His process mirrors the transitions many of us face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the summer months, people find themselves confronting change. For graduating seniors, this is a monumental step from familiar halls into wider, uncharted paths. For others, it might be a new job, a move, or a shift in family dynamics\u2014each bringing its own blend of choices and opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, even the most thrilling new chapter involves a letting go that must precede the taking hold. It is in these moments that new questions are raised, and feelings of uncertainty often surface. The common, and entirely true, counsel is to turn to the Scriptures and keep Christ central through it all. Indeed, we cannot say it too often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I wonder if there isn’t a parallel, organic process at play as well, one that pairs unobtrusively with the foundational precept. What if every season, particularly the one we must now release, has provided the very “spiritual compost” necessary for the next to flourish, empowering us for whatever lies ahead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea is this: God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, meticulously uses every experience in the life of His child. The triumphs that built confidence, the joys that shaped gratitude, the trials that forged resilience, the lessons learned, and even the stumbles from which we’ve been mercifully raised\u2014all contain valuable nutrients. Like a master gardener, He intends for these experiences to be broken down and integrated, enriching the soil of our souls for the specific fruit He plans to cultivate in the season ahead\u2014a season He already sees with perfect clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Divine Economy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nConsider Joseph. His early years were a cascade of bitter injustices and profound uncertainties: betrayal by his brothers, enslavement in a foreign land, false accusation, and forgotten imprisonment (Genesis 37, 39-40). Could he have known God’s grand design while languishing in a dungeon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a human vantage point, these were wasted years, a pit of despair and decay. Yet, from the divine perspective, each painful element became, in God\u2019s economy, spiritual compost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the appointed time came, Joseph told his brothers: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). The “decay” of his former life nourished the wisdom, forgiveness, and skill that preserved a nation and his own family. The pit, the prison, the pain\u2014all were tilled into the soil of his future leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tending the Soil<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSo then, how do we practice “spiritual composting” in our own lives, ensuring we are truly prepared for what God has next?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Reflection: Harvesting the Season\u2019s Yield<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust as a gardener carefully examines what the past season has produced, we must prayerfully survey what God has cultivated in our lives, a practical inventory of divine provision. Moses commanded Israel to \u201cremember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power” (Deuteronomy 8:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practice, this means identifying specific moments where God’s hand guided us through uncertainty, celebrating the joys that built our capacity for gratitude, and acknowledging the trials through which He developed our perseverance (James 1:2-3). Even perceived failures contain seeds of future wisdom when viewed through the lens of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Decomposition: Virtue in Surrender<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe composting process requires breaking down what was to create what will be. Spiritually, this mirrors the necessary surrender of our past\u2014not forgetting it, but allowing God to transform its meaning and purpose in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decomposition involves the courage to release what we once thought essential: our timeline, our certainty, our self-reliance. It means processing disappointments not as final verdicts but as fertile ground for new growth (John 12:24). Paul embodied this when he wrote, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). His former identity, achievements, and expectations\u2014composted into the soil of a new calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Reintegration: Cultivating New Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final stage of spiritual composting is active participation in what God is growing next. This involves intentionally applying wisdom from previous seasons to fresh opportunities\u2014and becoming a source of nourishment for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a skilled gardener who knows when to water, when to prune, and when to wait, we learn to discern God’s timing through accumulated wisdom. The late nights studying built discipline for our careers. The painful relationship developed empathy for counseling friends. Past financial stress created resourcefulness for current decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This transforms us from beneficiaries to stewards. Paul reminds us, “God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Our composted experiences become sustenance for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This threefold practice can help us approach life’s seasons with informed trust, knowing that even imperfect decisions become raw material for God’s ongoing work in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To New Beginnings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo matter where we are or where we are heading, the seasons behind us were purposeful. Our God is the Master Gardener, taking every fragment from the mosaic of our lived experiences and turning it into rich potential for the season now unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christ, who Himself entered the earth and brought forth the ultimate harvest of resurrection life, is central to this entire process. He ensures that nothing is truly wasted, that “all things indeed work together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He is our wisdom, our guide, the source of our strength and hope, whether the path ahead seems brilliantly lit or requires step-by-step faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, as we stand on the edge of tomorrow, whether our hearts are buoyed by excitement or steadied by prayerful resolve, do not only <\/em>look forward; look back also.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe soil is ready. The Master Gardener is at work. The next season awaits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help you thrive in your marriage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMany women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/media.thegospelcoalition.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/12102846\/A1L74YuwgQL.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nB&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAll followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShe spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritual-growth","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. Learn the art of spiritual composting today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2025\/07\/20\/zero-waste-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. 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In his spare time he enjoys music, all variety of sports, and writing.","url":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/author\/jeremy-hamblen\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-300x180.jpg",300,180,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-768x461.jpg",768,461,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1024x614.jpg",1024,614,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"et-builder-post-main-image":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x250.jpg",400,250,true],"et-builder-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1080x675.jpg",1080,675,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x284.jpg",400,284,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1080x648.jpg",1080,648,true],"et-builder-gallery-image-portrait":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x516.jpg",400,516,true],"extra-image-huge":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"extra-image-single-post":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1280x640.jpg",1280,640,true],"extra-image-medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-627x376.jpg",627,376,true],"extra-image-small":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-440x264.jpg",440,264,true],"extra-image-square-medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-440x440.jpg",440,440,true],"extra-image-square-small":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jeremy Hamblen","author_link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/author\/jeremy-hamblen\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help…","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2231,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions\/2231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
So then, how do we practice “spiritual composting” in our own lives, ensuring we are truly prepared for what God has next?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Reflection: Harvesting the Season\u2019s Yield<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust as a gardener carefully examines what the past season has produced, we must prayerfully survey what God has cultivated in our lives, a practical inventory of divine provision. Moses commanded Israel to \u201cremember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power” (Deuteronomy 8:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practice, this means identifying specific moments where God’s hand guided us through uncertainty, celebrating the joys that built our capacity for gratitude, and acknowledging the trials through which He developed our perseverance (James 1:2-3). Even perceived failures contain seeds of future wisdom when viewed through the lens of grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Decomposition: Virtue in Surrender<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe composting process requires breaking down what was to create what will be. Spiritually, this mirrors the necessary surrender of our past\u2014not forgetting it, but allowing God to transform its meaning and purpose in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decomposition involves the courage to release what we once thought essential: our timeline, our certainty, our self-reliance. It means processing disappointments not as final verdicts but as fertile ground for new growth (John 12:24). Paul embodied this when he wrote, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). His former identity, achievements, and expectations\u2014composted into the soil of a new calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Reintegration: Cultivating New Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final stage of spiritual composting is active participation in what God is growing next. This involves intentionally applying wisdom from previous seasons to fresh opportunities\u2014and becoming a source of nourishment for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a skilled gardener who knows when to water, when to prune, and when to wait, we learn to discern God’s timing through accumulated wisdom. The late nights studying built discipline for our careers. The painful relationship developed empathy for counseling friends. Past financial stress created resourcefulness for current decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This transforms us from beneficiaries to stewards. Paul reminds us, “God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Our composted experiences become sustenance for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This threefold practice can help us approach life’s seasons with informed trust, knowing that even imperfect decisions become raw material for God’s ongoing work in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To New Beginnings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo matter where we are or where we are heading, the seasons behind us were purposeful. Our God is the Master Gardener, taking every fragment from the mosaic of our lived experiences and turning it into rich potential for the season now unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christ, who Himself entered the earth and brought forth the ultimate harvest of resurrection life, is central to this entire process. He ensures that nothing is truly wasted, that “all things indeed work together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He is our wisdom, our guide, the source of our strength and hope, whether the path ahead seems brilliantly lit or requires step-by-step faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, as we stand on the edge of tomorrow, whether our hearts are buoyed by excitement or steadied by prayerful resolve, do not only <\/em>look forward; look back also.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe soil is ready. The Master Gardener is at work. The next season awaits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help you thrive in your marriage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMany women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nB&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAll followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShe spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritual-growth","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. Learn the art of spiritual composting today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2025\/07\/20\/zero-waste-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. 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But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help…","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2231,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions\/2231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The composting process requires breaking down what was to create what will be. Spiritually, this mirrors the necessary surrender of our past\u2014not forgetting it, but allowing God to transform its meaning and purpose in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This decomposition involves the courage to release what we once thought essential: our timeline, our certainty, our self-reliance. It means processing disappointments not as final verdicts but as fertile ground for new growth (John 12:24). Paul embodied this when he wrote, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). His former identity, achievements, and expectations\u2014composted into the soil of a new calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Reintegration: Cultivating New Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final stage of spiritual composting is active participation in what God is growing next. This involves intentionally applying wisdom from previous seasons to fresh opportunities\u2014and becoming a source of nourishment for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a skilled gardener who knows when to water, when to prune, and when to wait, we learn to discern God’s timing through accumulated wisdom. The late nights studying built discipline for our careers. The painful relationship developed empathy for counseling friends. Past financial stress created resourcefulness for current decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This transforms us from beneficiaries to stewards. Paul reminds us, “God comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Our composted experiences become sustenance for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This threefold practice can help us approach life’s seasons with informed trust, knowing that even imperfect decisions become raw material for God’s ongoing work in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To New Beginnings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo matter where we are or where we are heading, the seasons behind us were purposeful. Our God is the Master Gardener, taking every fragment from the mosaic of our lived experiences and turning it into rich potential for the season now unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christ, who Himself entered the earth and brought forth the ultimate harvest of resurrection life, is central to this entire process. He ensures that nothing is truly wasted, that “all things indeed work together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He is our wisdom, our guide, the source of our strength and hope, whether the path ahead seems brilliantly lit or requires step-by-step faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, as we stand on the edge of tomorrow, whether our hearts are buoyed by excitement or steadied by prayerful resolve, do not only <\/em>look forward; look back also.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe soil is ready. The Master Gardener is at work. The next season awaits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help you thrive in your marriage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMany women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\nB&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAll followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShe spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritual-growth","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. Learn the art of spiritual composting today.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2025\/07\/20\/zero-waste-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Zero Waste Living: A Guide to Spiritual Composting\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how God uses past seasons\u2014joys, trials, and all\u2014to enrich your spiritual growth. 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In his spare time he enjoys music, all variety of sports, and writing.","url":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/author\/jeremy-hamblen\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-300x180.jpg",300,180,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-768x461.jpg",768,461,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1024x614.jpg",1024,614,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"et-builder-post-main-image":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x250.jpg",400,250,true],"et-builder-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1080x675.jpg",1080,675,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x284.jpg",400,284,true],"et-builder-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1080x648.jpg",1080,648,true],"et-builder-gallery-image-portrait":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-400x516.jpg",400,516,true],"extra-image-huge":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3.jpg",1280,768,false],"extra-image-single-post":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-1280x640.jpg",1280,640,true],"extra-image-medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-627x376.jpg",627,376,true],"extra-image-small":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-440x264.jpg",440,264,true],"extra-image-square-medium":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-440x440.jpg",440,440,true],"extra-image-square-small":["https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hamblen-compost3-150x150.jpg",150,150,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jeremy Hamblen","author_link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/author\/jeremy-hamblen\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help…","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2231,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2229\/revisions\/2231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
No matter where we are or where we are heading, the seasons behind us were purposeful. Our God is the Master Gardener, taking every fragment from the mosaic of our lived experiences and turning it into rich potential for the season now unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christ, who Himself entered the earth and brought forth the ultimate harvest of resurrection life, is central to this entire process. He ensures that nothing is truly wasted, that “all things indeed work together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). He is our wisdom, our guide, the source of our strength and hope, whether the path ahead seems brilliantly lit or requires step-by-step faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, as we stand on the edge of tomorrow, whether our hearts are buoyed by excitement or steadied by prayerful resolve, do not only <\/em>look forward; look back also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The soil is ready. The Master Gardener is at work. The next season awaits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Marriage is one of God\u2019s most beautiful gifts\u2014a sacred covenant that reflects His love, commitment, and faithfulness. But like anything valuable, it takes work, intentionality, and a foundation built on God\u2019s Word. Whether you\u2019ve been married for decades or are just beginning your journey, these \u201c10 Commandments\u201d offer biblical guidance and practical wisdom to help you thrive in your marriage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n All followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spiritual-growth","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmpowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Empowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n