Mike Erre and Tim Stafford grapple with the profound grief and anger following the tragic school shooting in Nashville. They delve into the complexities of gun violence in America, examining how the intertwining of gun culture and evangelical Christianity hinders meaningful action. Through a heartfelt and critical exploration of common arguments against gun control, they challenge listeners to reconsider biblical teachings on violence, self-defense, and what it truly means to follow Jesus in the...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 23 min
A soul-stirring conversation recorded live at the 2024 Voxology Nonference in Brentwood, Tennessee, brings together Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, Susie P. Lind, and Timothy Gombis for a powerful exploration into what it truly means to rehumanize ministry and Christian life. Gathering in person for the first time as a group, these longtime friends and spiritual voices reflect on emotional health, identity, shame, self-talk, cruciformity, and how power is expressed through weakness, drawing inspiration...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Delve into the rich history and enduring significance of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as we explore how this timeless hymn reshapes our understanding of authentic worship, deconstruction, and the journey back to faith. Tim Stafford discusses the life of Robert Robinson, his transformative encounter with faith, his moments of wandering, and the magic that brought him back—offering insights into how our own stories mirror this journey. Key Takeaways: The Story Behind 'Come Thou Fount' – Unc...
Mar 22, 2023•23 min
Mike and Tim delve into a listener's question about handling church discipline in cases of adultery within the church community. They explore how to approach restoration and reorientation with grace, empathy, and a focus on relationships, rather than mere rule enforcement. Drawing from centered set theology, they discuss the importance of inviting individuals back to the center—Jesus—and the role of community in fostering genuine transformation. Key Takeaways: Invitation Over Exclusion – Emphasi...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Explore how harmful teachings on sexuality within the church have impacted women, and how reclaiming mutuality, consent, and healthy theology can lead to healing and transformation. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they welcome guests Susie Lind and Katie Haseltine to discuss the damaging effects of purity culture and the importance of including women's perspectives in conversations about sexuality and theology. Key Takeaways: The Harm of Purity Culture – Understanding how purity culture...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation through its original context can transform our understanding of its message for today. Mike and Tim sit down with theologians Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett to discuss their new book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us," unraveling misconceptions and highlighting the timeless relevance of this apocalyptic text. Key Takeaways: Understanding Apocalyptic Literature – Exploring Revelation as an art form rich in symbolism and Old Testament imagery, inviti...
Mar 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Mike and Tim explore the importance of understanding the genre clues in the Book of Revelation, discussing how recognizing it as an apocalypse, a prophecy, and a pastoral letter reshapes our interpretation. They also confront systemic misogyny in the church, reflecting on recent events involving prominent female leaders and the need to address gender inequality. Key Takeaways: Confronting Misogyny in the Church – Discussing recent events highlighting systemic issues with gender inequality and th...
Feb 27, 2023•45 min
Delve into the complexities of evil and suffering as Mike and Tim are joined by scholar Tim Gombis in their Gospel with Gombis series. Together, they explore the origins of evil within the biblical narrative, the role of human collaboration in God's Kingdom, and how the church can respond to a world marred by suffering and injustice. Key Takeaways: The Origins of Evil – Understanding how human rebellion against God's plan introduced chaos and suffering into the world, drawing from Genesis and Ne...
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Explore how recognizing the apocalyptic genre of Revelation transforms our interpretation of this enigmatic book, allowing us to reclaim its original message of hope and comfort. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of genre in biblical texts, discussing how misreading Revelation has led to fear-based teachings rather than the intended encouragement. They also examine the "He Gets Us" Super Bowl ad campaign, offering thoughtful critique on modern evangelism methods and the portra...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 20 min
Delve into the powerful history and universal impact of "Amazing Grace" as Tim explores how this timeless hymn transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries. Through the transformative journey of its author, John Newton, we uncover themes of grace, justice, and shared humanity, reflecting on how grace invites us into God's ongoing vision for the world. Key Takeaways: • John Newton's Transformation – From slave trader to abolitionist, and how his life experiences shaped "Amazing Grace." •...
Feb 09, 2023•32 min
Discover how transforming the culture of policing can lead to a more just and dignified society, as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Nick Sensley , CEO of the Institute for American Policing Reform. Learn about practical steps towards meaningful reform, the importance of community engagement, and how embracing human dignity can reshape law enforcement in America. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Police Culture – How entrenched cultural norms within law enforcement contribute to systemic is...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Unpacking how debunking the myths of dispensationalism and embracing a more faithful interpretation of Revelation can transform your understanding of the end times and challenge the roots of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the history and theological flaws of dispensationalism, discussing how popular interpretations like the Left Behind series have distorted the true message of Revelation and contributed to unhealthy ideologies within Christianity. Key Takeaways...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation can challenge and dismantle the harmful ideologies of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford begin a new series that aims to reclaim Revelation from misuse and unpack its true message of hope, comfort, and allegiance to Jesus in times of marginalization. Key Takeaways: • Introducing the Revelation Series – Starting a deep dive into the Book of Revelation, focusing on its relevance today. • Confronting Christian Nationalism – Exploring h...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Mike and Tim engage with New Testament scholar Tim Gombis to explore how our traditional understanding of the gospel might be missing the radical message of Jesus's Kingdom. They discuss the limitations of a transactional approach to faith and delve into how Jesus's teachings in the Gospel of Mark challenge our expectations, both then and now. This conversation kicks off a new series focused on rediscovering the Kingdom message in today's context. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Transactional Faith...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Delving into the impact of celebrity culture on the church, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with author and journalist Katelyn Beaty to discuss her book "Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits are Hurting the Church." They explore how the pursuit of platform and influence can undermine authentic Christian community, lead to scandals, and distort the gospel message. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Dark Side of Celebrity Culture in the Church – How celebrity dynamics cont...
Jan 09, 2023•58 min
Explore how facing church scandals through genuine repentance and embracing healthy transitions can lead to a revitalized and authentic faith community. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, along with guest Susie Lind, as they delve into the challenges of event-driven church models, the complexities of leaving a church gracefully, and a critical analysis of Christianity Today's Top 20 Stories of 2022 to uncover what it means for the future of the church. Key Takeaways: • The Need for Genuine R...
Jan 02, 2023•1 hr 12 min
A raw, provocative, and delightfully messy Christmas episode with Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh explores how the Christmas story has been softened, sanitized, and even hijacked by nostalgia, cultural expectations, and spectacle. What emerges instead is a deeply human tale of presence, prophecy, and disruption—one worthy of contemplation beyond a single holiday. The episode spans humorous holiday banter, chaotic family vibes featuring Seth Erre and Big Nate, ...
Dec 26, 2022•53 min
Dive into an engaging exploration of women's roles in church leadership as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dissect biblical texts and historical contexts to address the question: Can women be elders? Unpacking examples of female leaders in early Christianity, they challenge traditional interpretations and discuss the implications for modern church practices and gender equality. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Evidence of Female Leadership – Analyzing scriptural accounts of women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and...
Dec 19, 2022•55 min
Launching a new mini-series under The Wanderer banner, Tim Stafford embarks on an exploration of worship—not as performance or emotional manipulation, but as resistance, reorientation, and the embodiment of justice. This reflective episode traces Tim’s journey from burnout with worship-leading to rediscovering the true heart of worship through scripture, history, and music. In this premiere installment, Tim unpacks the history and radical impact of the Christmas anthem “O Holy Night,” connecting...
Dec 14, 2022•26 min
Explore how Dr. Lynn Cohick, a distinguished Pauline scholar, reinterprets the roles of women in the early church and challenges traditional readings of key biblical texts. Mike and Tim engage in a deep discussion on passages like 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, uncovering how cultural context and historical insights can reshape our understanding of women's participation in ministry and leadership within the church. Key Takeaways: Women in the Early Church – Discover the significant contributi...
Dec 12, 2022•1 hr 10 min
Uncover how fear and collective narcissism shape the worldview of white evangelicals and what this means for the future of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Dr. Dave Verhaagen about his book "How White Evangelicals Think," exploring the psychological factors influencing evangelical culture, politics, and identity. Key Takeaways: • Fear's Influence on Evangelicalism – Understanding how fear drives self-interest and the desire for p...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the controversial passage of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, challenging traditional interpretations that have restricted women's roles in the church. By unpacking the historical and cultural context of Paul's letters, they shed light on how misreadings have led to harmful theology and discuss actionable steps to embrace women's leadership as a biblical mandate. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Cultural Context – How the early church’s battle against false teachings, lik...
Nov 28, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Discover how embracing mystery and asking better questions of the Bible can deepen your faith and transform your understanding of God. Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Podcast and author of the upcoming book Asking Better Questions of the Bible , shares his journey from fundamentalist evangelicalism to a faith rooted in curiosity and openness. Together with co-hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, and joined by returning guest Tyler Chernesky, they explore how reframing our approach to Scripture can ...
Nov 21, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Unpacking how traditional views on biblical masculinity may limit our understanding of true humanity, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of gender roles, anger, and equality within Christianity. They explore how striving for predefined standards can hinder new creation dynamics, and advocate for embracing a fuller, more holistic view of humanity as modeled by Jesus. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Fixed Standards – Why seeking a clear-cut standard for masculinity or femininity c...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 12 min
Unpacking how Ephesians 5 reverses the curses of Genesis 3, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the implications of mutual submission over traditional gender hierarchies. Responding to listener feedback on biblical masculinity, they delve into Paul's radical subversion of ancient household codes and what this means for the modern church's understanding of gender roles. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Traditional Views of Biblical Masculinity – Addressing listener questions and concerns about how the...
Nov 07, 2022•58 min
Explore how rethinking Christian Nationalism can transform the way we read scripture and engage politically. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep with theologian and author Kaitlyn Schiess, discussing the intersection of faith, politics, and the Bible, and how pastors and believers can navigate political issues faithfully without partisanship. Key Takeaways: Understanding Christian Nationalism – Examining the historical and modern perspectives on Christian Nationalism and its influence on Americ...
Oct 31, 2022•51 min
Mike Erre and Tim Stafford challenge the rising trend of toxic "alpha male" Christianity, unpacking how the pursuit of power and dominance contradicts the biblical understanding of masculinity. Diving deep into Genesis, they explore how true biblical manhood embraces weakness, interdependence, and community, rejecting cultural idols of power and control. Through personal stories and scriptural analysis, they reveal how enshrining the curse of dominance from the Fall distorts the Gospel and harms...
Oct 24, 2022•1 hr 25 min
How the morality police in Iran became a symbol of oppressive theocracy, and why Christians in the West must pay attention. In this special edition of Voxology, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Susie Lind (an elder, pastor, and Iranian-American) dive into the recent wave of women-led protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. The conversation explores the historical context of Iran’s revolution, the internal trauma of displacement, and the deeply personal ties Susie holds to ...
Oct 17, 2022•1 hr 31 min
How the gospel disrupts political ideologies and cultural polarization—Mike and Tim sit down with pastor and author Chris Nye to explore how our faith can break free from the mental strongholds of ideology, certainty, and tribalism. Centered around themes from Nye’s new book, “A Captive Mind,” the conversation navigates the emotional allure of simplistic labels, the danger of reducing Christianity to hot takes, and why the foolishness of the cross matters more than ever in today’s ideological la...
Oct 10, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Embrace a transformative approach to faith by exploring how love can reconstruct your spiritual journey. Dive into a profound conversation as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke of Gravity Leadership to discuss their new book, "Having the Mind of Christ." Discover practical ways to embody love in your community, navigate deconstruction, and cultivate a faith that truly reflects the teachings of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Reconstructing Faith Through Love – Understandin...
Oct 03, 2022•1 hr 11 min
