Voxology

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 churches focus on inviting everyone towards Jesus without judgment. • Authentic Community and Uneven Discipleship – Exploring how centered churches allow for uneven discipleship paths, encourage questioning and doubting, and foster genuine relationships without the pressure of conformity. • Moving Beyond External Behaviors – Discussing the pitfalls of focusing solely on external behaviors and the importance of heart orientation and relational posture towards Jesus. • Redefining Doctrine and Beliefs – Examining how centered churches use doctrine to clarify the center rather than as boundaries to exclude, allowing for diverse understandings within the community. • Embracing the Messiness of Growth – Recognizing that while centered churches may be messier and lack rigid rules, they create space for real growth, transformation, and authentic faith journeys. Resources Mentioned: • "Centered-Set Church" by Mark Baker • Paul Hiebert's Work on Set Theory • Tim's Diagrams of Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered Churches • "If I Should Fall Behind" by Bruce Springsteen Join us as we explore how embracing a centered church model can revolutionize your faith experience. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on social media to continue the conversation. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Discover how a centered-set framework can redefine church unity by focusing on Jesus rather than boundaries. Dive into Paul’s confrontation with Peter, revealing the importance of inclusion in faith practices. The hosts discuss hospitality and forgiveness as vital to community relationships, alongside a thoughtful examination of Christianity's moral complexities related to violence. They challenge traditional unity models and advocate for a relational approach that fosters authentic connections within the church.

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 associated with the death penalty. God's Mercy in Scripture – Discussing biblical narratives that highlight God's mercy over retribution, from Cain and Abel to Jesus's interactions with those deemed "worst of the worst." A Public Defender's Journey – Renee shares her path from aspiring international lawyer to advocating for death row inmates, inspired by her faith and commitment to true justice. Guest Highlights: Renee Monzon – A public defender specializing in death penalty cases in Ohio. Renee delves into how her Christian faith informs her work, emphasizing the importance of seeing the humanity in every person and challenging traditional notions of justice. Resources Mentioned: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – bryanstevenson.com/just-mercy Executing Grace by Shane Claiborne – executinggrace.com Rethinking Incarceration by Dominique DuBois Gilliard – ivpress.com/rethinking-incarceration Join the conversation and help us rediscover a justice system rooted in mercy and compassion. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 pursue unity with fellow believers who hold opposing or harmful beliefs. Embracing Confession and Lament – The importance of acknowledging our own complicity in systemic sins like racism and misogyny. Confronting Injustice from Within – How to lovingly confront harmful behaviors in our communities without self-righteousness. Role of the Church in Today's Society – Examining options for individuals and communities seeking to embody the values of Jesus amidst political turmoil. The Posture of Humility – Adopting a Christ-like attitude that focuses on self-examination before critiquing others. Guest Highlights: Dr. Timothy Gombis – New Testament scholar and author of Power in Weakness and The Drama of Ephesians. Dr. Gombis brings profound insights into the complexities of church unity, confession, and navigating societal issues from a biblical perspective. Resources Mentioned: Power in Weakness by Dr. Timothy Gombis – [Link] The Drama of Ephesians: Participating in the Triumph of God by Dr. Timothy Gombis – [Link] Faith Improvised Podcast – [Link] Shoutin' in the Fire by Dante Stewart – [Link] Gospel of Mark Chapter 13 – Jesus's teachings on the fall of the temple. Call to Action: Join us in this important conversation and share your experiences in pursuing unity within the church. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 evangelical norms. Key Takeaways: Deconstruction Journeys – Listener stories highlight struggles with religious trauma, church politics, women's roles in the church, and purity culture. Navigating Faith and Doubt – Insights on how questioning long-held beliefs can lead to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus. Understanding the Unforgivable Sin – Mike and Tim provide context and reassurance about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, alleviating common fears. Challenging Holiday Traditions – Exploring how religious upbringing affects perceptions of Christmas, and discussing ways to celebrate authentically amidst consumerism and past trauma. Resources Mentioned: Andy Crouch's Article – "Christmas Is for Everyone" – [Link] Advent Conspiracy – adventconspiracy.org "One Punk Under God" featuring Jay Bakker Join the conversation by subscribing to the Voxology Podcast, leaving a review, and following us on social media to stay connected and continue exploring faith in a community that values honest questions and authentic journeys. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Dive into a heartfelt exploration of faith deconstruction and the struggle to find a Jesus-centered identity amidst institutional challenges. Listeners share personal stories of church trauma, revealing how crises can lead to rediscovering Jesus's beauty. The hosts challenge the intertwining of politics and faith, emphasizing the need for self-sacrificial love over culture war ideologies. Through reflections on Mary losing Jesus, they encourage a return to the Gospels, prioritizing a loving and authentic image of God that transcends current societal norms.

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 conversation serves as both a reflection and a guide for those navigating questions about their faith, the church, and the culture they grew up in. This Exile Series episode aims to reorient our understanding of spiritual unraveling—not as a rebellion against God, but as a potentially vital movement toward deeper faithfulness to Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Six D's of Deconstruction – Disillusionment, Discipleship, Deconversion, Redefinition, Doubt, and Disorientation—and why not all are harmful. • What's Being Deconstructed? – The critical distinction between dismantling American evangelical subculture vs. historic Orthodox Christianity. • Pastoral Engagement – Why labeling someone's faith shift as "sexy deconstruction" misses the heart of the issue and causes more harm than healing. • New Metaphors for Faith – From national parks to marriage, creative imagery helps reframe how we live into the reality of the Kingdom of God. • The Role of the Church – How communities can provide presence, permission, and patience as people redefine their relationship with faith. Resources Mentioned: • Walter Brueggemann's Typology of the Psalms – Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation • Paul Ricoeur – Philosophical roots of deconstruction • Tim Gombis – Alternative metaphors for deconstruction (national parks, identity) • Sermon on the Mount & Lord's Prayer – as spiritual "handholds" • Jude 1:22 – "Be merciful to those who doubt" Join the Voxology community as we walk the long, complicated road of faith with grace, curiosity, and courage. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. As always, we encourage and welcome conversation as we process and pursue the way of Jesus. Email your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch episodes on VOXOLOGY TV Grab some Voxology merch from our ETSY store Learn more at the Voxology Podcast Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Theme music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 womanhood distracts from true discipleship and spiritual growth. • The Impact of Theological Misinterpretations – Discussing how teachings like the eternal subordination of the Son have been used to justify female subordination and how this affects both men and women negatively. • Gynocentric Interruptions in Scripture – Exploring how women's voices and stories in the Bible reveal a richer narrative that challenges patriarchal interpretations. • Peeling Back the 'Yellow Wallpaper' – Using the metaphor from Charlotte Perkins Gilman's story to identify and remove the subtle cultural biases that limit women's roles in the church. • Restoring the Dignity and Personhood of Men and Women – A glimpse into Amy's upcoming work focusing on the Song of Songs and its implications for understanding sexuality and personhood in a biblical context. Guest Highlights: Aimee Byrd – Author of "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" and the forthcoming "The Sexual Reformation." Amy shares her journey from embracing complementarian teachings to critically examining and challenging them, advocating for a more inclusive and scripturally faithful approach to discipleship. Resources Mentioned: • "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" by Amy Byrd – [Link] • "The Sexual Reformation" by Amy Byrd – [Link] • "Gospel Women" by Richard Bauckham – [Link] • "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – [Link] • Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) – [Link] Join the conversation and explore how rethinking traditional gender roles can enrich your faith and community. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 Article – Josh explains the purpose of his controversial article on deconstruction and clarifies common misunderstandings. The Role of the Church – Exploring how church leaders and communities can support individuals experiencing doubt and questioning. Navigating Societal Pressures – Discussing the influence of cultural ideologies, social networks, and the internet on deconstruction. Hospitality and Empathy – Emphasizing the importance of listening, patience, and open dialogue in fostering healthy spiritual growth. Guest Highlights: Joshua Ryan Butler – Author of Skeletons in God's Closet and The Pursuing God, Josh shares his experiences as a pastor and writer engaging with individuals grappling with faith, doubt, and the process of deconstruction. Resources Mentioned: Skeletons in God's Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler – Amazon Link The Pursuing God by Joshua Ryan Butler – Amazon Link Voxology Podcast Episodes on Deconstruction – Link Join the conversation and delve deeper into the complexities of faith and doubt. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 and encouraged, especially for youth. Navigating Closed-Mindedness – Understanding the impact of black-and-white thinking and the marginalization of differing perspectives within Christian communities. Empathy and Compassion – Hannah shares how embracing others' emotions drives her passion for social justice issues and challenges within the church. Building Relationships Across Differences – Insights into maintaining friendships with those who hold differing beliefs while fostering mutual respect and understanding. Parenting Through Deconstruction – Mike reflects on the parallels between parenting and pastoring, emphasizing the value of patience, permission, and a long-term perspective. Listener Emails: Mike and Tim read and discuss listener responses to previous episodes on deconstruction, highlighting diverse experiences and insights from the Voxology community. Resources Mentioned: Books Recommended: Postcards from Babylon by Brian Zahnd When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes by Brian Zahnd Email Us: hello@voxpodcast.com Voxology Podcast on YouTube: Voxology TV Merch Store: ETSY Subscribe: iTunes Spotify Support Us on Patreon: Patreon Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow Us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like Us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in This Episode by Timothy John Stafford: Website Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we journey together. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy