How courageously telling your story can interrupt cycles of silence, shame, and secrecy—especially in the church. Mike welcomes author and activist Nicole Braddock Bromley for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about surviving childhood sexual abuse, sharing her story publicly at age 15, and how that one act unlocked voices of countless others suffering in silence. Nicole shares the painful truth about why abuse often remains hidden in churches and affluent communities and offers a compellin...
Oct 08, 2018•49 min
What if prayer isn't just about getting answers? Mike and Kevin take on one of the most raw, painful, and universal questions in the life of faith: why pray when it doesn't seem to change anything? In this vulnerable episode, they dive deep into an honest question from a listener experiencing unimaginable grief and crisis of faith following the sudden death of his mother and a devastating cancer diagnosis for his father. Drawing from scripture, theology, personal experience, and the teachings of...
Oct 01, 2018•41 min
How can we engage others in our faith journey when we've experienced the freedom of spiritual reconstruction but live in a culture deeply shaped by conservative, evangelical tradition? In this episode—part one of a new Vox Mailbag Series—Mike Erre and Kevin (#2) tackle questions about deconstruction, talking faith in politically charged spaces (like Branson, Missouri), and discerning truth in a world of theological contradictions. Filled with laughter, spicy sandwiches, and insightful reflection...
Sep 26, 2018•46 min
How can LGBTQ+ Christians faithfully navigate their identity while holding to a traditional Christian sexual ethic? Mike Erre sits down with Nate Collins, author of "All But Invisible" and founder of the Revoice Conference, for a raw, personal, and deeply theological conversation on gender, sexuality, and costly obedience. This is the first in an ongoing Revoice Series, spotlighting voices that are challenging the polarized narratives in the church by creating space for sexual and gender minorit...
Sep 18, 2018•49 min
How does the American evangelical church reconcile justice, culture, and faith in a post-Christian age? Mike Erre is joined by author, pastor, and podcast host Skye Jethani (The Holy Post) for a provocative discussion about the recently issued "Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel" from prominent conservative evangelical leaders—and why its assumptions about sin, culture, and mission may be fundamentally flawed. Together, Mike and Skye unpack the tensions between personal salvation and soc...
Sep 11, 2018•1 hr 3 min
What happens when the pastoral spotlight becomes too heavy to bear—and no one sees the weight until it's too late? Mike Erre and longtime friend Andy Lara reflect deeply on the tragic suicide of Inland Hills Church pastor Andrew Stoecklein, a young leader whose public transparency about his mental health struggles still couldn't prevent a heartbreaking end. This raw discussion examines broader issues of how we as individuals, communities, and the Church respond to mental illness—and what goes aw...
Sep 03, 2018•54 min
What if tithing isn't actually a New Testament teaching? In this honest and deeply practical solo episode, Mike tackles an insightful listener question about the theology behind tithing, prosperity gospel implications, and whether churches should be offering "90-day tithe challenges" with promised blessings (and optional refunds). Unpacking Scriptures like Malachi 3, Matthew 23, and key passages from 1 & 2 Corinthians and Acts, Mike invites us to reframe our understanding of generosity, stew...
Aug 27, 2018•31 min
Challenging the modern church growth mindset, Mike Erre and guest Kevin revisit the assumptions baked into much of American Christian culture—namely the obsession with polished Sunday services, celebrity pastors, and numerical success. In a week where high-profile abuse scandals shook major institutions like the Catholic Church, Willow Creek, and John MacArthur's ministry, the conversation turns to a deeper issue: How do we define "church success," and what does the witness of Jesus call us to i...
Aug 20, 2018•51 min
A deep dive into how Scripture confronts racism and ethnic supremacy, revealing that loving all people—regardless of race or background—is a fundamental expression of following Jesus. Mike Erre reflects on a provocative Atlantic article about why young atheists are abandoning Christianity and responds to a Twitter challenge: "Prove to me the Bible says I must value Black lives." His answer? A sweeping biblical case for racial equality rooted in the image of God, God's covenant with Abraham, and ...
Aug 13, 2018•40 min
Examining the dangers of celebrity leadership culture in the American church, Mike Erre gets candid about the recent public downfalls of figures like Bill Hybels and Urban Meyer—both of whom have been celebrated as leadership experts. Unpacking how the church's obsession with platform, power, and production may be feeding these moral failures, Mike reflects on how the New Testament offers a radically different vision for leadership: one that emphasizes plurality, humility, and shared responsibil...
Aug 06, 2018•31 min
How do we rebuild our faith after it feels like everything we believed has fallen apart? That's the core question behind this rich and vulnerable conversation between Mike Erre and long-time Vox supporter Kevin #1, live from Lake Tahoe. In response to passionate listener feedback regarding Christian political alignment and the perceived imbalance of criticism toward the Right, this episode unpacks how personal faith can become tangled with political identity—and what must be deconstructed and re...
Jul 30, 2018•50 min
Exploring the critical intersection of politics, worship, and the role of the church, Mike Erre reunites with longtime friend and Vox co-founder Andy Lara for a powerful episode in the ongoing Faith & Politics series. With heart, humor, and serious theological reflection, they examine how Christianity in America has been co-opted by partisan allegiance—sacrificing the holistic, worship-driven vision of community that scripture outlines. What begins as a joyful update featuring special guest ...
Jul 23, 2018•50 min
How the early church's radical social practices revealed an alternative political imagination rooted in the lordship of Jesus—and how those practices challenge today's believers to embody a cross-shaped way of engaging with power, community, and culture. Mike Erre continues the Exile Series by diving deep into Paul's subversive, kingdom-centered vision of church and politics. Drawing from Paul's life before and after encountering Jesus, and through reflections on apocalyptic literature like Reve...
Jul 15, 2018•44 min
How the apostle Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus radically reshaped his political vision, identity, and understanding of salvation—and what that means for the church today. This third installment of the Exile Series dives into how Paul's pre- and post-conversion worldview about kingdom, nation, power, and mission underwent a massive transformation, ultimately redefining faith as political allegiance to a crucified and risen king. Mike unpacks the deeply political nature of Paul's conversion...
Jul 09, 2018•34 min
How the practice of Sabbath offers spiritual resistance, emotional healing, and economic justice in a world ruled by hustle, exhaustion, and constant noise. Mike Erre is joined by theologian, pastor, and author A.J. Swoboda for a deep and deeply personal conversation about faith, burnout, restless modernity, spiritual deconstruction, and Swoboda's transformative journey through doubt and reconstruction. Drawing from his latest book, "Subversive Sabbath," A.J. unpacks the liberating power behind ...
Jul 02, 2018•46 min
How the future of the church lies in relational community, decentralized discipleship, and a bold yet humble witness. In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, Mike Erre welcomes back friend and author Skye Jethani to explore what the rapidly evolving digital landscape means for the structure, mission, and theology of the modern church. From rethinking the traditional Sunday service model to navigating deeply divisive political and cultural debates—including a deep dive into the Supreme...
Jun 24, 2018•1 hr 2 min
How misinterpreting Romans 13 distorts Christian witness and enables injustice. In a special midweek commentary episode, Mike Erre breaks down Attorney General Jeff Sessions' and Sarah Huckabee Sanders' use of Romans 13 to justify controversial immigration policies—specifically, the separation of families at the border. Mike dives deep into scripture, unpacking why proof-texting Romans 13 is both theologically inaccurate and spiritually dangerous. This episode is part of our ongoing Paul and Pol...
Jun 15, 2018•43 min
Before Saul became the Apostle Paul, he was a Pharisee passionately devoted to reshaping Israel into a holy and politically restored nation. In the second installment of our Faith & Politics trilogy, Mike Erre continues unpacking the rich political imagination of Saul prior to his dramatic encounter with Jesus. By examining how salvation, politics, and national identity were deeply intertwined in Saul's worldview, we gain insight not only into first-century Judaism but into today's Christian...
Jun 11, 2018•35 min
How the Voxology Podcast exists to legitimize spiritual deconstruction while centering the beauty and authority of Jesus—and why that journey compels us to address politics. In this kickoff to the new Politics series, Mike Erre (joined briefly by a surprise guest, Seth Erre!) reflects on the origin and mission of Voxology, explains why preaching is inherently political, and sets the stage for a rich dive into how the apostle Paul's transformation offers a model for engaging politics without bein...
Jun 05, 2018•34 min
How Genesis 1 redefines the intersection of faith and science, challenging traditional assumptions, and offering a new framework for interpreting the Bible's creation story. Mike Erre kicks off a Bible Geek episode exploring Old Testament scholar John Sailhamer's groundbreaking take on Genesis 1:1–2—a perspective that profoundly impacts the way Christians engage with science, cosmology, and our understanding of the world's origins. Whether you're a science-minded believer wrestling with evolutio...
May 29, 2018•33 min
How a long-overdue conversation with Andy Lara, co-founder of Vox Podcast and community architect, reveals lessons in innovation, faith, and storytelling. In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, Mike honors Andy's departure by reflecting on the profound impact he's made in launching both the Vox Podcast and the Vox community. Along the way, they field listener questions that explore singleness in the Christian life, the theology of marriage, how creatives can partner with God's image, and wh...
May 22, 2018•1 hr 10 min
How do church decline and societal disconnection go hand in hand? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mike Erre is joined by longtime friend (and former Ohio State quarterback) Steve Geller to talk football, faith, and the unraveling of American communal life. After reliving an unforgettable moment of gridiron glory and fumble-induced infamy, the duo digs into a sobering sociology-rooted critique of modern American church decline—based on recent writing from Scott McKnight's blog, "The Death...
May 15, 2018•57 min
How a controversial GQ list, an outdated quote on spousal abuse, and Beth Moore's powerful letter converge to expose the cultural misunderstandings—and misuses—of the Bible both inside and outside the church. Mike Erre and guest Kevin #2 (of Crimson Cup Coffee fame) unpack three hot-button moments that captured headlines and Twitter feeds, offering insights into how Christians can respond with truth, humility, and action in a culture often skeptical of faith. Key Takeaways: • The Bible and Cultu...
May 09, 2018•56 min
What happens when faithful listeners bring their best questions to the table? You get a rich, multidimensional conversation exploring everything from advocacy for people with developmental disabilities to the theological case for women in ministry leadership. On this Vox Mailbag episode, Mike Erre reflects on listener feedback, critiques, and thoughtful questions with his trademark honesty and theological depth. He touches on listener experiences championing dignity and person-centered care for ...
May 02, 2018•27 min
Exploring the deep wounds of narcissism and the toxic environments that foster it, Mike takes us on a vulnerable and illuminating journey of self-reflection, healing, and spiritual formation in this raw follow-up to his recent conversations on narcissism in the church. Drawing from personal experiences, scriptural insights, and therapeutic practices, this episode equips listeners with practical tools for identifying narcissistic tendencies within themselves and their communities—while offering a...
Apr 24, 2018•35 min
How the culture of modern church leadership, platform-building, and celebrity status can unknowingly attract narcissists—and what that reveals about our definitions of church, spiritual maturity, and humility. Mike Erre continues last week's conversation on narcissism, deepening the discussion by exploring how certain church structures, American evangelical ideals, and personality-driven ministry models may unintentionally foster and enable narcissistic tendencies in both leaders and followers. ...
Apr 17, 2018•45 min
How the pursuit of significance, platform-building, and personal image intertwines with the culture of American evangelicalism—and the deeply personal cost of hiding behind a false self. In this opening episode of a vulnerable new series, Mike Erre reflects on his own lifelong entanglement with narcissism: where it comes from, how it forms, how it thrives in church leadership, and the healing power of confession. Drawing from therapeutic frameworks, Greek mythology, and personal stories—includin...
Apr 10, 2018•42 min
How do we engage faithfully with long-held beliefs around gender, authority, and theology in the church? Mike Erre critiques a recent article and podcast by influential Christian leader John Piper that argues for inherent male leadership based on "God-given maleness." Drawing on scripture, historical context, and theological reflection, Mike challenges complementarian views and offers an egalitarian reading of Genesis, Paul's household codes, and the teachings of Jesus. This episode invites list...
Apr 04, 2018•33 min
Exploring how the Christian vision of the end shapes our response to today's most pressing socio-political issues, this episode of Voxology offers a deeply reflective take on cultural violence, the sanctity of life, and the church's role in embodying God's promised future. Mike Erre challenges listeners to confront gun culture, advocate for those often marginalized in society, and evaluate public theology through an eschatological lens. With World Down Syndrome Day and March for Our Lives as a c...
Mar 27, 2018•29 min
Explore the profound mystery of the Trinity and why it continues to define the Christian faith. In this Theology Geek Series kickoff episode, Mike Erre walks through the biblical foundations for understanding God as one essence in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Highlighting key Old and New Testament passages, this deep dive clarifies why this view sets Christianity apart from other monotheistic faiths, how the Trinity is more than just doctrinal complexity, and why its implications ...
Mar 19, 2018•29 min
