What the Church Needs to Know About Women Advocating for Biblical Equality | Mimi Haddad

What does it mean to shape the church with a vision for true equality?

In this episode of Hear Women, Nijay Gupta hosts a spirited conversation with Mimi Haddad, president of CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality), about her remarkable journey as a scholar, advocate, and “general in the gender wars.” Together, they reflect on the roots of gender roles in family and culture, break down the real meanings behind the terms “complementarian” and “egalitarian,” and discuss the importance of supporting the full expression of women’s gifts in the church.

From stories of immigrant upbringing and mentorship to the global drive for women’s leadership, Haddad invites listeners to consider how translation, tradition, and opportunity all shape what’s possible for women—and what the church loses when half of its members are sidelined.

If you’re searching for tools to advocate for women, wrestle with hard questions about the Bible, or foster mentorship in your context, this episode points to tried-and-true resources. In contrast to recent events in the Southern Baptist Convention that aim to restrict women’s roles in the church, this episode reminds leaders everywhere that a flourishing church is one in which everyone’s gifts are welcomed and empowered.

Discover the joys of standing for biblical equality, the progress that has been made in the church on this issue, and what legacy you can help leave for the next generation of women in leadership.

This episode highlights the following themes:
✅ How family upbringing and cultural background influence perspectives on gender roles
✅ The crucial role of mentoring and community for women in biblical scholarship and church leadership
✅ The impact of language and Bible translation on women’s visibility and empowerment within the church

Links from this episode:
✅ Learn more about Mimi Haddad (www.cbeinternational.org/person/mimi-haddad/) and CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality) (www.cbeinternational.org/)
✅ Read Discovering Biblical Equality, Third Edition (tinyurl.com/5tfswtt6)
✅ Read Priscilla Papers (www.cbeinternational.org/primary_page/priscilla-papers-academic-journal/)
✅ Learn more about Rt. Rev. Dr. Emily Onyango (www.cbeinternational.org/person/emily-onyango/)
✅ Discover more about IBR (Institute of Biblical Research) (www.ibr-bbr.org/)
✅ Learn more about mentorship opportunities with Every Voice Kingdom Diversity (www.everyvoicekingdomdiversity.org/students/)
✅ Read the transcript here (tinyurl.com/4u5pe29b
✅ Learn more about Hear Women (tinyurl.com/7u8fkuay)
✅ Learn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (www.ivpress.com/dorina-lazo-gilmore-young), Nijay Gupta (www.ivpress.com/nijay-k-gupta), and Tara Beth Leach (www.ivpress.com/tara-beth-leach)
✅ Read Redeemer (tinyurl.com/ys42psj3) by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
✅ Read Tell Her Story (tinyurl.com/4xwru95s) by Nijay Gupta
✅ Read Emboldened (tinyurl.com/ywf7yx4y) by Tara Beth Leach

SPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com (tinyurl.com/5tfswtt6)and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu (www.seminary.edu/) to learn more.

Credits:
✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton
✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts (honestpodcasts.com/)
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax

==== Time Stamps ====

00:00 – Introduction
02:10 – Family, Immigrant Roots, and Early Lessons on Gender
05:05 – What Do We Mean by Complementarian and Egalitarian?
08:05 – Are Men and Women Really Equal?
09:39 – How Mimi Became an Advocate for Biblical Equality
10:58 – Real Change at ETS and the Evolution of Women’s Leadership
12:44 – The Importance of Publications and Global Work
16:15 – All Ears: Community Reflections on the Gender Conversation
19:39– Mentoring Women in Biblical Studies and Ministry
21:39 – How CBE and Others Support Emerging Leaders
24:20 – How Language Shapes Our View of Women
28:08 – What the Academy Needs to Change

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.