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No More Holding Back Bible Study Guide: Emboldening Women to Move Past Barriers, See Their Worth, and Serve God Everywhere
“Don’t be afraid. Just give me your everything.” When Jesus told us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength (Mark 12:30), did he mean it one way for men and another way for women? Through heartfelt biblical teaching, Kat Armstrong challenges the way our church culture has limited the terms of Jesus’ command to the perceived strengths of each gender. She dares to ask and explore what faith and life in general would look like if we broke through the barriers holding us back and lived giving Jesus our ALL . In this six-session video Bible study, Kat offers a fresh perspective of encouragement that aligns with Scripture from beginning to “Don’t be afraid. Give me your everything.” She urges women to wholeheartedly love the lord beyond our heart and soul, as well as with our mind and strength. If you have ever felt challenged or insecure following your dreams, or in your career, or in your personal pursuit of God, this is your study. Dare to answer his invitation to show up daily, holding nothing back. Designed specifically for busy women with limited time, the No More Holding Back Study Guide includes Scripture reading, video notes, and group discussion questions with simple, short-but-focused personal study and Bible exploration materials for in-between sessions. Sessions Designed for use with No More Holding Back Video Study (9780310098980), sold separately. Streaming video also available.
128 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2019
25 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Kat Armstrong
14 books83 followersKAT ARMSTRONG (www.katarmstrong.com) was born in Houston, Texas, where the humidity ruins her Mexi-German curls. She is a powerful voice in our generation as a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, coach, and innovative ministry leader. She holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the author of No More Holding Back, The In-Between Place, and a 6-book series called Storyline Bible Studies. In 2008, Kat cofounded the Polished Network to embolden working women in their faith and work. Kat is the senior director of marketing and content for Integrus Leadership, is pursuing a doctorate of ministry in New Testament context at Houston Theological Seminary, and hosts the Holy Curiosity podcast. She and her husband, Aaron, have been married for twenty one years and live in Dallas, Texas, with their son, Caleb, and attend Dallas Bible Church, where Aaron serves as the lead pastor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 25, 2025
This book is not exactly written for me and I’m not going to be able to speak to its substance from experience, but I can heartily recommend this book for many reasons.
First, this book is a great encouragement for women everywhere to be free to pursue their calling to love God and not have to quench their fire at all. This book calls them to fight the lies that tell them they need to be “less” and instead be every last bit of who they are as somebody who loves God with all their heart, soul, and might.
Second, this book is a healthy read as a male leader in the church in order to keep hearing those voices and considering those experiences that are not my own. I can make things worse because of my ignorance or I can learn and make things better. I want the latter.
Finally, this book reminds me about how I want to see and encourage women in the faith. It reminds me of how I can help them as a colleague or an employer. It helps me consider how I can call out the best of who they are all around me.
First, this book is a great encouragement for women everywhere to be free to pursue their calling to love God and not have to quench their fire at all. This book calls them to fight the lies that tell them they need to be “less” and instead be every last bit of who they are as somebody who loves God with all their heart, soul, and might.
Second, this book is a healthy read as a male leader in the church in order to keep hearing those voices and considering those experiences that are not my own. I can make things worse because of my ignorance or I can learn and make things better. I want the latter.
Finally, this book reminds me about how I want to see and encourage women in the faith. It reminds me of how I can help them as a colleague or an employer. It helps me consider how I can call out the best of who they are all around me.
July 1, 2019
I’ve been aware of Kat and Polished, the ministry she co-founded, for a couple years through friends who attended her alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary. A blog post adapted from No More Holding Back “dang near had me standing on my chair waving my hanky.” Reading No More Holding Back in its entirety had me cheering and messaging those DTS friends. It also left me absurdly grateful for women who go to seminary, knowing that it will be an uphill battle, but choosing to follow the call on their lives. (If you know a woman in seminary, pray for her and let her know you’re doing it.) There are whole chunks of the book that had me wondering if Kat had been eavesdropping on conversations I’ve had with my friends about women in ministry and the obstacles we face, so I really appreciate the way Kat tackles the lies we’ve been told and told ourselves about our worth and our abilities.
July 21, 2019
Kat Armstrong's book is filled with golden encouragement for helping women love God with their all--including heart and soul, as well as mind and strength. To that end, in Part 1, Kat begins by addressing five common myths that often hold women back from giving their all: (1) women can't be trusted to learn and lead, (2) women don't have a lot to offer, (3) our greatest joy is marriage and highest calling is motherhood, (4) we are too much to handle, and (5) leading ladies don't fit in supporting roles. Part 2 discusses our call to love God, and Part 3 discusses our call to love others.
It's refreshing to hear other Christians say wives and mothers don't "corner the market on the truest forms of biblical womanhood" because "loving God and loving others are life's pinnacles." When we elevate marriage or motherhood to the position of our highest calling, we commit idolatry by worshipping these good things above the best thing in our lives: Christ.
I also appreciated Kat's emphasis on women learning and leading. If we believe the lie that women are more easily deceived and therefore incapable of leading, we need look no further than the story of Christ entrusting the resurrection message to Mary Magdalene to be reminded of the truth. Kat paints a vivid and beautiful contrast between our mother Eve and Mary Magdalene; however, I felt it went a little too far when she stated "The curse of being easily deceived died when Jesus rose from the dead."
This quote and other portions of that section seem to imply that before Christ's death and resurrection women, following Eve's example, were more easily deceived. I do believe all humanity fell under the curse of sin in Eden, but because Eve was deceived by the Serpent does not automatically follow that all women became more gullible than men and thus were unfit to lead until the NT. To me that does a disservice to the many women in the OT called and equipped by God to lead (Ex. the prophetess Miriam, the judge Deborah, the prophetess Huldah, etc.).
It's refreshing to hear other Christians say wives and mothers don't "corner the market on the truest forms of biblical womanhood" because "loving God and loving others are life's pinnacles." When we elevate marriage or motherhood to the position of our highest calling, we commit idolatry by worshipping these good things above the best thing in our lives: Christ.
I also appreciated Kat's emphasis on women learning and leading. If we believe the lie that women are more easily deceived and therefore incapable of leading, we need look no further than the story of Christ entrusting the resurrection message to Mary Magdalene to be reminded of the truth. Kat paints a vivid and beautiful contrast between our mother Eve and Mary Magdalene; however, I felt it went a little too far when she stated "The curse of being easily deceived died when Jesus rose from the dead."
This quote and other portions of that section seem to imply that before Christ's death and resurrection women, following Eve's example, were more easily deceived. I do believe all humanity fell under the curse of sin in Eden, but because Eve was deceived by the Serpent does not automatically follow that all women became more gullible than men and thus were unfit to lead until the NT. To me that does a disservice to the many women in the OT called and equipped by God to lead (Ex. the prophetess Miriam, the judge Deborah, the prophetess Huldah, etc.).
December 31, 2021
This was an encouraging quick/easy read. Through Scripture and personal stories, Kat explores the importance of our role as female Christ followers. One story/quote that stood out to me was when she was in a seminary class and confessed to the professor/class that she was scared to learn too much about Jesus. A fellow male classmate then aggressively tells her to just stop because women that know too much about Jesus can be dangerous to the local churches, marriages, etc. Choking back tears the professor looked her in the eye and said “Don’t stop. Don’t ever stop. Keep going, sister of the faith.” Enough said.
June 19, 2019
No More Holding Back is bold call for Christian Women to live their God-given purpose, and live it unashamedly! Kat's words are honest and thoughtful, and a challenge to face head-on, some deeply embedded Christian ideals about women, their place in the world, and their place in ministry. Time will not be wasted diving into this book!
March 18, 2025
fresh, fun, empowering and scripturally sound - couldn't put it down!
Kat’s voice is original. I can say after reading lots of books and Bible studies, this is such a fresh take on reminding us who God says we are as His beloved. Every word from Kat is full of the utmost sincerity and a genuineness that you don’t see often in books or in life - I feel her heart in these pages and in every line like she is speaking directly to me. How can a book feel that personal? You can just tell she wants her readers to see how much they are fully known, loved, and prepared by God to proclaim His name no matter their spheres of influence.
The main message of the book is that women are called to love God with their mind and strength not just their heart and soul. Kat sets the record straight by empowering women to live out their SCRIPTURAL, God-given purpose in all areas of life. She dispels common myths that are plaguing Christian culture today, and as I read her words I felt more and more free to love God and share His love well, not in spite of being a woman, but because I am a woman. She celebrates who we are and how we are uniquely equipped by Him who loves us.
Kat uses Scripture to back up her arguments which y’all, is seriously such a great aspect of this book - it isn’t some “feel good gospel” that forgets the beauty and coexisting pain of Scripture and of our lives. She’s all about what the Bible says and interprets Scripture from the honest of places - and it shows.
Kat preaches TRUTH. ALWAYS. And that’s what you can expect from this book - it’s a must-read, and I’ll be re-reading it time and again!
Kat’s voice is original. I can say after reading lots of books and Bible studies, this is such a fresh take on reminding us who God says we are as His beloved. Every word from Kat is full of the utmost sincerity and a genuineness that you don’t see often in books or in life - I feel her heart in these pages and in every line like she is speaking directly to me. How can a book feel that personal? You can just tell she wants her readers to see how much they are fully known, loved, and prepared by God to proclaim His name no matter their spheres of influence.
The main message of the book is that women are called to love God with their mind and strength not just their heart and soul. Kat sets the record straight by empowering women to live out their SCRIPTURAL, God-given purpose in all areas of life. She dispels common myths that are plaguing Christian culture today, and as I read her words I felt more and more free to love God and share His love well, not in spite of being a woman, but because I am a woman. She celebrates who we are and how we are uniquely equipped by Him who loves us.
Kat uses Scripture to back up her arguments which y’all, is seriously such a great aspect of this book - it isn’t some “feel good gospel” that forgets the beauty and coexisting pain of Scripture and of our lives. She’s all about what the Bible says and interprets Scripture from the honest of places - and it shows.
Kat preaches TRUTH. ALWAYS. And that’s what you can expect from this book - it’s a must-read, and I’ll be re-reading it time and again!
June 11, 2022
The good news is that after reading this book, I have a better understanding of the many women I know who grew up in the evangelical church. As an independent, strong, intelligent women, I've never quite fit into their mold and frankly that was OK with me. Ms. Armstrong had a plethora of cringe-worthy stories and bible verses to back up her points/arguments. Ladies, if a guy expects you to dumb yourself down or sacrifice your relationship with Jesus so they can be your teacher, RUN, don't walk to the nearest exit. And if a guy asks you on the second date whether you'd be willing to submit to his rule, again RUN, don't walk to the nearest exit. The bottom line is that the evangelical movement has done much to suppress the voices of women over the years. I truly appreciated Ms. Armstrong's viewpoints and hope that women (especially those that grew up in the evangelical church) will see this book as an enlightening challenge to years of patriarchal indoctrination and as a ticket to freedom as they grow in the strength, love and wisdom of Jesus Christ.
October 29, 2019
This book 😍😍😍
I loved every word of it. I started my education at a Christian college in 1989. I loved Jesus and wanted to serve him full time. It wasn’t long before I realized that aside from singing, playing the piano, or working with children (all great things but none that I could do or wanted to do) there was no place for me in ministry or church leadership. I chose to become a pharmacist instead because women were much more welcome in the professional and medical setting than they were in the church. I unknowingly harbored bitterness toward the church and God as a result of this for a long, long time. Thankfully the Lord has lovingly brought this to light in a recovery program. A friend in the group recommended this book and it has truly been medicine for my soul.
I lead my daughter’s small group at church and am excited for the future of these girls!
My 13 year old daughter recently told me she was considering ministry and a flood of emotions came over me. I’m encouraged for her and thankful for women like Kat who are giving voices to an entire generation of Jesus loving girls!!
I loved every word of it. I started my education at a Christian college in 1989. I loved Jesus and wanted to serve him full time. It wasn’t long before I realized that aside from singing, playing the piano, or working with children (all great things but none that I could do or wanted to do) there was no place for me in ministry or church leadership. I chose to become a pharmacist instead because women were much more welcome in the professional and medical setting than they were in the church. I unknowingly harbored bitterness toward the church and God as a result of this for a long, long time. Thankfully the Lord has lovingly brought this to light in a recovery program. A friend in the group recommended this book and it has truly been medicine for my soul.
I lead my daughter’s small group at church and am excited for the future of these girls!
My 13 year old daughter recently told me she was considering ministry and a flood of emotions came over me. I’m encouraged for her and thankful for women like Kat who are giving voices to an entire generation of Jesus loving girls!!
April 27, 2022
I grabbed this book because I know the author..! She is the lovely independent intelligent wife of Aaron Armstrong, pastor of Dallas Bible Church in Dallas, TX.
It was an interesting book.. I think perhaps meant for younger women, just figuring out where they fit in today’s world. Kat debunks 5 myths that have held women back from forging ahead in their faith .. many because of men saying they shouldn’t be further down the road of following Jesus than their husband or significant other. Hard for me to believe that a man would say that, or a woman would listen to it. But Kat encourages women to confidently pursue their faith, go to seminary, etc as they feel led by the Lord.
I did feel there was a bit of repetition but overall a very good message.
Personally, I would have loved it if Kat had read her book herself.. that would’ve been a real treat!
It was an interesting book.. I think perhaps meant for younger women, just figuring out where they fit in today’s world. Kat debunks 5 myths that have held women back from forging ahead in their faith .. many because of men saying they shouldn’t be further down the road of following Jesus than their husband or significant other. Hard for me to believe that a man would say that, or a woman would listen to it. But Kat encourages women to confidently pursue their faith, go to seminary, etc as they feel led by the Lord.
I did feel there was a bit of repetition but overall a very good message.
Personally, I would have loved it if Kat had read her book herself.. that would’ve been a real treat!
August 26, 2019
No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong is a must read for women of all ages. Ms Armstrong is a leader, a mother, a Bible teacher. When I first listened to her speak on a podcast years ago, I was struck by the way she explained your calling vs your vocation. I immediately looked for more from her but she did not have this book available at that time. Now she does! This is a book to read and pick up for all the women in your life. Ms Armstrong uses women from the Bible and explains what held them back and how God used them. It is a phenomenal, powerful book. Don't miss it! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
June 9, 2020
I read this book as part of a book club. We found that the questions at the end of the chapters weren't super conducive for discussion. Most of the time we found that discussing the chapter on its own (without the questions she provided) lead to better conversations. This is an encouraging book for all women in the church. Whether you're single, married, or a mother, there is something here for you. She didn't provide as many real-life suggestions for how to dismantle the limiting women's roles in the church as I was hoping for. But it was still a great read.
January 3, 2021
Every woman who has ever been hurt my messages from the church about where their place is should read this book. Every woman who has ever thought she shouldn’t speak in the Sunday school class full of men should read this book. This book has been instrumental in helping to deconstruct harmful views i internalized in my early years of being a Christian. I am so thankful for women like Kat Armstrong who are speaking out about the worth and value of the female voice not only in the secular world, but also in the church.
July 11, 2019
This book is amazing! Kat does a great job discussing the mixed messages women receive about what their role in the church should be. Part 2 is about the call to love God and part 3 is about the call to share God’s love. I would encourage every woman who has ever been told that they cannot do something because of their gender to read this. I would also encourage everyone involved in ministry to read this book and to see how they can learn to encourage and not discourage women.
August 30, 2019
I have been DEVOURING this book and LOVING it!!! THANK YOU Kat for writing it and being the voice for so many things that have been on my heart and mind over the past few years. It has felt so good to read a book that I feel “gets it.” The Holy Spirit has used it as such sweet water for my thirsty soul. And on top of that I have been LOVING the 21 day prayer guide. Don’t wonder, just read it! (Especially you seminary ladies!!)
katarmstrong.com/book
katarmstrong.com/book
December 19, 2020
This book is gracefully written and is a ton of fun to use in tandem with the devotional. It helped to heal some church hurt I had regarding things conservative Christians had said to me about a women's place in the church and in God's plan. It affirms that we as women have higher callings than simply being a stat at home mom. It puts misogynistic religious dogma in its place and reminds women that we are entitled to the same respect and status as men within the church.
October 5, 2021
Good pep talk for women to be who the Spirit is empowering them to be & not feel that they are “too much” or need to prioritize “submissiveness.” There are some good exegetical insights on helper/azar as well & about what it looks like to live out the greatest command as a woman in today’s context.
October 13, 2019
Crying out to our Savior with hurt and anger is not only permissible, it’s an act of worship. -Kat Armstrong
This book started really well and I enjoyed most chapters. She’s very fiery and interesting. Lots of references back to the Bible. I think this message is needed.
This book started really well and I enjoyed most chapters. She’s very fiery and interesting. Lots of references back to the Bible. I think this message is needed.
October 16, 2019
Kat is an incredible teacher. She has the ability to make the Bible less complicated to understand and help women to see the true calling for our lives. She writes beautiful and captivating words and emboldens women to be strong.
May 20, 2020
Every Christian woman could get something out of this, even if they find themselves more conservative or more liberal (me) than Armstrong. Part one and the last little section on Lydia were my favorite parts and would even be worth reading stand alone! Also chapter 8.
July 11, 2019
Love how Kat challenges us to love God with our whole selves and reminds us we are created in the image of God.
September 7, 2019
Kat is inspiring as she writes truth boldly. This book is encouraging for women looking to grow in their faith (and probably even for men as well)
May 30, 2020
Such an important book. Women are and have always been vital parts of the church and building the kingdom of Christ. This book just has me SO FIRED UP! 👊👊
February 26, 2021
A must read for every Christian woman. Filled with truth, encouragement, and wisdom. If you’ve ever questioned what a woman’s role is, read this book ASAP!
April 18, 2021
I love the way Armstrong shows biblical knowledge and support for single and professionally women
January 9, 2022
BEST book for christian women I have ever read. SO freeing & refreshing to hear truth presented this way. A must read!
July 20, 2023
Thank you, Kat! What a book! An encouragement to my soul!
November 30, 2023
Passional and well articulated points with lots of biblical support.
September 23, 2019
I had a sore neck by halfway through the book from nodding my head so frequently. I really enjoyed hearing from someone I could relate to. Though much of the detail was particular to the author, the sentiment, teaching and world view were just where I'm at. The second half took me longer to read and required more concentration on my part. I'm so glad I pushed through. Totally worth it.
July 9, 2019
What does the Bible say to women? What does culture say to women? To which voice are we listening? Kat Armstrong wants us to listen to scripture and understand God's calling on women to love him with everything they've got: heart, soul, mind and strength. Sometimes culture leaves off the last two, assigning them by gender to men rather than to all believers. This book pulls together Kat's experience as a woman called to teach God's word while laboring in a male-centric atmosphere. It explores Bible passages that set women free to serve God, and it encourages us all to courageously step out in whatever God has called us to do.
Supplementing the book is a workbook/Bible study and teaching DVDs. It would be an excellent resource for women's ministries, youth groups, and friends to read and study together.
Supplementing the book is a workbook/Bible study and teaching DVDs. It would be an excellent resource for women's ministries, youth groups, and friends to read and study together.
July 14, 2021
No More Holding Back is a book I’ll be recommending to my gal pals. The first five chapters alone is worth the cost of the book as Kat Armstrong addresses the ugly messages that hold women back like marriage and childbearing is a women’s highest calling (eye roll). One truth that will stick with me forever is the parallel she makes between the Garden of Eden and the garden at the resurrection site. The narrative of women does not begin with Eve, but with Mary’s proclamation about the risen Savior. Here’s what I love about the book: Kat gives compelling BIBLICAL evidence for women in church leadership. It was not unusual for me to shout a “Yas!” or underline or draw hearts around entire paragraphs while reading this book. It’s just that good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews