Devastating news. Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 yrs. Pray for him, his family, & for American leaders to secure his release. foxnews.com/world/russia-s…

Looking, looking... yes! Found a yellow highlighter in my kitchen junk drawer. Anyone else keep highlighters here, there, & everywhere. #YKYK

In 2023, I joyfully accepted the invitation to join the Engage writing team. This month marks my first anniversary. To celebrate, I’m revealing my top three most-read articles. First, I'll share the why that fuels my writing and teaching ministry. Read: blogs.bible.org/happy-annivers…

Books and community: on the power of bringing a circle of people together around discussions of an important book. bobonbooks.com/2024/08/23/boo…

Black shrouds, forced upon these women by evil male leaders, effectively erasing their personhood, voices, gifts, and opportunities. Can you imagine the horror of viewing the world through a dark wall. It’s despicable.

BREAKING: Taliban bans the sound of women’s voices singing or reading in public.

I was surprised to see St. Teresa of Avila, a sixteenth-century Carmelite nun and reformer, featured in a recent Fox News article. The Diocese of Avila in Spain reported the opening of St. Teresa’s tomb to study her relics. Read more at blogs.bible.org/author/cynthia…

Join the Waitlist for my self-paced, online course on women and the church. Waitlist Members receive an Exclusive Waitlist Discount! Plus you’ll be the first notified when TWA doors are open! Hurry, fall enrollment opens SOON, so don't miss out. Details: cynthiahester.com/course

Check out my new website & updated Beacons page! - beacons.ai/cynthiahester

One of Theology of Women Academy®'s high values is the curated resources and study roadmap. I've spent a decade voraciously reading about women & the church. Are you a ministry leader needing to form your view on women? Enroll here: cynthiahester.mykajabi.com/offers/88rDfsAz

2025 is a landmark year in Christendom: 1700th anniversary of Nicea, the first Ecumenical Council Easter celebrations according to both Gregorian + Julian calendars will coincide so Christians worldwide will celebrate Easter on same day

My 2025 started with a fab pilgrimage across Italy—a maiden trip hosted by the Visual Museum of Women. Touring basilicas, catacombs, crypts, museums, etc. we asked, “What does the visual record of ancient art show us about women's leadership in early Christianity?” Curious?

Deaconesses in John Calvin's Geneva. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Bk.4: Ch. 13: Sec. 19. If we disagree, let's disagree in good faith and not disparage deaconesses as "feminist" or "liberal" or whatever is the new invective.

I'm reading Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison Barr. It is SO GOOD! Pre-order before it sells out. Here's a glimpse: "Preaching is not the primary authoritative medium. It is prophecy and prayer—what women like Mary, the mother of God & Philip's daughters are doing."

Catch my recent chat with Donna Woolam, a Christian women's coach and host of the "Reinvent Your World" podcast. You'll hear how I navigated a devastating ministry decision and what to do when your church doesn't "see" you. podcasts.captivate.fm/media/db072c8d…

Easter week ‘25, when we remember Christ’s crucifixion—his saving sacrifice—and celebrate his resurrection. Today’s exquisite bloom (on a plant I thought ruined) reminds me of the joy our Creator provides in the simple and the miraculous. May you know joy. Happy Easter.

The ruins of Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, would look like if they were restored or completed using drones completed by drone lighting... The ruins of Whitby Abbey are among the most celebrated sights of North Yorkshire. The first monastery here, founded in 657

Excellent article!

Overlooked: Re-Examining Women Deacons in Scripture and History, Part I blogs.bible.org/overlooked-re-…