PART 1

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”

Elisabeth Elliot

Far too often women are downplayed or even erased from the Christian faith in American Evangelicalism. Whether it is the result of bending to secular misogyny or simply an attempt to prove a more conservative complementarian interpretation of scripture, the role in which women have played in our faith has been monumental, and any attempt at hiding that is an injustice.

When I think of women of faith, I am privileged to have a vast category of examples of heroes to look up to and learn from. I am thankful for the gift of God in biblical characters who offer us examples of leadership, faithfulness, humility, and holiness and thankful for the sisters and mothers I have in my life who do the same. From old testament prophets like Deborah, who offered leadership and guidance even when no one else would, to modern-day theologians like Beth Moore, the ongoing story of Jesus is filled with Women empowered by the Spirit to preach the gospel and shape the Church.

Renowned as one of the great prophets of the old testament, Huldah is known to be the first person to declare certain writings to be Holy Scripture. Upon her declaration of the book of the Law, she called the King Josiah of Judah to repentance, effectively being a voice that lead to the reformation of Judah.

Abigail, a woman of valor, is seen as one of the seven female prophets of the Hebrew Bible. Her courage led her in pursuit of non-violent protest against the attack of David. Risking her life to save that of her husband and his men, she heroically convinced an army to lay down their weapons by choosing humility. Her prophetic words were perhaps what saved David from unjust violent action against King Saul later on.

There is no shortage of virtuous and honorable women in the new testament either. Mary Magdalen was the first evangelist, that is the first to share the good news of Jesus being resurrected! Priscilla, a teacher in the early church was honored by Paul for her bravery in risking her life for the good news. Phoebe is named deacon of the Church. Junia is known as the first woman apostle, as well as many others, named and unnamed who helped further the good news in the early church and in the days of Christ.

Perhaps just as noble as our biblical heroes of the faith, are the women I so, fortunately, get to look up to in my daily walk. My mother, Hannah Overton has so faithfully pastored hundreds in her ministry to those in prison, and anyone who so happens to come across her path. My sister, Ali Overton so daringly offers her life in service of others as she embodies Christ’s love of the least of these and his affection for the outcast. My sister, Isabel Overton whose prophetic voice calls out injustice, and speaks truth to a world that has hardened its hearts. My beautiful wife, Dare Goodspeed Overton whose love for people is never-ending and whose desire to include brings the gospel to those on the fringe. My beloved friends Abigail Joseph, Hayoung Park, and Abbie Williams who embody every quality of deacons in the church. Their service to the poor, needy, and lonely inspires. Their care for the community convicts the Church, and their faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus reflect a hope all but lost in the western world. A leader among leaders is Kayla Baros, whose apostolic gifting creates environments rich with life. A faithful evangelist, and excellent teacher Claire Elise Cross, who continues to grow in her gifting of teaching the word of God as she is empowered by the local church. Jackie Hill Perry, who faithfully preaches the gospel and continues to study theology while simultaneously raising children and running a business. And countless others who have pushed me to be a better man, a better disciple, and have shaped my worldview and theology in magnificent ways.

I owe a thousand ‘thank you’s to the women in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. And although the world may make attempts at snuffing out the female voice that had no doubt shaped the church, I will do everything in my power to lift your voices above my own, for I know you have much to offer the world.