"Women have never been insignificant in the presence of the Lord, and they never will be." Pastor Laurel Bunker shares her joys and challenges of the modern-day experience as a woman in higher education and leadership.

00:09 Twanna introduces special guest Laurel Bunker, associate vice president of Christian Formation and Church Relations at Bethel University.

01:17 Lauren talks about her many roles as campus pastor, primary preacher and bridge between Converge and Bethel.

03:06 Laurel opens up about the challenges of being an African American woman in leadership.

04:50 Laurel shares that her desire within the university and across the country is to help increase people’s cultural competence to be more mindful of their biases and perspectives.

04:57 Twanna asks, "How do we break free of the influences of how we interpret Scripture based on our cultural values?"

07:24 Laurel talks scripturally about the significance of a woman to Jesus.

10:22 Laurel reveals that one of the biggest joys in her pastoral role to students is being able to pastor people who look nothing like her.

13:00 From joys to disappointments, Laurel shares with Twanna about feeling that at times her personhood feels more like a liability.

16:02 Laurel lists her women mentors and role models throughout the years.

17:52 Twanna asks Laurel to share about her mentorship/leadership role toward women, specifically in the area of academia.

23:28 Twanna asks Laurel what is next for her.

26:17 Twanna asks Laurel to pray over women who are looking to seek higher education

For video versions of episode 48 and onward visit us on Youtube.