Voxology

How the biblical pattern of liberation empowers us to confront economic injustice, redefine power, and co-create a more just world. In this dynamic episode of Voxology, Bonnie and Tim are joined by Don Golden—author, activist, theologian, and leader in faith-centered impact investing. Don brings decades of experience in international relief, political advocacy, and theological reflection to guide a conversation that challenges listeners to think deeply about what it means to be God's liberating people in today's complex world. From Exodus to economics, Don unpacks a prophetic framework of four biblical locations—Egypt, Sinai, Jerusalem, and Babylon—that mirror the spiritual and societal cycles we live in today. The episode explores how privilege distorts our reading of Scripture, how American Christianity risks irrelevance by aligning with earthly power, and how marginalized voices and refugee realities should shape the conscience of the church. Don also reflects on his journey from World Relief to founding JCQ—a consultancy committed to mobilizing generous capital for socially just businesses solving climate and poverty challenges in Africa and across the globe. Whether it's microfinance in Burundi, refugee ministry, or AI cameras preventing elephant poaching, Don's vision of "faithful finance" offers practical pathways for Christians to embody the mission of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The Bible as a Book of Social Arrangements – Exploring how Scripture consistently centers justice for the marginalized and calls God's people to live in covenantal community. • Power, Privilege, and Hermeneutics – How those with influence often misread the Bible and resist displacement, and why equality can feel like oppression to the powerful. • Four Biblical Locations of Spiritual Formation – Understanding Egypt, Sinai, Jerusalem, and Babylon as stages in personal and national transformation, and how the U.S. church might be repeating Israel's cycle. • Refugees, Not Politics – What the dramatic drop in refugee resettlement under evangelical-aligned political leadership reveals about the American church's abandonment of the gospel ethic. • Impact Investing for the Kingdom – Connecting capital with justice through small and medium enterprise growth, microfinance, and sustainable development as faithful expressions of Christian mission. Guest Highlights: Don Golden – Former Executive Director of Red Letter Christians and longtime leader at World Relief, Don offers a powerful convergence of theology, justice, and finance. As founder of JCQ (Just Capital Quotient), he now helps connect donors, churches, and investors to redemptive opportunities around the world through innovative impact investing. Resources Mentioned: • Don Golden's Consultancy – donrgolden.com | Contact Don directly at don@donrgolden.com • Ghana Climate Innovation Centre – Promoting climate-smart enterprise development • Hope International – hopeinternational.org • Talanton Impact Investing – talantonllc.com • TrailGuard AI – AI camera tech for anti-poaching featured on Robert Downey Jr.'s The Age of AI • Matthew 25 – The parable of the sheep and goats • Microfinance & Village Banking – Initiatives referencing Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank • Previous Voxology Episode with Matthew Soerens – Deep dive into refugee conversations (Ep. 204) Join the conversation on justice, economic generosity, and the true mission of Jesus by subscribing, leaving a review, and connecting with Voxology Podcast on social media. Tell us your liberation story or share how your community is putting freedom into action. As always, we encourage and invite discussion as we pursue these ideas together. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and follow the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Shop Vox Merch on ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike Erre on Twitter: @mikeerre 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

How rethinking sexuality beyond purity culture can lead to healing, empowerment, and deeper intimacy. Bonnie and Tim are joined by sexologist Dr. Celeste Holbrook for an honest, hilarious, and deeply needed conversation about disentangling shame, reframing abstinence, and reclaiming sexual wholeness within a Jesus-centered framework. Key Takeaways: • Separating Purity Culture from Abstinence – Why defining abstinence by fear and shame is damaging, and how making informed, autonomous decisions empowers both men and women. • Addressing Shame and Fear – How purity culture instilled unspoken trauma and confusion around sex, and how to begin the healing process from those messages. • Sex as a Behavior, Not a Drive – Reframing male sexuality away from uncontrollable urges and toward mutual emotional and physical connection. • Communal Healing Around Sexuality – How conversation, education, and sensual presence can begin to undo harmful narratives and help couples rediscover intimacy. • Intentional Parenting – Why the best sex ed starts early, involves real anatomical language, and begins with parents healing their own sexual narratives. Guest Highlights: Dr. Celeste Holbrook – A practical sexologist helping individuals and couples create healthy, pleasure-filled sex lives through education, open dialogue, and healing from shame. Celeste shares her personal story of sexual pain rooted in fear-based messaging and how it led her to a career helping others find sexual liberation and freedom in truth. Resources Mentioned: • Dr. Celeste Holbrook's Website – drcelesteholbrook.com • 20 Sex-Enhancing Questions – Free downloadable couples' resource from Celeste's site • "Don't F*** With Cats" (Netflix Documentary) – Referenced in a pop-culture sidebar (seriously) • Esther Perel's Work – On intimacy, desire, and the psychological frameworks of sexuality • Voxology Episode Archives – Look for the "Sex, Love, and God" series with Mike Erre • Circle of Sensual Women – Dr. Celeste's private Facebook group for discussion and support Let's keep the conversation going. If you have further questions for Celeste, want a follow-up episode, or need a resource clarification, we'd love to hear from you! As always, we encourage thoughtful dialogue as we pursue wholeness in every area of life. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy If today's episode helped challenge old beliefs or spark a needed conversation, share it, leave a review, and tell a friend about Voxology. We're all on this journey together—and you're not alone. 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

How reframing vocation through theology can transform our understanding of purpose, identity, and calling. In this enlightening conversation, Bonnie and Tim welcome author and Holy Post co-host Skye Jethani to explore the often misunderstood topic of vocation. Drawing upon Reformation theology, personal experience, and a global mindset, Skye breaks down the biblical framework of calling: the highest calling to God, our shared Christian callings, and our individual, Spirit-led callings. Whether you've felt pressure to choose between "sacred" and "secular" work, wrestled with vocational guilt, or wondered how desires intersect with God's will, this episode unpacks how the church can better support believers in every walk of life and why your "ordinary" job may be more spiritual than you think. Key Takeaways: • Three Levels of Calling – Recovering the Puritan model of highest, common, and specific callings—and why it matters. • Your Job Isn't Your Identity – How your value comes from being in communion with God, not your title or paycheck. • The Myth of Ministry Superiority – Debunking the sacred/secular divide and exploring how the church mistakenly reinforces vocational hierarchies. • Desire vs. Calling – How personal passions, career goals, and God's direction can relate and sometimes misalign. • Vocational Discernment with Humility – Why circumstances, privilege, and spiritual maturity all shape how we live out our callings. Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Author, spiritual thought leader, and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast. He shares powerful insights from his experiences, historical theology, and his time mentoring students wrestling with calling. Skye also hosts The Movie Proposal Podcast. Resources Mentioned: • The Holy Post Podcast – HolyPost.com • The Movie Proposal Podcast – Apple Podcasts Link • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson – Book Link • Radical Wellness - Spiritual Direction – radicalwellness.co • Tim's New Book "Timshel" – Now available to backers; more details soon! Join us as we reflect on vocation not as a single career path, but as a response to God's invitation into purpose, wherever we are and whatever we do. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and be a part of our Voxology community online. As always, we encourage and welcome your questions and thoughts. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Watch full episodes on YouTube – VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch at ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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

How can pastors lead with openness, authenticity, and courage—especially in the face of anxiety, societal pressure, and denominational tension? In this powerful episode, Bonnie Lewis and Tim Stafford introduce Jenny Smith, a United Methodist pastor from Washington, who shares her deeply personal and transformational journey with anxiety, ministry, and discovering a contemplative rhythm called "Palms Up." Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or seeker longing for a more integrated faith, this conversation offers wisdom, practical tools, and a compassionate invitation to lead and live with vulnerability and freedom. Key Takeaways: • Palms Up Leadership – Learn Jenny Smith's four-step contemplative practice designed to cultivate presence, spiritual awareness, and trust in difficult moments: Show Up, Pay Attention, Cooperate with God, and Release the Outcome. • Courage in Vulnerability – Jenny shares a life-changing moment when she experienced a panic attack mid-sermon—and how her congregation's response transformed her leadership, ministry, and relationship with authenticity. • Mental Health in Ministry – Why addressing anxiety and high-functioning stress in church leadership is essential to protecting wellbeing, longevity, and spiritual integrity in ministry. • The Power of Going First – How sharing struggles as a leader creates space for others to access healing, dismantle stigma, and cultivate more honest spiritual communities. • Contemplative Practices and Conflict – How practicing "Palms Up" can equip us to engage difficult conversations—including political and theological disagreements—with grace, presence, and humility. Guest Highlights: Jenny Smith – A United Methodist pastor, writer, and speaker who is passionate about spiritual formation, women in leadership, and creating safe, grace-filled spaces for transformation. Jenny is developing resources around Palms Up Leadership, including a forthcoming podcast. Resources Mentioned: • Jenny Smith's Website – palmsup.co • Jenny Smith on Instagram – @jennysmithwrites • Elaine Heath's Work – [Link] • "Love Does" by Bob Goff – [Link] • EMDR Therapy Info – [Link to EMDR resources] • Rob Bell Communication Workshop – [Link to Rob Bell events] Join the conversation and deepen your faith by learning to lead with your palms up. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, share your favorite takeaway, and follow us on Instagram or YouTube to stay connected with thought-provoking conversations and spiritual growth. We love hearing from you—email questions and reflections to hello@voxpodcast.com and follow the discussion 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 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

How the local church can embody the reign of Christ through self-giving love, radical hospitality, and a commitment to justice in the face of national political chaos. This powerful conversation with New Testament scholar Tim Gombis unpacks how Christians can resist cultural currents shaped by sin and death—instead bearing witness to the kingdom of God through embodied practices rooted in community. Tim Stafford, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Gombis wade through important (and often overwhelming) questions about national politics, collective Christian identity, denominational history, modern evangelicalism, and the ripple effects of our everyday actions. But don't worry—before diving in, the trio also shares favorite films, irrational fears, strange personal facts, and why mayonnaise divides the room. Key Takeaways: • Kingdom Dynamics Over Culture Wars – Gombis outlines how Paul frames the world through the cosmic realms of the present evil age and the in-Christ reality, and what that means for the modern church. • Embodied Faithfulness – Why the truest political action for Christians happens in local churches through faithful presence, community care, and radical love—not through national allegiance or party loyalty. • Decolonizing Christian Identity – Exploring how white evangelicalism's history has shaped today's entanglement with political power, and the call for a reconstructed identity rooted in discipleship rather than dominance. • Voting as Part, Not the Point – Reframing activism beyond the ballot box by asking who is being clothed, fed, loved, welcomed, and restored by our communal commitments. • Spiritual Energy in Our Actions – A fascinating exploration into how even small daily actions participate in larger spiritual realities of renewal or destruction—a theological lens that reframes everything from neighborly kindness to the toxic cycles of social media debates. Guest Highlights: Tim Gombis – New Testament professor and host of the Faith Improvised podcast. A brilliant theological mind, Tim brings deep insight into Pauline thought, political theology, and the Enneagram, all while calling the church to rediscover its rootedness in Christ, not culture. Resources Mentioned: • Heated Conversation Event with Tim Gombis & Paul Martin – February 7 in Costa Mesa, CA • "Why We Dream" – Book recommendation exploring the purpose of dreaming and how the brain interprets reality • "Little Women", "Jojo Rabbit", "Parasite", "The Lighthouse" – Recent film recommendations and cultural reflections • Faith Improvised Podcast – Tim Gombis's podcast Get involved in the conversation and bring your whole self to the journey of rediscovering Christ's political vision. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others who long to see the church recover her prophetic calling. As always, we encourage and love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store: ETSY - VOXOLOGY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook 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

How can the church move forward with honesty, vulnerability, and healing when leadership fails or fractures arise within the community? Bonnie and Tim open this deeply honest episode with licensed therapist Elise Snipes, entering into what they call both a conversation and a process—a safe space for grief, anger, grace, and renewal. This marks a journey into how we, as the church, respond when our spiritual communities are shaken. Listeners are guided through a powerful, therapeutic framework designed to help navigate the emotional impact of last week's news surrounding co-host Mike Erre. Elise leads a communal process of separating reactions into three containers—Mike's story, your personal story, and the collective church story—offering clarity, compassion, and direction. If you're carrying feelings of betrayal, anxiety, anger, guilt, or confusion, this episode creates space for you to be exactly where you are while equipping you with language and tools to move toward healing. Key Takeaways: • The Three Streams of Processing Pain – How to untangle what's yours, what belongs to someone else, and what belongs to the larger community to gain clarity and respond with wisdom. • Shame vs. Conviction in the Church – Understanding the difference between healthy self-awareness and destructive shame that isolates and paralyzes us within Christian culture. • The Church's Martyr Complex and Pastor Pedestal Problem – How systemic pressures, sin management cultures, and purity culture create toxic expectations and unsafe environments. • The Need for Spiritual and Emotional Safety – Why the church needs to become a place where pastors and congregants alike can be human, honest, and held in their process. • Pathways Forward – The importance of rebuilding trust, naming triggers, and forming communities centered around healing, shared responsibility, and hope. Guest Highlight: Elise Snipes – A licensed marriage and family therapist, creator of the Radical Wellness Collaborative, and host of the Trailercast podcast. Elise brings decades of experience rooted in holistic wellness, and offers Vox listeners a framework for understanding emotional responses, navigating systemic dysfunction, and reclaiming healing in community. Resources Mentioned: • elisesnipes.com – Learn more about Elise's therapy and coaching work • radicalwellness.co – A collective of therapists, spiritual directors, and coaches available for online support • The Trailercast Podcast – Hosted by Elise, offering wisdom on emotional health and healing • Reach out to Vox at hello@voxpodcast.com to contribute local therapist referrals or join micro-communities You are not alone in this process. Whether you're grieving, confused, angry, numb, or hopeful, this conversation is for all of us journeying toward restoration and truth. Let's keep rebuilding together. Subscribe, leave a rating, and join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue deeper wholeness together. Find us and continue the journey: • YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Merch Store: Etsy • Website: voxologypodcast.com • Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify • Support us on Patreon • Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast | Facebook: VoxologyPodcast • Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre • Music by Timothy John Stafford (@GoneTimothy on social) We love you, Vox community. Keep leaning in—together. 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

How do we become a community where truth, brokenness, and grace can coexist? In this deeply vulnerable episode, Mike Erre steps forward to share hard, personal truths about the convergence of his private struggles and public ministry. Joined by co-hosts Tim Stafford and Bonnie Lewis, the Voxology team models what it means to confront sin, pain, and shame not with silence but with courageous transparency, loving accountability, and a commitment to holistic healing. Together, they explore the importance of rooting a spiritual community in truth, grace, and vulnerability rather than image management and performance. This candid conversation serves not only as an update for Voxology listeners but as an invitation for all Christians to consider how we respond to failure, how we practice redemptive grace, and how we create spaces safe enough to walk through real pain in pursuit of real transformation. Key Takeaways: • Truth Over Image – Why honest confession and transparency are essential in deconstructing performance-based church culture. • The Long Road to Healing – Mike's commitment to therapy, spiritual community, and integrating his public and private life through Jesus's grace. • Creating Safe Faith Spaces – Exploring how church communities can reckon with failure and extend grace without glossing over pain or accountability. • The Role of the Vox Community – How the team, including Vox's board and co-hosts Tim and Bonnie, is leaning into modeling generative restoration instead of punitive responses. • Looking Ahead – How Voxology will continue with thoughtful guests and spiritual conversations while Mike takes time away from the mic to pursue deeper healing and clarity. Resources Mentioned: • Email for community questions: tim@voxpodcast.com • Future Podcast Guests: Skye Jethani, John Mark Comer, Tim Gombis • Upcoming Episode with Therapist Elise Snipes • Patreon and Interpreters Podcast projects: voxologypodcast.com Join Voxology as we press toward honesty, love, and redemptive space even when it's messy. Subscribe to stay on the journey, leave a review to help others find us, and follow on social to continue the conversation. As always, we encourage thoughtful dialogue. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on: Watch on Voxology TV – YouTube Get Merch on Etsy Visit VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support on Patreon Follow Mike: Twitter Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for updates and community engagement. 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

How can Christians break free from shame-driven views of body image and embrace their inherent worth in Christ? In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode from the Mini Episode Series (#8), Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford gather in person to respond to a powerful listener letter about body image, dieting, disordered eating, infertility, and the church's silence on these issues. Bonnie steps forward to share her own story of healing and freedom, striking a raw and redemptive tone that resonates with so many in the church today—especially Christian women navigating toxic body narratives reinforced by culture, churches, and families. Discover how micro-communities can become safe spaces for truth-telling, how spouses can walk in honesty and support, and why therapy, spiritual grace, and self-compassion are essential tools in the healing journey. With humor, honesty, and depth, the trio explores how distorted messages about "biblical womanhood" fuel body shame, and how the church can offer a different story formed by love, grace, and real healing. Key Takeaways: • Recognizing the Spiritual and Emotional Roots of Body Shame – How cultural and church-based messaging can deeply influence self-worth and the way we relate to our bodies. • Therapy and Community as Healing Tools – Why a trained therapist and trusted relationships are critical for navigating healing and dismantling harmful thought patterns. • Redefining Spiritual Health – Moving away from appearance-centered validation to a Jesus-centered identity rooted in grace, presence, and wholeness. • What the Church Gets Wrong (and Can Get Right) – A critique of spiritually abusive settings that use control and shame to maintain power, contrasted with a Christ-centered call for liberation and embodied grace. • Honest Marriages and Safe Spaces – Encouraging spouses and micro-churches to foster radical honesty, support, and non-judgmental environments for processing trauma and recovery. Resources Mentioned: • Micro Community Interest Email: tim@voxpodcast.com – Reach out if you're interested in joining or starting a local Voxology micro-community for shared meals and conversation around faith, doubt, and Jesus. • YouTube Channel: VOXOLOGY TV – Watch full episodes and in-person conversations with Mike, Bonnie, and Tim. • Support the podcast on Patreon • Subscribe and follow: iTunes | Spotify Join the conversation by following us on Instagram @voxologypodcast and Facebook. Please subscribe, write a review, and share with someone who needs to hear that they are enough, just as they are. Healing is possible, and you're not alone on this path. Send us your questions or stories to hello@voxpodcast.com. We'd love to journey with you. Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Check out our merch store on Etsy Learn more at https://voxologypodcast.com 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

How do we navigate the tension between honoring God's calling for women and deconstructing the cultural baggage often attached to "biblical womanhood"? This Q&A mini episode tackles that question head-on, as Mike, Tim, and Bonnie gather around the mic to unpack the true scriptural and theological meaning behind what it means to be a Christian woman. Using wisdom literature and gospel narratives, the crew explores whether the church's traditional gender roles hold up under biblical scrutiny — especially when it comes to misunderstood passages like Proverbs 31 and Mary and Martha. Bonnie speaks candidly about growing up under narrow gender expectations and offers powerful insights into reclaiming these texts in a Christ-centered way. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Proverbs 31 – How the chapter is better understood as a poetic metaphor for wisdom, not a prescriptive checklist for womanhood. • The Mary and Martha Moment – Why Mary's action of sitting at Jesus' feet was a radical, subversive act and what it tells us about Jesus' view of women in leadership. • Deconstructing "Biblical Womanhood" – Why phrases like "biblical manhood" and "biblical womanhood" often reflect cultural norms more than scriptural truth. • The Importance of Context – How ignoring original context in passages like "women should remain silent" can lead to harmful theology. • Following Jesus, Not Gender Stereotypes – Why being a Jesus follower transcends gendered expectations and calls all believers into wisdom and love-driven service. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 10 and Luke 10 – The Mary & Martha narrative revisited • Proverbs 31 – Rethinking its purpose and context • Email for Micro Communities – tim@voxpodcast.com • Join the Voxology Micro Communities: tim@voxpodcast.com (include your name, city, and country) • Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: Voxology TV Join the conversation on biblical gender roles, deconstruction, and rediscovering your identity in Christ. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the Voxology Podcast with your friends to keep the conversation going. 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

Kicking off a special December series of mini Q&A episodes, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Bonnie dive into thoughtful listener feedback addressing critiques of their political commentary, the limits of deconstruction, and the broader mission of Voxology. Recorded in-person at Gold Pacific Studios, this episode also announces the launch of Voxology TV on YouTube, feeding both audio and video content into the growing community conversation. This episode peels back layers of evangelical culture and reflects on how orthodoxy has been obscured by modern political alliances, doctrinal gatekeeping, and a conflation of American cultural values with the teachings of Jesus. With humility and sincerity, the team responds to pointed critiques—clarifying their stance on orthodoxy, political idolatry, and the difference between faith and cultural packaging. Key takeaways: • Why criticizing evangelical political alliances isn't the same as attacking conservative theology. • Distinguishing historic orthodoxy from the evangelical industrial complex of the last 70 years. • Why theological deconstruction is necessary—but not a rejection of core Christian beliefs. • The importance of exposing abuse and corruption in church institutions as a form of holy reckoning. • How Voxology aims to equip listeners not just to deconstruct—but to reconstruct in Christ-centered, community-minded ways. Guest Highlights: • Bonnie Lewis – Brings essential nuance to the conversation around orthodoxy, deconstruction, and gendered critiques of what's considered "liberal." • Studio shoutouts – Recorded at the legendary Gold Pacific Studios with video by Setter Studios, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people making this new media expansion possible. Resources Mentioned: • Voxology YouTube Channel (Voxology TV) – YouTube.com/@voxology • Email listener suggestions to host guests: hello@voxpodcast.com • Reference to past interviews with Tim Gombis and conversations around Paul and politics Support the ongoing dialogue by subscribing to the new YouTube channel, sharing the episodes, and joining the community online. Whether you're in a season of deconstruction or just asking sharper questions about your faith, Voxology offers a safe, Jesus-centered space to wrestle and rebuild. We'd love to hear from you—send your questions, critiques, and suggestions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube: Voxology TV – Watch Now Shop our Merch: Voxology on Etsy Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: • iTunes • Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon: Become a Patron Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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