Susan Harris Howell Unearths a Hopeful Vision for Women and Power
What if the problem in some churches isn’t a lack of gifted leaders, but our failure to recognize them?
In this episode of The Disrupters, psychologist, author, and retired professor Susan Harris Howell joins Caleb Campbell for a conversation about power, gender, and the assumptions that quietly shape life in the Church. Drawing from her book Buried Talents, Susan explores how culture influences the ways we think about leadership, calling, authority, and whose voices are heard.
Together, they examine why Jesus consistently made space for women's participation, and how churches can unknowingly reinforce the patterns of the world by burying God-given gifts beneath assumptions about gender. Susan argues that gifts and callings don't come in "pink and blue," explores the link between power and abuse, and challenges listeners to consider what the Church loses when some voices are consistently overlooked. At the same time, she offers a hopeful vision of churches where women and men are empowered to steward all that God has entrusted to them.
If you've ever wondered how culture shapes the church, wrestled with questions of leadership and belonging, or longed to see healthier uses of power in Christian community, this conversation will challenge you to notice what you've stopped seeing and imagine what the Church might become.
Ready to disrupt for the good of the Church? Tune in now.
This episode highlights the following themes:
- Why abuse thrives when power is hoarded by a few
- How churches unintentionally copy harmful cultural patterns
- The difference between wanting power over others and claiming agency for oneself
- Practical advice for people who feel silenced in their own congregations
Links from the episode:
- Learn more about Susan Harris Howell
- Read Susan Harris Howell’s book, Buried Talents
- Check out Susan Harris Howell’s Substack
- Join Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE)
- Learn more about The Disrupters
- Learn more about Caleb Campbell
- Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
- Read the transcript here
Credits:
✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton
✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
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