ann-theme-2017

This year we will read together books which articulate varying views on the nature of women’s spirituality, and their role in Church and mission. The texts we selected will allow us to hear clar arguments from differing points of view, enabling us to engage and examine the differing viewpoints held in various traditions on the role and scope of women’s life in the Church. We invite you to join us as we explore the vision of women’s spirituality and its implication on our life and mission.

• Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman's Place in Church and Family (3rd edition), Gilbert Belzekien
• Women and Ministry: What the Bible Teaches, Dan Doriani
• Why Not Women? A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership, Loren Cunningham, David Joel Hamilton
• Ministry at the Margins: The Prophetic Mission of Women, Youth and the Poor, Cheryl Sanders

Suggested Readings
• How I changed my Mind about Women in Leadership, Alan F. Johnson
• What Paul Really said About Women: an Apostle’s Liberating Views on Equality and Marriage, Leadership and Love, John Temple Bristoe

Vignettes of the "Hidden Persons of the Heart" (1 Pet. 3.3-6)

They have hearts of . . .

1. Vignettes of the “Hidden Person of the Heart,” 1 Pet. 3.3-6 (Introduction)
2. Awe-filled: Queen of Sheba, 2 Chron. 9.1-12
3. Tender: Samaritan Woman, John 4.1-42
4. Determined: Woman with Issue of Blood, Mark 5.24-34
5. Shrewd: Shiphrah, Puah, Exod. 1.8-20
6. Deferring: Elizabeth, Luke 1.39-45
7. Broken: Hannah, 1 Sam 2.1-11
8. Expectant, Anna, Luke 2.36-38
9. Focused: Mary (sister of Martha), Luke 10.38-42, Luke 12.1-8
10. Shameless: Mary Magdalene, John 20.1-18 
11. Worshipful: Miriam, Exod. 15.1-21
12. Faithfilled: Sarah, Gen. 17.15-21, 18.1-15 (Heb. 11.11-12)
13. Deep: Mary, Mother of Christ, Luke 1.46-56, 26-38
14. Wise: Abigail, 1 Sam. 25.1-42 
15. Fierce: Deborah (Jael), Judges 4.1-24 (ch. 5)
16. Loyal: Ruth, Ruth 1.1-18
17. Sacrificial: Esther, Esther 4.1-17
18. Humble: The Canaanite Woman, Matt. 15.21-28
19. Truthful: Priscilla, Acts 18.24-28
20. Vignettes of the “Hidden Person of the Heart,” Proverbs 31 (Outtro)

This series promises to teach us much regarding the unique and powerful shape of Spirit-filled women’s spirituality, how they answered God’s call in the face of challenge, difficulty, and opportunity. Together with the books we will read on the role of women in the Church and Kingdom, this series will offer us the chance in dialogue and study to learn how godly women impact and shape the life of the Church, and enable us to fulfill Christ’s mission to advance his Kingdom in the world today.