Beth Allison Barr's 'The Making of Biblical Womanhood' as a prime example of story-driven theology — the book frames the entire discussion through personal pain and church hurt.

Mike identifies Barr's book as near the bottom of his reading list. The introduction tells how her husband was fired for challenging church leadership on women in ministry (p. 3), leading to loss of friends, community, and 14 years of youth discipleship. Barr writes of 'raw edges of grief, anger, and righteous indignation.' Mike warns that approaching the topic with those emotions prevents the Bible from guiding and directing.