On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore a topic that may surprise you - Christian “mean girls”! Although the Church is largely seen as a refuge, a house of prayer and even a hospital for the broken-hearted, sadly this isn’t everyone’s experience. For some of us, church congregations have been riddled with gossip, judgement, social exclusion, cliques and popularity contests. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so why is this stereotypical high school culture going unchecked in Christian communities?
Shakira Peronet is a freelance copywriter and content creator. Originally from London, she now lives in Paris, after a Pandemic romance resulted in marriage. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/im-a-repentant-mean-girl-i-used-to-feel-annoyed-when-church-friends-said-i-left-them-out-but-now-im-mindful-of-those-on-the-outskirts/13420.article and connect with Shakira on Instagram @shakirainparis
Jessica Stark is a social media influencer, broadcaster and writer, currently working at Premier Christian Radio as digital content lead. Originally from Scotland and now based in London, Jessica is also the daughter of Emma and David Stark, founders of the Global Prophetic Alliance and serves as a worship leader and prophetic minister. You can connect with Jessica on Instagram @j_e_s_s_i_c_a_h_o_p_e
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I know what I want in a husband, but should I lower my expectations?’
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast womanalive.co.uk/podcast
--------
41:06
--------
41:06
Fasting - not just for Lent?
On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore the spiritual discipline of fasting and the significance of self-denial. You may be wondering what event on the Christian calendar warrants this conversation if it’s not Lent, or the start of a new year. But the Bible suggests that fasting can happen at any time, and for a variety of reasons, which are explored in this discussion.
Joanne O Connor is the CEO of Junction 42, a Christian charity working in prisons and communities across north-east England and central Scotland, supporting people throughout the journey of custody and rehabilitation. Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/prayer-and-fasting-is-the-backbone-behind-this-ministry/14521.article and find out more about Junction 42 ministry by visiting https://www.junction42.org/
Jamie Phear is a writer, speaker and educator. After nearly a decade teaching in academia, she shifted her focus to writing full-time and currently works as the Communications and Fundraising Manager at St Mellitus College. Jamie has a deep desire to help people encounter God’s persistent presence and love through honest and authentic reflection. You can keep up with Jamie's newsletter at https://apocketsizedesert.substack.com/
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘I’m dating a non-Christian who is kind and generous and thoughtful, he just doesn’t love Jesus’
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
--------
45:36
--------
45:36
Jesus raves and worshiping God in nightclubs
What comes to mind when you think of a nightclub or rave? What about hip-hop or dance music? Probably not worship, repentance, holiness or encounters with the Holy Spirit! In recent years more Christians have found expressions for worship in predominantly secular music genres and communities. On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests explore what this looks like in practice.
Romilly Lynn is originally from the UK, but currently living in California and running Christian record label ‘True Royals’ under the Sony music umbrella. She has worked in music for twelve years, mainly on the marketing and partnership side. She is also the COO of Rave Jesus, a bold initiative blending faith and dance music! Her article for Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: 'Why I am excited about Jesus being worshipped at raves' | Woman Alive and connect with Romilly on Instagram @romillytegan
Tneek is an award-winning Christian rapper based in London. She has been active in the music industry for nearly 20 years! She is also a mother, a podcaster ('Badass Mums'), and the presenter of the Hip-Hip Sessions on the leading Gospel radio station in the UK – Premier Gospel. She is passionate about reaching young people with her music and empowering them to make better life choices. You can connect with Tneek on Instagram @tneek
The Great Sexpectation question in this episode is titled: ‘Can I kiss boys at parties?’
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
--------
41:39
--------
41:39
Can AI build the Kingdom of God
God didn't put machines in charge, he put us in charge. Genesis 2:15 states, 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.' But is AI the new garden? And if so, can it help to build the Kingdom of God?
Shawna Hoffman is an expert in Artificial Intelligence and has worked in various roles at technology company IBM. Shawna is also the president of Guardrail Technologies which promotes responsible use of AI.
Maxine Harrison is a writer whose work has been published in the Independent, Refinery 29 and Woman Alive. Maxine writes about cultural topics from a faith perspective. Find her at remireports.com
Our Great Sexpectations dilemma this episode is: 'Why are Christian women wasting money on egg freezing?'
https://www.womanalive.co.uk/opinion/great-expectations-why-are-christian-women-wasting-money-on-egg-freezing/19447.article
The producers of the Woman Alive podcast are Rachel Huston and Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
--------
44:35
--------
44:35
Gen Z revival and the passionate faith of young Christians
Have you heard about ‘The Quiet Revival’? Which generation is mainstream media calling, the ‘Spiritual Generation’? And is this the revival we’ve been praying for? On this episode of the Woman Alive podcast, Tola-Doll Fisher and her guests discuss the increasing church attendance and passionate faith of Gen Z Christians and how the wider Church should respond.
Sasha Gerry, 25, is currently a pastor at All Saints Clapham Park in London. She also happens to be the youngest person in her church congregation! Sasha has been involved in church ministry since university and has previous experience as a youth worker. Her interview with Woman Alive is the inspiration for the discussion we're having today. Read it here: https://www.womanalive.co.uk/me-a-24-year-old-woman-leading-a-church-it-felt-absurd/18851.article and connect with Sasha’s ministry on Instagram @athistable___
Grace Keir is a Ministry Apprentice on a gap year, exploring what ministry might look like after her Theology degree (which she is about to start). A big part of her current role is youth and children’s work. In 2023, Grace won Premier Unbelievable ‘Young Preacher of the Year’ competition at Spring Harvest, with her message ‘Why there is hope’.
We have a new feature on the podcast called ‘Signs and Wonders’ where we share your testimonies to encourage each other in the journey of faith.
The Signs and Wonders testimony this episode is titled: 'God answers direct prayers'
The producer of the Woman Alive podcast is Dami Okeke.
Special offer! Podcast listeners get 50% off Woman Alive magazine: womanalive.co.uk/podcast
About Woman Alive | The podcast for Christian women
THE podcast for Christian women, talking real life and real faith. No topic is off limits as together we get closer to God, dig into the Bible and discuss what matters to women today.
Brought to you by Premier Woman Alive magazine. Join Tola Doll Fisher and guests for the podcast that gets Christian women talking.
Head to premier.plus for more Christian podcasts, radio, music and sermons.
Listen to Woman Alive | The podcast for Christian women, The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK