Endorsements for Women in the Bible Small Group Bible Study

“This in-depth study carries the timeless truth of the incredible value God places on women and their significance in the message of the gospel. Within these pages Marina captivates the reader by highlighting the eternal truth that the Word of God is inspiring and alive. The rich theology will equip you with vital ‘information,’ while the reflection and meditation questions will take you on a journey of ‘transformation.’”

JULIE MULLINS, Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship

“Marina Hofman, PhD, is a lover of God, of truth, of knowledge and understanding, and of people. She cares deeply about equipping people in their full identity available through God in Christ, and especially on behalf of women. Hofman is a gift to the world and to all who hunger for deeper knowledge of the truth that sets us free.”

COLONEL JANET MUNN, DMin, Director of The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission

“Marina Hofman is the Bible teacher and spiritual mentor we all wish we had. Women in the Bible provides a fresh approach by this seasoned disciple-maker to unlock the scriptural truths of our spiritual mothers. I believe every woman who gathers a few friends and dives into this study will be encouraged, inspired, and transformed.”

KADI COLE, leadership consultant, executive coach, and author of Developing Female Leaders and Find Your Leadership Voice in 90 Days (www.kadicole.com)

“The Bible testifies that women have played, and will continue to play, an essential role in God’s loving plan of salvation. Marina Hofman’s Bible study series makes accessible to Christians of all denominations, and indeed to all searchers after truth, a way of growing in appreciation of that important truth through an insightful small group Bible sharing format. As a Catholic priest and a Missionary of Mercy, I especially enjoy Marina’s engaging invitation to meditate on the role that Mary plays in God’s plan.”

FATHER BILL TRUSZ, Parish Priest and Missionary of Mercy

“This much needed Bible study series opens up the stories of women in the Bible in new and life-giving ways. Hofman’s skills as a careful reader of Scripture stand behind her analysis of each character. Her probing questions push us to think about the significance of the stories of our biblical foremothers for our lives today. This book will be a very helpful resource for small group studies within the church.”

MARION TAYLOR, PhD, Old Testament professor, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

“This beautifully written Bible study on women in the Bible is inspirational, insightful, and practical. Hofman begins each study by raising relevant and meaningful questions that aid the reader in making careful observations on the biblical text. These interpretive questions are followed by a well-crafted and thoughtful reflection section that is both insightful and practical. She concludes each study with meditative prayers as a heartfelt response to the story. Hofman does not shy away from raising challenging questions regarding ambiguities and ethical dilemmas seen in some of the narratives, regarding deception, oppression, and injustices, and how the women navigate such difficult challenges. Hofman’s perceptive conclusions about the women’s courage and faith in the face of incredible obstacles and suffering are profound and relevant. Her study demonstrates well how these biblical stories contain life-affirming and hope-filled messages for us today. Readers of this Bible study will discover many gems, inspiring hope, faith, and encouragement.”

REBECCA G. S. IDESTROM, PhD, associate professor of Old Testament, Tyndale Seminary of Tyndale University

“Hofman offers a Bible study for women that creates meaningful encounters with women in the Bible whom she presents as dynamic leaders. Through insightful questions, she creates a living experience of stories that encourage us and provide life patterns. We are encouraged by women seeing God coming through in the midst of challenging situations, overcoming obstacles and challenges, and experiencing blessing. We find models for taking risky or bold action, showing self-sacrificial love, waiting patiently for God to answer prayer, influencing and leading people, and being Christ to others.”

CYNTHIA LONG WESTFALL, PhD, associate professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College, and author of Paul and Gender

“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet a woman who has blessed and edified my life. Marina Hofman is a woman with firm convictions in God and has put forth her life, abilities, gifts, and talents for the edification of others. She is a woman who, by her call to serve and share what has been entrusted to her, was the first professor to share at the A.B. Simpson Missionary Training Center, regardless of the language and conditions that were lacking at the early stages. She is a woman dedicated to the service of others to plant seeds that have grown into the life of the call of missionaries.

As well, Marina was the first conference speaker at the first Impact of Women, giving the talk on ‘How to be a Woman of Influence and Transcendence,’ a sermon that left a mark on the lives of the women who had the privilege of attending and listening. That's why I think God has called her and she has responded to the call to be an instrument in God's hands and that has opened the way for others to be blessed. I thank Marina for her friendship and willingness to serve God and others.

I truly believe Women in the Bible Small Group Bible Study is an incredible resource for women all throughout the Americas and beyond! I can't wait to see what’s to come as a result of this project!

With love, gratitude, and admiration”

SONIA SANCHEZ, women’s ministries, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Colombia, South America

★★★★★ Encouraging and challenging

I find Women in the Bible very uplifting. There is much wisdom and insight to glean from. I love that you walk people down a path that acknowledges the humanity of the characters in the scripture (none are perfect) and clearly show that in God's eyes and heart, they are on an even playing field despite the clear social differences in their lives. There is a clear invitation to us to do the same, as we being to apply these principles to our own journey. By the leading of the Holy Spirit, I was given a great opportunity to gain real knowledge, wisdom, as well as some understanding of how to apply the lessons to my own life. Although it won't be easy, I find real hope in knowing that the path was forged by God, "who sees me," knows my name and has hope and good things in mind for my future. Thanks for the inspiration and leadership in this book.--A.C.

★★★★★ Excellent for small groups, lots of content

I lead small group ministries, and this study was perfect for us. This study shines a light on how God loves and values women. Women will grow in their faith through thought-provoking questions that draw the reader to a deeper relationship with God. The content is educational, personal, and applicable. There is background context, thoughtful study questions that led to rich conversation, helpful reflections and prayers that we said together. I have read these stories many times but still learned so much. The author’s style is personal and engaging and she is an excellent teacher. I am recommending it to all my small group leaders.--Elizabeth D.

★★★★★ Loved it

Beautifully written! I did this study independently and then I led a small group. The questions are really thoughtful and it sparked meaningful discussions. The author is authentic—I felt that I was doing this study right with her and I loved the video series! You can tell she is a positive and joyful person who genuinely loves the Bible. Her book really encouraged me and I learned a lot about the women. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the topic or needs a fresh new Bible study for their women’s group.--Johanna

Follow @MarinaHofman on Instagram