Why the Church Needs to Hear Women

The church is at its best when both women and men have a place at the table.

In this premiere episode of the Hear Women podcast, hosts Tara Beth Leach, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, and Nijay Gupta open up a heartfelt conversation on why the church needs to hear from women—not just in theory, but in practice.

Through personal story and prayerful vision, the hosts challenge the church’s often limited imagination about what women can do and urge listeners to recognize the vital and diverse contributions women bring. They remind us that amplifying women’s voices isn’t solely a matter of representation, but a necessity for the church’s flourishing, mission, and future—especially amid today’s cultural moment.

Whether you’re a young woman searching for your place, an established leader, or someone who longs to see the church live into God’s full design, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical encouragement.

Links from this episode:
✅ Read the transcript here (drive.google.com/file/d/1ddOps-2op06CkhQSJQLIf2P9V5z6GkB1/view)
✅ Learn more about Hear Women (www.ivpress.com/hear-women-podcast)
✅ 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 (www.ivpress.com/redeemer) by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
✅ Read Tell Her Story (www.ivpress.com/tell-her-story) by Nijay Gupta
✅ Read Emboldened (www.ivpress.com/emboldened) by Tara Beth Leach

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

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
02:27 – Why Amplify Women’s Voices Now?
06:09 – The Next Generation is Listening
08:26 – Who is This Podcast For?
12:05 – Why Now? Cultural and Church Urgency
13:29 – Hearing Stories, Cultivating Imagination
16:03 – A Wave of Women Leaders
21:05 – Why We Said Yes
25:42 – Hopes, Dreams, and Real Impact

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.