Hear Women

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Latest Episodes:

What the Church Needs to Know About Confronting Sexism | Heather Matthews Mar 23, 2026

Sexism in the church isn’t limited to headline-grabbing moments—it’s often quiet, persistent, and too easily overlooked.

In this episode of Hear Women, hosts Tara Beth Leach and Nijay Gupta are joined by Heather Matthews to take an honest look at the overt and covert ways women are held back in ministry. Matthews is a pastor, church planter, author, and educator who has worked in various ministry contexts in the US and internationally for twenty-five years. From subtle exclusions and lost opportunities to direct limits and unpaid work, her journey reveals both the personal pain and the collective loss experienced when women are undervalued or discriminated against.

Yet the biblical story offers a different perspective. Drawing from her own story and her book, Confronting Sexism in the Church, Matthews challenges us: What does the overarching story of Scripture teach us about women?

As Matthews describes her journey of understanding Scripture and shares her personal story, she offers how anti-sexism might become a reality instead of just a slogan. Listen in for practical insight, encouragement, and a compelling invitation to become the kind of ally that women in the church desperately need.

This episode highlights the following themes:

The pervasive forms of sexism in the church
How theological reflection on Scripture can empower women to embrace their God-given gifts
Practical approaches for confronting sexism in faith communities

Links from this episode:

Discover more about Heather Matthews
Read Heather Matthews’ book, Confronting Sexism in the Church
Read The Vulnerable Pastor by Mandy Smith, and learn more about her work
Read Allies in Ministry by Rob Dixon
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.

Why the Church Needs to Hear Women Mar 09, 2026

The church is at its best when both women and men have a place at the table.

In this premiere episode of the Hear Women podcast, hosts Tara Beth Leach, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, and Nijay Gupta open up a heartfelt conversation on why the church needs to hear from women—not just in theory, but in practice.

Through personal story and prayerful vision, the hosts challenge the church’s often limited imagination about what women can do and urge listeners to recognize the vital and diverse contributions women bring. They remind us that amplifying women’s voices isn’t solely a matter of representation, but a necessity for the church’s flourishing, mission, and future—especially amid today’s cultural moment.

Whether you’re a young woman searching for your place, an established leader, or someone who longs to see the church live into God’s full design, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement.

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.

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

Introducing: Hear Women Mar 02, 2026

Throughout history, women have often been relegated to the sidelines, subjugated by patriarchy, or prevented from exercising their God-given gifts at all.

But women foster human flourishing in an array of spaces—as authors, pastors, and scholars. As friends, parents, and conversation partners. And much, much more. This half of the church has a unique voice that the whole church needs to hear.

In Hear Women, a new podcast from InterVarsity Press, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta engage in conversations that highlight the many ways that women are having a profound impact in the church, their communities, and the world. Join us as we listen to women, for the good of the church.

Links from this episode: