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.
42episodes
Episodes
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From The Archives | Dr. Caryn A. Reeder | The Samaritan Woman's Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo
5d ago00:33:05Tap to summarizeIn this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick speaks with Dr. Caryn A. Reeder about her book The Samaritan Woman’s Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo. Reeder explains how the wave of abuse disclosures in the church led her to re-examine how Scripture is taught, especially stories involving women and sexuality. Together they challenge the long-standing portrayal of the Samaritan woman as a sexual sinner, arguing instead that her marital history reflects the harsh social realities of the ancient world and that Jesus treats her as a theologically serious conversation partner. They also highlight the woman’s role as a perceptive disciple and effective evangelist whose testimony leads her community to Jesus, contrasting her faith and clarity with the confusion of the disciples.Resources Mentioned: The Samaritan Woman's Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo by Dr. Caryn A. ReederThe Enemy in the Household: Family Violence in Deuteronomy and Beyond by Dr. Caryn A. Reeder Let Her Learn ClassesThe Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityDr. Lynn CohickLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 →From The Archives | Dr. Jeannine K. Brown | Scripture as Communication
2w ago00:24:28Tap to summarizeIn this archived episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews her longtime friend and New Testament scholar Dr. Jeannine Brown about biblical hermeneutics and her work on Philippians. Brown explains how her book Scripture as Communication shapes her approach to interpretation, especially concepts like the implied author and ancient rhetoric’s logos, ethos, and pathos. They also explore Philippians 3 and Paul’s reflection on his Jewish ethnic privilege, using it as a lens to talk about privilege today and how it often remains invisible to those who benefit from it. They also turn to the Christ hymn in Philippians 2, its poetic portrayal of Jesus’ downward movement to servanthood, and its strong resonances with Matthew’s theme of status reversal. Resources Mentioned: Philippians (11) (The Story of God Bible Commentary) by Dr. Lynn H. CohickAfrican Hermeneutics by Dr. Elizabeth MburuReading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Dr. Esau McCaulleyWhat Is the Bible and How Do We Understand It? (The Jesus Way: Small Books of Radical Faith) by Dr. Dennis R. EdwardsPhilippians: An Introduction and Commentary (Volume 11) (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Dr. Jeannine K. BrownSouth Asia Bible Commentary: A One-Volume Commentary on the Whole BibleThe Epistle to the Philippians by Dr. Markus BockmuehlThe Letter to the Galatians (New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT)) by Dr. David deSilvaAfrica Bible Commentary, Second Edition: A One-Volume Commentary from Over 100 African Scholars Scripture as Communication, 2nd Edition: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics by Dr. Jeannine K. Brown Let Her Learn ClassesThe Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityDr. Lynn CohickLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E52 | Dorothy Sayers: Mystery, Work, and the Drama of Redemption
3w ago00:39:36Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and co-host Dr. Josephine Stringer explore the life and work of Dorothy Sayers, a 20th‑century detective novelist, playwright, translator of Dante, and public theologian. They discuss Sayers’ celebrated Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries—especially Gaudy Night—and how her Oxford background, church upbringing, and participation in the “golden age” of detective fiction shaped her writing. Then they turn to Sayers’ theological work, including The Man Born to Be King, Creed or Chaos, and The Mind of the Maker, highlighting her conviction that the drama of redemption is the greatest story ever told. Lynn and Josephine also unpack Sayers’ provocative essays “Are Women Human?” and “Human Not Quite Human,” tracing her vision of work, creativity, and full human dignity for women and men, set against both her own complicated personal story and ongoing debates in the church today. Resources Mentioned: Are Women Human? Penetrating, Sensible, and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society by Dorothy L. SayersLord Peter: The Complete Lord Peter Wimsey Stories by Dorothy L. SayersThe Nine Tailors (The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries Book 11) by Dorothy L. SayersHuman-Not-Quite-Human by Dorothy L. SayersThe Mind of the Maker by Dorothy L. SayersGaudy Night: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery with Harriet Vane by Dorothy L. Sayers The Man Born to Be King by Dorothy L. Sayers The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityDr. Lynn CohickLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E51 | Dr. Michelle Knight | Men and Women at the NLT Translation Table
4w ago00:34:23Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick talks with Dr. Michelle Knight, Old Testament scholar and Senior Reviewer for the New Living Translation (NLT), about their recent work with the NLT translation committee. They describe the collaborative, worshipful environment of the committee, where men and women scholars work together as respected peers in translating Scripture. Lynn and Michelle explain how they refine the NLT to stay both faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek and accessible to modern readers, discussing examples like “scoundrel,” “Levite,” “guest room,” and Hannah’s deep emotional language in 1 Samuel. They also highlight the historical precedent of women contributing to biblical translation, such as Jerome’s collaborators Paula and Marcella, and reflect on how their committee embodies a vision of gender mutuality in service to the church. Resources Mentioned: Let Her Learn ClassesThe Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityDr. Lynn CohickLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E50 | The Journey of The Alabaster Jar: Five Years of Women’s Voices and Vision
Jun 1500:37:09Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and co-host Dr. Josephine Stringer look back on over five years of conversations, featuring more than 250 episodes, 200,000 downloads, and listeners in 25 countries. Lynn shares the story and theological richness behind the podcast’s name, drawn from the New Testament account of the woman with the alabaster jar, and how that narrative has shaped her own discipleship. Together, they revisit memorable guests, humorous moments, tech mishaps, and powerful stories from women leaders, scholars, missionaries, pastors, and writers around the world. They also introduce Let Her Learn, a new initiative of LetHerLead.com designed to create hospitable, accessible spaces for women to pursue deeper theological learning in community. Finally, they reflect on where God may be leading next, especially through fresh scholarship on women in Scripture and a renewed focus on the cross and resurrection in women’s experiences of faith. Resources Mentioned: Women and the Gender of God by Dr. Amy PeelerRediscovering Scripture's Vision for Women: Fresh Perspectives on Disputed Texts by Dr. Lucy PeppiattWhen Courage Calls: Josephine Butler and the Radical Pursuit of Justice for Women by Dr. Sarah C. WilliamsMothers on the Margin?: The Significance of the Women in Matthew's Genealogy by Dr. E. Anne ClemensBecoming Queen Bathsheba by Amanda BedzrahNailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender by Dr. Nicole Massie Martin The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityDr. Lynn CohickLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E49 | Dr. Preston Sprinkle | From Genesis to Junia: Rethinking What the Bible Says About Women in Leadership
Jun 800:52:32Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Preston Sprinkle about his new book, From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership, which traces what the Bible says about women in leadership. Preston describes his work as a genuine research journey rather than a defense of a preconceived position, walking listeners through key texts like Genesis 1–3, the Gospels, and difficult Pauline passages. Together they explore how historical context, narrative shape, and women’s lived experience deepen our reading of Scripture. They also highlight the unique resilience and perspective women bring to the church and what men miss when they don’t receive teaching from women.Resources Mentioned: From Genesis to Junia: An Honest Search for What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership by Dr. Preston SprinkleTheology in the RawThe Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E48 | Dr. M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall | When the Journey Hurts: Finding God’s Purpose in Our Suffering
Jun 100:51:13Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall (Liz Hall) about her book When the Journey Hurts: Finding Meaning in Suffering for Heart, Mind, and Soul. Drawing from her own stage two breast cancer diagnosis and a decade of research, Liz explains the psychological concept of meaning-making, distinguishing between global and situational meaning and how their tension fuels distress. They also explore common ways churches mishandle suffering—vagueness, triumphalism, and defensive theodicies—and instead emphasize purposes in suffering, especially deeper intimacy with Christ and participation in His sufferings. Liz and Lynn also discuss practices like lament, active surrender, forgiveness, and testimony as concrete ways Christians can honestly face pain while rooting their stories in God’s larger redemptive narrative.Resources Mentioned: When the Journey Hurts: Finding Meaning in Suffering for Heart, Mind, and Soul by Dr. Kelly Kapic, Dr. M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, and Dr. Jason McMartinDr. Liz Hall The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E47 | Tiffany Stein | Mourning God, Mystery, and Hope After Unimaginable Loss
May 2500:49:20Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Tiffany Stein about her book, Mourning God: Grieving Loss, Wrestling with God, and Finding Your Way Back to Life. Tiffany shares the story of her son David, who lived 53 days in the NICU, and how his death led her into both profound grief and a disorienting season of feeling God’s absence after initially sensing His nearness. Drawing on Tim Keller and others, she describes different kinds of suffering—especially the “suffering of mystery” and the secondary loss of the God you thought you knew—and unpacks practices of lament, honest wrestling, and “joyful sorrow.” Lynn and Tiffany also explore how deep grief reshapes our understanding of God, the role of the church community in carrying the bereaved, and practical ways both to walk through our own grief and to accompany friends in theirs.Resources Mentioned: Mourning God: Grieving Loss, Wrestling with God, and Finding Your Way Back to Life by Tiffany SteinThe Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich Philippians (The Story of God Bible Commentary Book 11) by Dr. Lynn CohickDark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark VroegopWalking with God through Pain and Suffering by Tim KellerThe Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E46 | Dr. Sandra L. Richter | Reclaiming Proverbs 31: The Heroic Woman at the Heart of Wisdom
May 1800:43:37Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Dr. Lynn Cohick interviews Dr. Sandra L. Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College, to talk about reading Proverbs 31 in its ancient context. Richter explains that Proverbs 31 is the climactic conclusion of a high-level work of wisdom literature, framed as the queen mother’s counsel to her son, King Lemuel, about the kind of partner he truly needs. Together they challenge the way Proverbs 31 has been used to burden women with an impossible ideal, showing instead a heroic portrait of a woman, whose economic savvy, courage, and Torah-shaped wisdom build her family and community. Overall, they both highlight how this passage dignifies women’s work in both the domestic and public spheres and reveal the text as surprisingly life-giving and, in many ways, profoundly pro-woman. Resources Mentioned: The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Dr. Sandra L. RichterThe Epic of Eden Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video, Updated Edition: Understanding the Old Testament as Your Story by Dr. Sandra L. Richter Psalms Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: An Ancient Challenge to Get Serious About Your Prayer and Worship (Epic of Eden) by Dr. Sandra L. Richter The Visual Museum of Women in ChristianityLet Her Lead Episode Sponsor: The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a 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 E45 | 1 Corinthians Part 5: Resurrection, New Creation, and Everyday Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 15–16)
May 1100:41:01Tap 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 →