Breaking Patriarchal Chains: Jesus' Revolutionary Treatment of Women | 13/7/25

Join us for this must-hear sermon by guest preacher Valerie Duval exploring the remarkable story of Mary Magdalene - the first witness to Jesus' resurrection who was called "Apostle of the Apostles" for seven centuries before being historically diminished. Discover how Jesus revolutionised women's roles in a patriarchal society, treating them as disciples, theologians, and missionaries with dignity and respect. Through the Easter account in John 20:10-18, learn how Mary's encounter with the risen Christ at the empty tomb launched Christianity's greatest mission - proclaiming that death has been conquered. Valerie challenges us to recognise that the church has been like a paralysed body, preventing half its members - women - from fully using their God-given gifts. A transformative exploration of biblical femininity, resurrection hope, and the church's calling to embrace all disciples regardless of gender in God's mission. "Valérie Duval-Poujol is a French Baptist theologian. Passionate about the Bible and the author of several books, she holds doctorates in History of Religions and Theology and serves on various theological faculties. A Bible translator, she was also the chief editor for the revision of the French Bible Nouvelle Français courant. Active in the fight against domestic violence and sexual abuse, she created an initiative raising awareness on that topic called the “Red Chair Project” and is a member of the steering committee for the BWA Women Stand Against Domestic Violence initiative." flbc.org.au