr. Cyndi Parker Context Matters Podcast with Dr. Cyndi ParkerNarrative of PlaceWomen of the Bible in Art (Museum of the Bible Event with the Center for Women in Leadership) The Center for Women in Leadership Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy, the marketplace, and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology.
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