Show Notes

From Empty Nest to Full Purpose
From her journey to publishing her book, Empty Nest Awakening, to her expanding role as a mentor and coach for empty nest entrepreneurs, Ruthie Gray's story is one of personal growth, faith, and finding God's purpose. Read more
From Rules to Grace
This episode is a testament to the power of questioning, grappling with, and reshaping old beliefs to align with the love and grace that Jesus embodies. Read more
Rediscovering Your Place in the Pew
Michelle talks about the key factors that contribute to feeling at home in a church community, and how to overcome the barriers to connection in order to find belonging and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're searching for your spiritual home or have found it, this episode will resonate with you. Read more
Is Critical Thinking Dead?
Is critical thinking dead? It doesn't have to be! In this episode of Life Repurposed, we're diving into the world of critical thinking and its profound impact on life, culture, Bible study, faith, and spirituality. Read more
Challenging Gender Roles in the Church: Empowering Women in Leadership and Ministry
As we journey through life, our perspectives and beliefs undergo a transformation, often challenging long-held traditions and assumptions. In Episode 197 of "Life Repurposed," host Michelle Rayburn shares her personal journey of challenging traditional beliefs about biblical manhood and womanhood. Reflecting on her own evolving perspective and the influence of influential books, she explores the need for open dialogue and understanding within faith communities, particularly regarding women's leadership in the church. Michelle offers practical steps for empowering women and emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse gifts for shared leadership. Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes This week, host Michelle Rayburn explores the deeply personal and evolving journey of challenging traditional gender roles and beliefs within the context of biblical teachings. Through introspection and scholarly exploration, she reflects on her own journey of growth, influenced by various books and authors who have questioned and challenged the prevailing notions of biblical manhood and womanhood. Michelle shares her initial influence by the Danvers Statement on biblical manhood and womanhood and how it impacted her views as a newlywed in the late eighties. She discusses the transformative impact of books like "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by John Piper and Wayne Grudem, "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by Aimee Bird, "On Purpose" by Julie Zine Coleman, and "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Beth Allison Barr. These readings challenged her long-held beliefs, instigating a profound period Read more