Mike and Tim delve into the true meaning of salvation, exploring how restoring our vocation as God's image bearers reframes our understanding of being saved. From Genesis to Jesus, they discuss how salvation is about more than just sin management—it's about embracing our true humanity and living out our calling in community. Key Takeaways: • Worship as a Way of Life – Understanding worship as the totality of human life rightly oriented toward God, not just religious activities. • Image Bearing a...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 10 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off a transformative series that reexamines salvation through the lens of the Kingdom of God. Challenging the traditional, individualized gospel message, they delve into the rich biblical narrative of God's kingship from Genesis to Revelation. By exploring how Jesus' central message of the Kingdom reshapes our understanding of faith, grace, works, and salvation, Mike and Tim invite listeners to embrace a more expansive and communal vision of the gospel that impact...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Exploring how the church has harmed LGBTQ Christians and how repentance can lead to healing and restoration, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford talk with Bridget Eileen Rivera about her book "Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church." They delve into the double standards and injustices faced by LGBTQ individuals in Christian communities, discussing the importance of open dialogue, humility, and genuine listening in fostering true reconciliation. Key Takeaways: • Understan...
Mar 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into how followers of Jesus can navigate the complexities of war, violence, and shame in our modern world. Reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they discuss the challenges of peacemaking, the importance of enemy love, and how Jesus's approach to shame can transform our responses to conflict. Continuing their Centered Set Series, they unpack the difference between disintegrative and reintegrative shaming, and explore how a centered church can operate...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 29 min
Discover how personal stories of deconstruction, mental health struggles, and church leadership challenges shape our understanding of a centered faith community. Mike and Tim delve into listener emails, discussing the impact of bounded versus centered church models, and how embracing a centered approach fosters unity, love, and spiritual growth. Key Takeaways: Bounded vs. Centered Church Models – Understanding how shifting from a boundary-focused faith to a centered approach can transform person...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 33 min
Discover seven essential ways to understand Jesus at the center of a centered church, and how redefining the Kingdom of God transforms our unity, mission, and understanding of discipleship. Mike and Tim delve deep into what it truly means to have Jesus as the center, exploring the implications for how we live out our faith in community. Key Takeaways: • Jesus Is Jewish – Recognizing the importance of Jesus's Jewish identity to fully grasp his teachings and mission within the context of Israel's ...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue their exploration of church models by diving deeper into what it means to practice discipline in centered communities. They discuss the transformative concept of love as a rugged commitment—a commitment to be with others, be for others, and help others move toward growth. Drawing from listener emails and personal experiences, they contrast bounded, fuzzy, and centered church approaches, emphasizing the importance of relational discernment over judgment, wisdom...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 15 min
How the church can move from condemning boundaries to redemptive restoration through relational discernment, radical invitation, and the long-haul work of love. Mike, Tim, and surprise guest Seth Erre dive deep into what real church discipline looks like in a centered-set community—and how bounded and fuzzy churches often get it wrong. Part 5 of the Centered Set Series unpacks core differences between boundary-focused, fuzzy, and centered approaches—and how only the last can truly embody the gra...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 19 min
Discover how shifting from bounded and fuzzy church models to a centered church approach can transform your faith community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the distinctions between bounded, fuzzy, and centered churches, exploring how focusing on Jesus at the center fosters authenticity, inclusivity, and genuine discipleship. Key Takeaways: • Lines that Shame vs. Invitations to the Center – Understanding how bounded churches use boundaries that shame and exclude, while centered churche...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Explore how shifting from bounded and fuzzy sets to a centered-set framework can redefine church unity and community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack Paul's confrontation with Peter in Galatians and the transformative implications for modern Christianity. They discuss how focusing on Jesus as the center can break down barriers and foster authentic relationships within the church. Key Takeaways: Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered Sets – Understanding different models of unity and how they impact chur...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 20 min
Discover how reexamining justice and mercy through a Christ-centered lens challenges the death penalty, as Mike and Tim sit down with public defender Renee Monzon to discuss her journey and the Christian case against capital punishment. Key Takeaways: Rethinking Justice Through Jesus's Teachings – How Jesus's approach to mercy and justice calls Christians to oppose the death penalty. The Flaws in Capital Punishment – Exploring systemic issues, wrongful convictions, and the lack of deterrence ass...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Explore how confronting racism, misogyny, and division within the church can lead us toward genuine unity and reconciliation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Tim Gombis, unpacking the complexities of standing in solidarity with those who oppose the very teachings of Jesus and examining how a posture of confession, lament, and humble confrontation can transform our communities. Key Takeaways: The Challenge of Unity in a Divided Church – Understanding how to pursu...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 16 min
Discover how real-life deconstruction stories can offer hope and guidance for navigating your own faith journey amidst religious trauma and doubt. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into powerful listener stories, unpacking how experiences with church politics, restrictive doctrines, and personal struggles have impacted their spirituality. They discuss the complexities of questioning long-held beliefs, the process of reconstructing faith, and how to rediscover Jesus outside of traditional evangeli...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 27 min
How do we stay faithful to the Jesus of the Gospels when American Christianity often looks nothing like Him? This deeply personal and reflective episode offers an honest mosaic of deconstruction stories from within the Voxology community. Mike and Tim read listener submissions about disillusionment, church trauma, and the painful cost of leaving behind institutional faith while rediscovering a more beautiful Jesus. Drawing from real-life experiences and the story of Mary losing and finding Jesus...
Dec 27, 2021•1 hr 8 min
A raw and honest unpacking of what "deconstruction" really is—and isn't—in today's church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford take time to explore the complexities behind this often-used and often-misunderstood buzzword. Drawing from philosophy, theology, psychology, and their personal experiences, they break down the six distinct processes many people go through under the umbrella of deconstruction—ranging from doubt and disillusionment to discipleship and deconversion. This thoughtful and pastoral con...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Discover how challenging traditional gender roles can transform discipleship and the church's mission. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with author Aimee Byrd to discuss her book "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," exposing the limitations of complementarian teachings and exploring how both men and women can fully participate in the life of the church. Key Takeaways: • Redefining Discipleship Beyond Gender Roles – Amy Byrd explains how the focus on so-called biblical manhood and...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Gain insights into the complexities of deconstruction in the Christian journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a candid conversation with author and pastor Josh Butler. Together, they unravel misconceptions, discuss the impact of personal experiences on faith, and explore how to navigate doubt and spiritual growth within the church. Key Takeaways: Defining Deconstruction – Understanding the various meanings of deconstruction and its role in personal faith journeys. Intentions Behind the ...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr 33 min
Mike Erre is joined by his 16-year-old daughter, Hannah, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and the challenges facing the next generation in the modern church. They delve into Hannah's experiences with rigid religious environments, her journey of questioning, and the hope found in open dialogue and permission to wrestle with tough topics. Key Takeaways: Permission to Question – The importance of creating spaces within the church where doubts and questions are welcomed a...
Nov 29, 2021•55 min
Explore how systemic issues within the church contribute to the deconstruction movement as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford critically engage with Joshua Ryan Butler's article "The Four Causes of Deconstruction." Delve into deep conversations about church hurt, poor teaching, and how re-examining our faith can lead to a more authentic relationship with Jesus. Key Takeaways: Understanding Church Hurt Beyond Leadership Failures – Discover how deeper systemic problems and cultural misalignments contribut...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Discover how to reclaim unity in a divided church by addressing anger, grievance culture, and political divisions. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to delve into Paul's teachings on unity, the dangers of anger and resentment within the church, and practical steps to foster a community grounded in love, confession, and forgiveness. Key Takeaways: Unity as the Ultimate Value – Exploring how Paul's letters emphasize the paramount importance of unity in the church, tran...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 16 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their Bible Series by delving into how interpreting Scripture within community leads to true transformation. They explore the vital role of embodying the values of Community, Cross, and New Creation in today's church. Join them as they discuss how discipleship is a collective journey toward becoming fully human in Christ, and how the fruitfulness of a community reflects the fidelity of its biblical interpretation. Key Takeaways: Discipleship as a Communal Prac...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Explore how challenging traditional views on 'Biblical Womanhood' can lead to a more authentic and inclusive understanding of the Bible and the role of women in the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by historian and author Beth Allison Barr to discuss how the subjugation of women became gospel truth and what this means for modern Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Womanhood as a Cultural Construct – Understanding how historical and cultural contexts have shaped the notion of 'Bi...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the pitfalls of relying on common Christian clichés like "God told me" and "I feel led," examining how these phrases can lead to misunderstanding and manipulation within the church. They explore a more biblical approach focused on embracing wisdom, community, and partnership with God in decision-making, moving away from the obsessive pursuit of God's specific will in every aspect of life. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Christian Clichés – Understanding how phr...
Oct 25, 2021•1 hr 12 min
Discover why viewing the Bible through the lens of inerrancy might limit our understanding of its divine and human nature. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of Scripture, discussing how a more nuanced approach can lead to a deeper, more faithful engagement with God's Word. They tackle the challenges of biblical interpretation, the role of community in understanding Scripture, and the importance of approaching the Bible with humility. Key Takeaways: • Challenging the Concept ...
Oct 18, 2021•1 hr
Discover how 'Midnight Mass' serves as a mirror to the modern church, revealing the dangers of misguided faith, the perversion of theology, and the implications for believers today. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Kaitlyn Schiess delve deep into the series' portrayal of religious zealotry, the seductive nature of miracles, and how the show brilliantly maps Christian themes onto a horror narrative, provoking thoughtful reflection on faith and community. Key Takeaways: • Justifying Evil...
Oct 11, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Discover how embracing a cross-shaped life transforms our understanding of community, leadership, and service. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore what it means to live in the way of Jesus, redefining greatness through humility and self-sacrificial love demonstrated on the cross. Key Takeaways: Cruciformity Explained – Understanding the concept of living a cross-shaped life and how it redefines our approach to leadership and community. Redefining Greatness – Exploring Jesus's teachings on leaders...
Oct 04, 2021•1 hr 4 min
How the American Church's focus on right beliefs and institutional preservation has neglected the transformative power of love, justice, and community as revealed through Jesus. In this deeply reflective and wide-ranging conversation, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Hannah Erie (Mike's daughter) explore the frustrations young people have with modern Christianity, especially its entanglements with politics, legalism, and exclusion. Hannah shares her "horrendous happenings" as a 16-year...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Tim and Dr. Tim Gombis conclude their mini-series on U2 and theology by diving deep into how we can coexist and carry each other in divisive times. Drawing inspiration from U2's song "One" and other tracks, they explore the importance of embracing differences within community, the role of the church in fostering true connection, and how music can serve as a bridge in times of division. Key Takeaways: Embracing Differences in Community – How U2's "One" teaches us to carry each other despite our d...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 11 min
Understanding how genre shapes our reading of Scripture is one of the most foundational—and often overlooked—keys to interpreting the Bible faithfully. In this 10th installment of the ongoing Bible Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford deep-dive into the importance of reading Scripture on its own literary terms rather than applying a flat, literalistic lens. Using the book of Revelation as a case study, they dismantle sensationalist and futurist interpretations and explore how genre—apocalyptic, pr...
Sep 20, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Explore how U2's music unveils the paradoxes of the gospel, as Tim Stafford and Dr. Tim Gombis delve into themes of grief, grace, and the grotesque in Part 2 of The Wanderer Series. Unpacking the "grammar of the gospel," they discuss how songs like "California (There is No End to Love)" and "Grace" capture the complex relationship between suffering and redemption, challenging us to see beauty in brokenness and embrace the full spectrum of the human experience. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Gr...
Sep 15, 2021•54 min
