Preaching That Speaks to Women

by Alice P. Mathews

2003: by Alice P. Mathews - 188 pages - Pub. by Baker.

Genres: Theology, Womens, Leadership

188 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Emmanuel Boston]

If a book was probably very good for its time, but it is no longer that time, is it still good?

Mathews' book exposes the cultural water we swam in twenty-thirty years ago. But we no longer swim there. It's use of studies and research so far removed provides a helpful caution to all "interdisciplinary" approaches of the theologian today. Yesterday's science will soon be falsified, particularly when it falls into the social science categories.

Mathews aims to show how to preach to women, and in large part ends up saying, just preach to everyone. She tries to include what were probably helpful points of advice to a particular subculture, and I'm sure would actually be relevant to certain groups of misogynist culture warriors today, but for everyone else this book should be treated as a work of history, not a book for preaching.

[Colby]

certainly one of the books that has been written

[Lukas Stock · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no good preaching book.

[Jon Schiefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading books, having conversations, watching movies that make me think. More specifically, things that make me think and see things in different ways. And so I highly recommend the book Preaching That Speaks to Women by Alice P Mathews. It will make you think. It will make you see things differently. If you’re a man it will question fundamental assumptions often made in church in modern western theology about women. And if you’re a woman, you might ask questions where you evaluate yourself. Hopefully, in both cases, we will end up seeing things differently.
Mathews shied away from a deeper conversation on gender spectrums, let alone sexuality. And I was disappointed. But, as I finished the book, I saw that she was trying to plant seeds in very firm soil. She was being brilliantly tactical, saying as much as she thought conservative Evangelicalism could handle. And I think she did a brilliant job at that.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very informative and provided a new or fresh perspective on preaching so that women would feel included. I especially enjoyed the last two chapters and definitely would recommend this book to any preacher in order to be inclusive to the audience. We must remember not to be over inclusive so as to exclude the other populations.

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts in learning to consider the women we are called to speak to.

[Ailee Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give it a 2.5! Some things were good to point out and she cited interesting studies but it doesn’t translate well to today’s culture. Would be interested to see more up to date gender studies!

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice P. Mathews has done every preacher, teacher, pastor, and church leader a favor by writing this book. In an uncondemning and unintimidating manner, she exhorts preachers (who are mostly men) to be more thoughtful in their preaching to women. She does not let men escape scrutiny and criticism, but she is not alienating. She wants to serve her brothers and sisters in Christ.

This has many implications for church ministry in general. Her chapter titles did not draw me in, but each chapter was uniquely helpful. Chapter 1 helps introduce some of the issues when speaking to and about women from the pulpit. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 discuss various epistemologies that one will encounter in the church and how to preach/minister to people who consciously or subconsciously have different modes learning/knowing. I think that can be overemphasized, but her considerations, while directly applied to preaching to women, have much application to preaching in general. Finally, Chapters 9 and 10 have some excellent questions and practical considerations for use of language in sermons to be more inclusive and appropriate toward women. In addition, every chapter concludes with bullet points summarizing the main points of every chapter and has questions for reflection.

[dinah sered · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind opener

It opened my mind the subconscious though in culture that are in no way helpful as well prove to be harmful to women. It is encouraging to find solutions, all one need is a humble heart and willingness to learn.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

This book gives voice to the women represented in our pews. It is imperative that we present the gospel that is relevant to both genders. I highly recommend this book!