39. Is This Really God's Design? Rethinking Gender Roles in the Church

In this episode, Jeannette Cochran takes a bold and thoughtful look at complementarian theology—the belief that men are divinely appointed to lead while women are called to follow. Whether this term is brand new to you or something you've wrestled with for years, this conversation is for every woman who has felt the quiet pressure to stay small, hold back, or defer to others—even when she knows God has called her to lead.

Jeannette shares her personal journey from embracing complementarianism to challenging it through deep study of Scripture, cultural context, and the heart of the gospel. She unpacks why the idea of “equal in value, different in role” sounds kind but often functions as a spiritual caste system that limits women and distorts God’s design.

You'll walk away with:

• A clear understanding of what complementarianism teaches

• Why it matters—even if you’re not in formal ministry

• How this theology affects leadership, marriage, and identity

• A bigger, bolder vision of mutuality, equality, and shared leadership in the Kingdom of God

If you've ever wondered whether the gender roles you’ve been handed are really biblical—or if you’ve felt the tension between your calling and the messages from your faith community—this episode will offer clarity, hope, and freedom.