In this episode, we look at the 8,000+ Christian denominations and ask whether all that division is evidence of a broken church — or branches growing off one vine. We'll walk through where the major denominations came from, why gathering with a local body isn't optional for a Christian, and how to actually choose a church without waiting for a perfect one.

In this episode, we examine:
- what the word "church" has meant since the assembly of Israel, and why a cookout with Christian friends isn't it
- why John 15's vine and branches is spoken to a gathered community, not to you alone in your living room
- the grace evangelicals are cutting themselves off from when church becomes optional
- a fast tour of church history: the Jerusalem church, the 1054 schism, the Reformation, and the origins of Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anabaptist, Congregational, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Pentecostal traditions
- the difference between denominations that split over doctrinal orthodoxy, over practice, and over mere preference
- what each tradition does well, and what they need to learn from one another
- four things to look for when choosing a church: doctrinal truth, social change, maturing community, and holding your preferences loosely

If you've been church hunting for years without finding the right fit, or you've wondered whether denominations are a problem to be solved, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
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Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
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177 | Thinking Biblically About Denominations

In this episode, we look at the Bible to answer the question both “trad wives” and feminists are attempting to answer: what is the purpose of a woman? We’ll see how both ends of the spectrum turn into fundamentalism, and how Scripture points us to a better and more practical understanding.

In this episode, we examine:
- the way current American culture defines the terms, “trad wife” and “feminist”
- historical roles of women in America, going back to the 1700s
- how the two viewpoints provoke one another and impact culture
- what the primary purpose of a Christian person is according to Scripture
- how to consider the purpose God has called you to in your current season

If you’re looking for clarity amidst the arguments of both sides and wondering what God says about your calling as a woman, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
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Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
Order Every Woman a Theologian:
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Follow along:
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176 | Thinking Biblically About the Trad Wife Debate 

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For those who followed me when I was on social media regularly, you know that I love a good thrift store! There is a special kind of joy in thrifting that can't be replicated online. You walk into the store not knowing what you'll find, and every shelf holds possibility. There's something especially satisfying about finding a beautiful theology book on a shelf for just a few dollars. Over the years, thrifting has become one of my favorite ways to build a library. Not only is it more affordable, but it feels like the true reflection of what I'm finding in a book about God: treasure.

In today's video, I'm taking you along and sharing:
• How I hunt for theology books in thrift stores.
• How I discern which books are worth bringing home.
• Why I recommend some books to others and keep different books for my own reading.
• Practical tips for thrifting theology books and building your own library on a budget.

If you'd like my theology book lists and recommendations, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at phylicia@phyliciamasonheimer.com.

Visit our newly launched Summer Shop at www.everywomanatheologian.com [http://www.everywomanatheologian.com/].

My new favorite! Carry your summer reads in our new Preach Christ Summer Tote [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/preach-christ-canvas-tote/], designed to keep your favorite books close at hand all season long.

At Every Woman a Theologian, we believe theology isn't reserved for scholars. Every Christian is invited to know God more deeply through His Word. Subscribe for rich biblical teaching, practical discipleship, and encouragement to think biblically and live faithfully in everyday life. And if you'd like Bible teaching delivered right to your inbox, join our email list [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/newsletter/] for the latest resources, recommendations, and updates.

#ThriftingBooks #TheologyBooks #ChristianBooks #BookRecommendations #BibleStudy #EveryWomanATheologian #PhyliciaMasonheimer #ChristianYouTube #BookThrifting (edited)

Thrift With Me! How Phylicia finds Theology books on a Budget (audio only)

We've spent three months talking about prayer, and this final episode is where all of it comes to life. A few months ago, Jesse, our social media coordinator at Every Woman a Theologian, reached out to our community and asked them to share how God has been moving in their prayer lives. What came back left me emotional. Story after story of a personal, specific, loving God who hears and answers prayer. Sometimes with a yes, sometimes with a no, and sometimes in ways that are even more beautiful than what was asked for.

You'll hear testimonies of answered prayers through miscarriage and grief, infertility and miraculous pregnancies, job searches, family conflict, postpartum anxiety, healing, and so much more. I want to be honest with you—not all of these are happy endings. Some of the most powerful testimonies in this episode come from women holding the tension between grief and gratitude. But all of them point to a God who sees, who cares, and who answers specifically.

If your faith has been feeling thin or your prayers feel like they're hitting the ceiling, I hope these stories remind you that our God is not distant. He is near, and He is listening.

Shop Prayer Resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:

https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:

https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:

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Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.

Order Every Woman a Theologian:

https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1

https://tsfqr.com/psalms

Follow along:

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Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

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174 | Answered Prayer: Testimonies to Strengthen Your Faith

Dr. Rachel Rauch and Phylicia Masonheimer will talk about the relationship between anxiety and prayer: how to navigate the tension of physical and spiritual causes for anxiety, and how women can find peace with God.

Rachel Rauch, board certified as a traditional Doctor of Naturopathy and founder of Eiro Wellness, is a Christ-follower who recognizes that restoring health involves more than addressing the physical body. True healing also requires support for emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being. She specializes in brain and mood health, understanding that fatigue, digestive concerns, and hormone imbalances often coexist with anxiety and depression.

Check out Eiro Wellness:
https://eirowellness.com/

⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:
https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.

Order Every Woman a Theologian:
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1
https://tsfqr.com/psalms

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com
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173 | Women, Anxiety & Prayer with Dr. Rachel Rauch

Olivia Gerber is a sunset-chasing, Jesus-loving adventurer based in Northern Indiana. She finds pleasure in perfectly ripe avocados, plane tickets, and lavender lattes, but her deepest joy is found at the feet of her Savior and she longs to spread His hope in the world. Her health challenges have given her a tender heart toward those facing chronic pain, and she loves bringing hope to this under-served community through her book, Hold Hope. She recently married the curly love of her life and is loving her new adventure with Jack!

In this conversation, Olivia shares how suffering stripped away her sense of control and turned her faith inside out—and how praise, specific prayer, and keeping a record of God's faithfulness carried her through the hardest years. If you're in a season where the answer feels like "no" or "not yet," I hope this encourages you to keep praying anyway.

You can find Olivia at letterstoholdhope.com and on Instagram @letterstoholdhope. Her book "Hold Hope" is available through the Every Woman a Theologian shop.

**Buy Hold Hope:**
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/hold-hope-paperback/

**Shop Prayer Resources**
⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

**Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:**
https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast

**Subscribe to Verity Podcast:**
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.

**Order Every Woman a Theologian:**
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

**New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1**
https://tsfqr.com/psalms

**Follow along:**
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.

#ChronicIllness #PrayerLife #HoldHope #VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #SufferingAndFaith #ChristianWomen

172 | Praying Through Chronic Illness & Suffering with Olivia Gerber

I'm thrilled to introduce you to my friend Jodie Berndt as we wrap up the prayer series with three special interviews. I've known Jodie for eight years, and her books have been such a blessing in my life—especially "Praying the Scriptures for Your Children," which I've read three times. Jodie has written over a dozen books on praying scripture for your children, teens, adult children, marriage, and life, so whether you're a parent or not, there's something here for you.  

In this conversation, Jodie shares her personal testimony of why she came to praying scripture and how it's impacted her walk with God. We talk about why prayer matters, how to turn passages into conversations with God, and practical ways to get started if this practice is new to you. Jodie's wisdom comes from 40 years of marriage, raising four children, and teaching Bible study in her local church—and her heart for family and scripture shines through everything she does.  

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by what to pray for or struggled to find the words, this episode will equip you with a biblical framework for praying with confidence. You can find Jodie's books wherever you buy books, and she offers free prayer calendars and resources at jodieberndt.com.  

Shop Jodie's Books: https://jodieberndt.com/jodie-berndt-books/  

⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop  

Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series: https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast  
Subscribe to Verity Podcast: https://apple.co/veritypodcast  

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.  

Order Every Woman a Theologian: https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook
New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1 https://tsfqr.com/psalms  

Follow along: Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer
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Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.  
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171 | Praying God’s Word for All of Life's Seasons with Jodie Berndt

You've been submitting prayer questions throughout this series, and I'm answering them in this Q&A episode! From liturgical prayers to praying when you don't see results, from women praying in church to dealing with wandering thoughts, we're covering the questions you've asked on Instagram and via email.

If you've been following along with this prayer series, thank you. I hope these episodes have equipped you to pray with more confidence, biblical clarity, and intimacy with God. Don't miss the next few episodes where I interview some incredible women about praying through anxiety, chronic illness, and praying Scripture over your family.

Shop Prayer Resources

⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Our Spring Shop is live and filled with new prayer-focused resources including the Praying the Psalms Scripture Guide and Not-So-Quiet Time: Psalms Volume 1.



Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series:

https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcast



Subscribe to Verity Podcast:

https://apple.co/veritypodcast



Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.



Order Every Woman a Theologian:

https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook



New Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1

https://tsfqr.com/psalms



Follow along:

Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimer

EWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian



Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.



#PrayingInTongues #SpiritualGifts #1Corinthians14 #VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #BiblicalTheology #PentecostalTheology

170 | Are My Prayers Hindered? Biblical Answers to Your Questions

He is risen.  
In this final episode of our Holy Week series, I walk through the resurrection account in Matthew 28, the history behind Easter traditions, and what it means to actually live in the power of the resurrection — not just know it as a fact. We close with a beautiful Easter poem by George Herbert.

Download the free Holy Week devotional [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/free-holy-week-devotional/]

Follow along daily through Easter!

Resurrection Day! | Holy Week Day 8

Holy Saturday is the quiet day — the day between the cross and the empty tomb.  In this episode, I walk through what we know about this often-overlooked day, including the intriguing phrase from the Apostles' Creed about Jesus descending to the grave. The theme for today: prepare your heart, because Sunday is coming.  

Download the free Holy Week devotional [https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/free-holy-week-devotional/]

Follow along daily through Easter!

Holy Saturday | Holy Week Day 7

The Verity podcast is hosted by author, speaker and public theologian Phylicia Masonheimer. Covering topics of faith and culture from a biblical perspective, through a historical lens, the podcast is 

Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer · Zencastr

Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer

The Verity podcast is hosted by author, speaker and public theologian Phylicia Masonheimer. Covering topics of faith and culture from a biblical perspective, through a historical lens, the podcast is designed to inspire you to ask better questions, go deeper in faith, and defend your beliefs with both grace and logic.