What does sexism in the church actually look like today—and what can we do about it?
In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. Heather Matthews, a pastor, church planter, educator, and author of Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About It. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a passion for empowering women leaders, Heather brings both lived experience and thoughtful research to this timely topic.
We talk about:
-
The subtle and not-so-subtle ways sexism still shows up in churches—even in those that say they affirm women
-
Why affirming theology alone isn’t enough to dismantle the barriers women face
-
How leadership culture, preaching opportunities, the “Billy Graham rule,” and gendered expectations impact women’s growth
-
Practical steps pastors and churches can take to create a healthier, more equitable leadership culture
-
The spiritual practices that have anchored Heather through resistance, criticism, and self-doubt
Whether you’re a woman navigating leadership in the church or a pastor who wants to be an ally, this conversation will give you language, insight, and next steps for change.
Dr. Heather Matthews currently serves as the Doctor of Ministry Program Manager at Wheaton College Graduate School and is associate pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Naperville, IL. She holds a D.Min. from Fuller Seminary and has spent her career mentoring and developing leaders in both U.S. and international ministry contexts.
You can learn more about her work and find her book through InterVarsity Press or wherever books are sold.
Learn more about Dr. Heather Matthews
More on Dr. Matthews Book, Confronting Sexism in The Church
Connect with Dr. Heather on Facebook
Connect with Dr. Heather on Instagram
Connect with Jeannette on Facebook
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!