Taking another look at biblical texts and traditions relating to women and leadership.
Taking another look at biblical texts and traditions relating to women and leadership.
About
About Think Again
Think Again is a series illuminating some of the most contentious and misunderstood passages from Genesis to Revelation. Packed with expert insight delivered by 15 leading theological voices.
A word from our CEO
Think Again is a brand-new series of articles and videos that invites all Christians to pause, reflect, and re-examine how scripture has been read, taught, and applied, especially regarding women and leadership.
This project exists because our beliefs shape our behaviour, theological interpretation shapes culture, and the way we read the Bible has real consequences for real women.
We pray that Think Again will bravely and graciously challenge assumptions that have limited women for generations, creating space for healing, clarity, and freedom not only for women, but for the whole body of Christ.
Amy Summerfield
Endorsements
Think again cracks open the Bible afresh! Honest, bold, and long overdue. In a moment when voices are being erased or weaponized, this is a timely, necessary reclaiming that reminds us: women have always been vital to the story of God.Danielle Strickland, Spiritual Leader, Justice Advocate, Communicator, Peacemaker
I really think this is brilliant. I can’t more highly recommend Kyria and Think Again. I would describe it as an important and hopeful resource. By revisiting contested texts with theological depth and pastoral wisdom, Think Again helps the Church build a culture that empowers women and creates real opportunities for leadership across every sphere of life.Rev Dr Cris Rogers, church planter, leadership coach and theologian committed to discipleship, mission and the renewal of the Church
The Church desperately needs thoughtful, scholarly engagement with the biblical texts that have too often been used to marginalise women, silence their voices, and limit their calling. This ambitious project brings together leading theological minds to tackle these challenging passages head-on, helping us move beyond tired arguments toward genuine understanding. I'm excited to see such wise and distinguished contributors wrestling with these crucial questions that affect half the body of Christ. I know it will be a vital resource for many of us.Chine McDonald, writer, broadcaster and director of the religion and society think tank Theos
I meet many young Christian women who feel God calling them to lead, but who hesitate, unsure if they’re ready or if it’s really for them. For anyone discipling young people, this resource is such a gift. It equips you to have real, biblically grounded, thoughtful conversations, giving young women the confidence to step forward without fear. Honestly, I wish every youth leader I know would see this - I truly think it should be compulsory viewing!Rachel Gardner, Speaker, Author, Church Leader, YouthScape, President of the Girl’s Brigade England
I am deeply encouraged to discover the fantastic resource Think Again which is a timely and much-needed contribution to the ongoing conversation about women in leadership. The wisdom offered by such expert, insightful and respected voices will be a huge gift to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the role of women within the church and the mission of God.Ali Herbert, Associate Pastor at Gas Street Church and author of ‘Powerhouse: Equipped to Minister in the Power of the Spirit’ published by IVP
This Think Again resource is a powerful invitation for women in leadership to lead with theological depth, intellectual courage, and spiritual authority. It equips men and women not only to navigate complex cultural and institutional challenges but also to shape them, bringing biblical clarity, moral conviction, and creative wisdom into every sphere they influence. My hope is that as we all engage with this resource, we will find both affirmation and challenge, and a renewed invitation to steward our influence with confidence and grace.Dan Maudhub, Founder and CEO of the Wonderful Foundation, a charity with a mission to empower change makers for greater impact
Think Again is a timely and refreshingly diverse gathering of expert voices, bringing both clarity and fresh insight to some of the most contested passages on women and leadership, from Genesis to Revelation. Cham Kaur-Mann, Coach and Co-Director of Next Leadership
Revisit some of the most critical questions surrounding women’s ministry and leadership through this vital resource, shaped by some of our most trusted theological voices. Think Again handles Scripture with rigour and reverence , deepening faith and better reflecting the heart of God.Kate Coleman, Author, Coach and Founder of Next Leadership
Rarely do I find a resource that so thoroughly explores the biblical, theological, moral, and social context and impact of the church’s treatment of women’s God-given identity, purpose, and vocation. Even more, each contributing author is well equipped to provide the best research and review of the relevant issues within their discipline. It is an honor to recommend this resource to readers regardless of where you are in your exploration of women’s leadership within Christian contexts.Mimi Haddad, PhD President/CEO CBE International
This Think Again series on Scripture's vision for women in leadership is timely and important. I look forward to hearing from expert scholars, thinkers, and practitioners who desire to see and cultivate beautiful harmony and unity in the church.Dr Nijay K Gupta, Julius R Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary
The Kyria Network has an important role in championing, empowering and releasing women to maximise their leadership gifts in whatever context they find they themselves. Being identified, recognised, supported, encouraged, and spurred on in a relational network is a beautiful gift.Simon Guillebaud MBE, Founder and International Director of Great Lakes Outreach, host of the ‘Inspired’ podcast.
Kyria has pulled together some of the most powerful speakers and thought-leaders of our time to empower us to better understand women through scripture. What a valuable resource!Lauren Windle, SPCK publishing director and author of Notes on Feminism
There’s something deeply powerful about the Think Again series which through the lens of Scripture—allows God’s truth to reshape inherited assumptions and to affirm women as image-bearers, called and commissioned.I’m praying that women would own their space and walk boldly into their leadership—not striving, but grounded in who God says they are.Angie Campbell, Senior Pastor, The C3 church, Ambassador Global Leadership Network and Lifethrive coach
Think Again matters because the Bible tells a bigger story than restrictive frameworks allow. From Genesis to Revelation, God calls and sends women alongside men. This series reads difficult passages carefully without letting a few contested texts override the wider biblical witness to shared vocation, mutual authority, and Spirit-gifted leadership.
Can we read the Bible better? How to understand and discern the meaning of key texts in light of the overarching metanarrative of scripture that speaks to the equality of men and women and their roles in God’s mission.
Did God design men to lead and women to follow? A deep dive into Genesis 1-3, exploring how the creation narrative depicts co-leadership before the fall and how the curse derailed God’s original design.
Do we overlook women leaders in the Old Testament? Drawing from Judges, and 2 Kings especially, this piece explores how God intentionally raised up women who exercised significant influence within their families, tribes, and nations. Focusing on Deborah and Huldah, the piece highlights how their national and spiritual leadership demonstrates key marks of God’s anointing and appointment.
Is Proverbs 31 the unattainable woman leader? A closer look at the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 and whether she can be held up as a relevant standard for us today. Unpacking the original translation, this exposition reveals a woman who leads the way in business, community, and influence.
How did biblical women resist evil and confront injustice? Shining a light on bold women who spoke out and whose actions changed Israel’s law and history. Featuring the stories of Queen Esther, the Exodus midwives and Zelophehad’s daughters, this piece highlights courageous and tenacious women who changed the game for future generations.
Were women confined to the margins of Jesus’ story? Delving into the Gospels, this piece examines how Jesus deliberately drew women in from the margins and explores his radical inclusion of their talents, gifts, faith and time in stark contrast to the cultural and religious status quo. (Luke 10:38-42) (Luke 7:36-50; John 12:1-8) (Luke 8:1-3) (Matthew 15:21-28)
How did Jesus release women to communicate His message? An expansive look at some of the women Jesus chose to be his spokespeople. Covering John 4, John 20, and Luke 24, this piece highlights why it is so significant that Jesus chose and sent women to proclaim the most important and life-changing message in history.
What did the Apostle Paul really think about women? Romans 16, Acts 18 — Paul’s perspective on Christian ministry, drawing attention to women ministers in New Testament churches.
What does 1 Corinthians 11 teach about headship and authority? Understanding the cultural context, unpacking the concept of headship and discovering how Paul actually affirms women prophesying in Church.
Does the Bible really tell women to be quiet and submissive? 1 Corinthians 14 — Breaking down this key and often controversial verse, “women should remain silent” in the light of Paul’s preceding words.
Does the Bible really tell women to be quiet and submissive? 1 Corinthians 14 — Breaking down this key and often controversial verse, “women should remain silent” in the light of Paul’s preceding words.
Are there limits on the spiritual gifts and callings women can receive? How prophecy, preaching, and leadership are for all believers, without restriction, focusing on Acts 2 and Joel 2.
How are women and men a vital part of God’s restoration project? Considering how the final chapters of Scripture paint a prophetic picture of God’s restored creation and ultimate restoration. Revelation doesn’t silence women; it calls them to lead in bringing forth life, partnering with Christ in the renewal of all things.
Does the Bible really tell women to be quiet and submissive? 1 Corinthians 14 — Breaking down this key and often controversial verse, “women should remain silent” in the light of Paul’s preceding words.
Dr Cynthia Bennet Brown is Director of the MA in Theology and Ministry Cranmer Hall, Durham
11 – Seen and Not Heard
Andrew Bartlett KC
Does 1 Timothy 2 ban women from teaching in Church? Examining the original translation, and false teaching that was occurring in Ephesus, and why this isn’t a universal ban in the contentious and often misread passage in 1 Timothy 2.
Andrew Bartlett KC is an International Arbitrator with a BA in Theology. Author of ‘Men and Women in Christ: Fresh Light from the Biblical Texts’ (IVP, 2019) and ‘True Complementarity: Men and Women in Christ’ (IVP, due out in 2026)
12 – Off Limits
Dr Selina Stone
Are there limits on the spiritual gifts and callings women can receive? How prophecy, preaching, and leadership are for all believers, without restriction, focusing on Acts 2 and Joel 2.
Dr Selina Stone is Lecturer in Theology and Ethics, School of Divinity, Lecturer in Theology and Ethics in the School of Divinity, at the University of Edinburgh
13 – A new beginning
Kenny Innes MA
How are women and men a vital part of God’s restoration project? Considering how the final chapters of Scripture paint a prophetic picture of God’s restored creation and ultimate restoration. Revelation doesn’t silence women; it calls them to lead in bringing forth life, partnering with Christ in the renewal of all things.
Kenny Innes – MA, WTC Faculty ‘Theological Foundations for Spiritual Formation’, TheoDisc podcast host, Teaching Pastor, Kyria Board Member
Conclusion – In The End
Rev Dr Steve Holmes
Rev Dr Steve Holmes is Senior Lecturer in Theology, University of St Andrews, School of Divinity, Kyria Council of Reference
by Revd Dr Canon Sharon Prentis
