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Strong Women Strong World
Deborah | Part 2
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 06, 2025

In spite of the fact that the Bible was written during a time of extreme patriarchy (where the rights of men were foremost and the rights of women practically non-existent) we still find many examples of strong women. Women who are not passive, demure and timid but active, bold and assertive. Deborah's story stands in bold opposition to those who say women can’t lead. Because not only does Deborah lead in the civic and spiritual realm, her leadership is unrivaled by any of the other male leaders of her day.

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Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Keith, in his introduction, talked about the cycle of judgment in the book of Judges and how with each repetition, things got worse producing a downward spiral in the nation. He explained how sin is repetitious, monotonous and destructive. But the second defining characteristic of sin is, if left unaddressed, it will always escalate. How and where have you seen the truth of this played out? How is addiction an example of this principle? What is necessary to break free of this destructive cycle?

2. Do you know someone that you consider to be a “great leader” (preferably someone you know personally)? What makes him or her excellent?

3. What things can we learn about leadership and the way God operates based on his choosing of Deborah and her unique gifts and roles in the life of Israel? Why do you think Scripture intentionally parallels the song of Moses alongside the song of Deborah? Do you think the high role of Deborah in Judges should play a part in determining what roles women can and should play in the Church today? Why or why not?

4. Just like in this story, sometimes it seems that the deck is stacked against us and the enemy has all the advantages. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. But God has a plan. The question is, are we willing to do it His way? Or are we too busy making caveats, exceptions and putting conditions on our obedience? Have you ever been asked by God to do something, that at the time, didn’t make sense but in the end, it was the best choice? If you’re up against something particularly challenging right now, what in this story speaks to you about what you could or should be doing right now?

5. As Virginia Ely said your life represents a fresh thought of God and He has put you where you are to make a difference. What dream has He placed in your heart? What longings have you had that never seem to go away? You do realize, don’t you, that if God wills something to happen, it will happen. You will never ultimately fail in following God.

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Strong Women Strong World
Why Do A Series Like This? | Part 1
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
June 29, 2025

This Sunday marks the start of a brand-new series built around the women God has used throughout Biblical history to change the world. It’s going to be an exciting time in God’s Word. To kick it off, Pastor Keith is going to dig into two different Bible passages that are often used in an attempt to silence women and their gifting. It’s vitally important that we address the confusion around what the Bible actually teaches. You don’t want to miss this message.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In the first part of the message, Pastor Keith mentioned numerous women who were prophets, teachers, and leaders in God’s Word. Take some time and try to make a more exhaustive list of these women in Scripture making note of who they were, how God used them and what you learn from their example. Which women in the Bible stand out to you the most and why? What do you learn from them? How is their example an encouragement for us all to live out our God-given purpose?

2. Some of us grew up in different faith traditions and others with no religious background whatsoever. What were you taught about female leadership in church? Have your perceptions changed over time? Have you ever had a female pastor, leader, therapist, or spiritual director whom you credit for significant spiritual growth? Share what you can about that experience.
3. One of the keys to effective Bible study is always anchoring our interpretation in the context of the verse we’re studying. Apart from that, it is far too easy to make the Bible say what we want it to say. This is especially true as it relates to these two problem passages that are frequently used against women. What did you learn about the context of these verses? What stood out to you as significant? What were some of your most important learnings today?

4. We have several female pastors on staff at Springcreek who face a barrage of critical remarks from outsiders on social media anytime a clip of them speaking or leading in church is played. Obviously, we’re not going to convince everyone about what the Bible actually teaches and won’t ever be able to stop all criticism. But knowing what they frequently face, what can we do as a church to better support them and encourage them in their giftedness?

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Because The Lord is My Shepherd | Psalm 23:1
Guest Speaker | Kevin Bullard
June 22, 2025

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need. | Psalm 23:1

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:11-15

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