Who was Mary Magdalene and what does her story offer to Christians in the 21st century? Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today, which recently received the honor of being a 2025 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist. Jennifer helps us to understand the unique place Mary Magdalene has in the story of Jesus as a woman, a believer, and a model for Christians across the ages. We talk about the ways Mary’s life impacted the church across the world, and we learn about some crucial misunderstandings that have maligned Mary’s name over the years. Jennifer also offers encouraging thoughts about her experience as a woman in the academy — and if you listen to the end of the credit, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Jennifer shares her story of advocating for maternity leave on campus.

“Doing your PhD is ... there's a lot of pressure for sure, but you never get that kind of space and time [again] to focus on a single project. As soon as you leave ... there are so many other demands in your time. The privilege of getting to sit with a topic for years and have so many people invest in the work that you're doing and speak into it and help you to improve it — it's so wonderful. I would do PhDs for the rest of my life.”

Women in the church have endured centuries of mixed messages, listening to messages of our limitations and deficiencies while also reading the stories of Jesus and his countercultural way of treating women with respect and honor. We’re reminded of Jasmine Obeyesekere Fernando’s writing on the remarkable conversation Jesus has with the Samaritan woman in John 4. The power of the patriarchy still holds great influence in 2025, but increasing opportunities for women allow new freedom to follow God and the fullness of God’s calling on our lives. Each of our readers participates in this good work as you continue to pursue the work God has invited you into. We’re honored to stand beside you and cheer you on with blessings and support.

“Many women have embraced their full equality with men in value and gifting and have dived into the leadership that God has called them to — but they did not see themselves in this light while they were growing up in the Church. It is over time that they recognized their worth, as their understanding of the Scriptures deepened, either through their own study or hearing other people.”

You’re Invited!

Would you (or someone you know) enjoy working with Women Scholars and Professionals? We’re looking for someone with skills in marketing & communications. Check out our job listing!

Weekly prayer is on break for the summer!! Join us again when we resume in August 2025. Need support? Send your prayer requests by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org.

Summer Book Club. Mark your calendars and join Women Scholars and Professionals this summer for a discussion of Steven Garber's The Seamless Life: A Tapestry of Love and Learning, Worship and Work. We’ve already begun, but even if you missed the first meeting, you can still join us for our next one on June 24. Click through for details!

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS

Transform Your Writing: A Workshop (June 23-27, 2025) Do you feel called to write but wish you had more time to focus on it? Would you like to improve your craft or learn to write more effectively? Do you need encouragement or consultation to discern next steps on your writing? If so, the Transform Your Writing workshop might be for you. Space is limited, so apply now!

• IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

• Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Announcing CBE’s 2025 Writing Contest—Celebrating Creativity. Are you interested in women’s biblical equality and mutuality? Do you want to share your creative writing? If so, CBE’s ninth annual writing contest is an excellent place to begin! Entries will be accepted May 23–July 20. Click through for details.

Ages & Stages: How Women Work & Lead Across Seasons of Life. This spring the DePree Center at Fuller Seminary joins Women, Work, & Calling at The Denver Institute for Faith and Work to host a four-part webinar series explores the challenges and opportunities unique to distinct seasons of life through the experiences of women who have lived and led through them. Click through to learn more.

The Faculty Theological Collaborative (August 4-6, 2025) supports Christian professors at secular universities in faith-informed research and teaching. Cosponsored by Regent College, the Center for Christianity and Scholarship, and the Consortium of Christian Study Centers, this three-day workshop at Duke University provides advanced theological training, living examples of the unity of faith and scholarship, and rich fellowship with Christian faculty across institutions and disciplines. Click through to learn more.

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. How to Make Friendships Last Your Whole Life (plus more ideas for keeping up with friends) (The Atlantic, unlocked)

2. You Are Not Meant to Be a Square Watermelon: A message to seminary graduates and Christian leaders who feel pressured to fit in theological boxes from Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes (video with transcript)

3. The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you.

4. Why Whimsy Is Having a Moment