Summary

In this episode, Travis Montgomery talks with Christy Allen, assistant professor of ministry to women at Midwestern Seminary, about the theology of the body and why embodiment matters for Christian life and ministry. Christy shares how studying Christology and the significance of Jesus taking on flesh transformed her understanding of the human body and its role in discipleship. From creation to resurrection, this conversation explores how our physicality intersects with spiritual realities and why ministry must account for both. Christy offers practical insights drawn from years of cross-cultural ministry and recommends resources for deeper study.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

theology of the body, embodiment, Christology, ministry to women, creation, resurrection, discipleship, gender identity, biblical womanhood, pastoral care

Takeaways

• Our bodies matter because God created them and Christ took on flesh.

• Physical and spiritual realities are interconnected—what affects one impacts the other.

• Embodiment shapes ministry: physical presence and touch communicate love.

• The church should model healthy, familial affection as part of discipleship.

• Gender identity and roles are rooted in God’s design of our bodies.

• Resurrection hope affirms the goodness of the body and its future renewal.

• Practical ministry often involves tangible expressions of care alongside truth.

Sound Bites

• God made matter matter—our bodies are good and meaningful.

• Jesus didn’t just heal from a distance; He touched people.

• We are made for embodied relationships—discipleship is physical and spiritual.

• Healthy, loving touch can counter shame and communicate the gospel.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Christy Allen’s Background

2. 01:16 The Surprising Benefit of Studying Theology of the Body

3. 03:08 Why Our Bodies Matter: Christology and Resurrection

4. 04:24 Embodiment in Creation and Redemption

5. 06:26 Cultural Misconceptions and Biblical Truth

6. 08:50 Practical Implications for Ministry and Discipleship

7. 11:03 Cross-Cultural Lessons: The Ministry of Hugs

8. 14:38 Familial Affection in the Church

9. 16:20 Embodiment and Gender Identity

10. 22:14 Biblical Womanhood and God’s Design

11. 27:05 Recommended Resources for Further Study

12. 28:42 Closing Thoughts