Voxology

Does a shift in language signal a shift in theology? In this intimate and challenging episode of our new YouTube Q&A Series, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest Bonnie Lewis respond to a listener's thoughtful concern about Mike's theological trajectory and the rise of "progressive" terms like privilege, oppression, and intersectionality on the podcast. What unfolds is a rich, nuanced, and vulnerable conversation about language, biblical faithfulness, and how diverse voices shape how we express the gospel. Mike clarifies that while his core beliefs haven't changed, his expression of faith has evolved to be more compassionate and inclusive—a shift he argues is distinctly biblical, not political. Bonnie offers a powerful reflection on being a woman in theology and pushes back on long-standing assumptions about women's roles in the church. Together, the team explores how using cultural language within a gospel framework can help reach those on the margins without compromising the mission of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The difference between theological liberalism and cultural engagement—and why embracing inclusive language doesn't mean abandoning orthodoxy. • How Mike's evolving understanding of being pro-life now includes the marginalized, immigrants, and the oppressed—not just the unborn. • Bonnie's candid response to the gendered dynamics of theological critique and a powerful plea for women's voices to be heard as equals in the church. • Why language like "privilege" can open gospel conversations, not shut them down, when used with intentionality and grace. • How the Voxology team is committed to walking faithfully in the tension between truth and compassion by reflecting the widening love of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Voxology YouTube Channel – Subscribe here • Gold Pacific Studios – Studio Info • Writers Referenced: Stanley Hauerwas Call to Action: Help us launch our new YouTube presence by subscribing, liking, and sharing the video version of this episode from our new channel, VOXOLOGY TV. Share your thoughts and help us reflect more of Jesus's beauty through respectful and honest dialogue. Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media so you never miss a moment of this journey. 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 (and yes... now with music): 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 centering communion over preaching can reshape Christian community and church life. In this launch of a brand-new YouTube mini-series collaboration, Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford dive into listener-submitted questions about the heart of Vox's alternative church structure—focusing on Eucharist, inclusion, and grassroots community rather than institutional models. Broadcasting from Gold Pacific Studios in Newport Beach, this visual/audio crossover marks a new chapter for Voxology. Key Takeaways: • The Table Over the Stage Model – Why the Vox team chose to center their church around the Eucharist instead of the sermon, and what kind of community that creates. • Open Communion and the Way of Jesus – Unpacking why offering the Lord's Table to everyone, believer or not, reflects the radical inclusivity of Jesus' ministry. • Communion as a Model for Justice and Presence – How table fellowship can transform community into a space of healing, participation, and kingdom embodiment. • Church Without a Stage – The challenges and possibilities of a decentralized, kingdom-rooted faith community that resists institutionalization. • Where Mission Meets Micro-Community – How a "missional imagination" rooted in presence, not platform, can remake the way we do church. Guest Highlights: • Josh (Listener) – Asks the foundational question that sparked this deep dive: Why design church around communion, and why keep the table open? • Nathan (Listener) – A missionary and seminary grad wrestling with the future of church leadership and alternative ecclesiology. Resources Mentioned: • Vox Podcast YouTube Channel – Subscribe Here • Vox Patreon – Support Us on Patreon • Vox Website – voxologypodcast.com • Preston Sprinkle – Past episode collab on open communion • 1 Corinthians 11 – Discussed in the context of open vs closed communion Be sure to catch this whole mini-series by subscribing to our brand new YouTube channel. Join the conversation that moves beyond sermons and into real-life, lived community centered on the radical hospitality of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay updated. 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: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY 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

How the Voxology vision of micro communities is providing spiritually curious and deconstructed Christians a new path forward. Hosts Bonnie Lewis, Tim Stafford, and Mike Erre respond to listener emails and dive into what it takes to start a local micro community—spaces for meaningful conversation, vulnerability, spiritual practice, and radical inclusion without the pressure or performance of a traditional church model. Tim shares his real-world experience launching a micro community in Auburn, California, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone asking, "Is church still necessary?" Key Takeaways: • Creating Micro Communities for the Spiritually Homeless – Explore what it means to build safe, open, and inclusive spaces for faith beyond traditional church gatherings. • Community Over Institution – Why centering conversations around Jesus, mutual care, and open dialogue is often more life-giving than Sunday services. • Simple but Intentional Gatherings – Hear how Tim started with friends, built trust, and allowed the community to grow organically—no pastors or pulpits required. • Theological Openness – Micro communities are not church "replacements" but are intentional spaces to explore hard issues, listen to one another, and focus on marginalized voices. • Practical Examples – How to facilitate topics, include young families, rotate meeting times, and develop guiding values for your group. Guest Highlights: Tim Stafford – Voxology co-host and impromptu micro community leader who shares the origin and growth of his Auburn-based group—including how he structured it, the kind of people who show up, and the welcoming ethos they live by. Resources Mentioned: • World Relief – https://worldrelief.org/ • Topic Ideas – Voxology Podcast back catalog • Mike's quote: "If we can agree on Jesus, we can break bread." • Well vs. Boundary-Centered Communities – A model of inclusion and growth • Skyline Chili (but only in passing…) Join the growing Voxology movement by starting your own micro community or exploring how to step into deeper spiritual conversations outside the institutional church. Subscribe to the podcast, share your thoughts, and follow us on social media to keep the dialogue 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

Can a complementarian and an egalitarian co-lead a church without compromising their convictions or church polity? That's the central question driving this special mini-episode of Voxology. Mike, Tim, and Bonnie revisit a recent conversation sparked by their dialogue with Allan Frow, unpacking listener questions about unity in leadership, theological diversity, and the positive biblical basis for women in ministry. With real-life scenarios, pastoral insight, and honest evaluation of both complementarian and egalitarian frameworks, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone discerning their place in church leadership—or working to build a faith community rooted in inclusion and conviction. Key Takeaways: • Unity in Diversity? – The complexities of co-leading a church when leaders hold opposing beliefs on women in ministry roles, and the challenges it raises for church governance and decision-making. • Honoring Women's Gifting – Why flexibility matters, and how lack of clarity in theology and modeling can perpetuate confusion and exclusion, especially for women seeking freedom in their calling. • The Positive Case for Women in Ministry – A biblical framework starting from Genesis 1-2, with examples from the Old Testament, Jesus's ministry, and Paul's writings, including key figures like Phoebe, Junia, and Priscilla. • Reading the Fruit – Encouragement from Bonnie to consider the impact and outcomes of different theological interpretations in practice, not just in theory. • The Role of Theological Disagreement – Why some dialogues may work better in open forums than in the shared leadership of a church body. Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming "Heated" Event Recording – A two-hour teaching and Q&A session with Mike and Bonnie on women in leadership (coming soon!). • Romans 16 – Paul's commendation of women ministry leaders. • 1 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 5 – Scriptural passages addressing women in the context of early church participation. • Episode 18 – "Is the Bible Anti-Women?" with Bonnie Lewis • Episode 46 – "Women in Leadership" with Bonnie Lewis Have you wrestled with this question in your own church context? We'd love to hear from you. Send your thoughts and feedback to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation online. Stay connected — subscribe to Voxology on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review to help us grow the community, and follow us on social media! We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Discover more on our Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – timothyjohnstafford.com | IG & 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

Why didn't Jesus spell it all out? Why are we left wondering, searching, and often disagreeing when it comes to theology, salvation, and what it means to follow him? In this mini episode of Voxology, Mike, Bonnie, and Tim respond to an incredible listener question from Newport Beach: if God wanted to save everyone, why wouldn't he just make things super clear? In a raw and heartfelt conversation, the team explores the beauty and challenge of ambiguity in the Christian faith. They unpack how God's invitations to join his work are rooted in relationship, trust, and participation—not in following rigid instructions. This episode delves into why mystery, community, and the presence of the Holy Spirit might actually be features, not bugs, of the divine design. Key Takeaways: • Divine Ambiguity as Invitation – How God's choice not to give us exhaustive clarity invites deeper participation and relationship. • Living by the Spirit, Not Just the Scriptures – The team reflects on the importance of the Holy Spirit guiding us, even when the Bible doesn't give explicit answers. • Cooperative Participation – Exploring the theme of God using his people to embody and express his story throughout history. • Working Through Questions in Community – Why faith grows through tension, shared journey, and real-life wrestling with big questions. • The Role of the Church and Individual Discernment – Unpacking how the early church operated without complete theological consensus, yet with a common Spirit-led pursuit. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge • Email us your thoughts and questions: hello@voxpodcast.com • Micro Community Formation Info – voxologypodcast.com Whether you're spiritually homeless, a Christian misfit, or just someone with deep questions, this episode will encourage you to embrace the journey of seeking over certainty. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to keep the conversation going. We're on YouTube! Catch us at: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some gear from our Merch Store on ETSY Support the show on Patreon Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join the conversation on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and 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 wrestling with Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and personal experience led Mike Erre and Bonnie Lewis to change their theological stance on women in church leadership. In this special live episode, part of the Heated Live Event Series, Mike and Bonnie vulnerably share their stories—including painful moments of rejection, spiritual awakening, and biblical reexamination. They address common objections to women in leadership, unpack 1 Timothy 2 and other controversial passages, and challenge patriarchal norms hijacking the church's witness in the world. This is the first in a new series of live conversations that confront "heated" theological topics with honesty, humility, and scripture-centered discussion. Get your Bible, your questions, and join the conversation. Key Takeaways: • Women in Ministry Comes with a Cost — Bonnie shares how her calling came with personal losses, including being shunned by close friends and excluded from church opportunities. • Rethinking 1 Timothy 2 — Mike and Bonnie walk through the passage in depth, showing how the commonly cited prohibition against women teaching may have been tied to a local heresy in Ephesus, not a universal ban. • Paul's Subversive Use of Cultural Norms — Exploring how Paul adopted patriarchal cultural structures to promote Gospel transformation, subverting them from within rather than outright dismantling. • The Link Between Patriarchy and the Fall — Is patriarchy a biblical ideal or a result of sin? Mike and Bonnie argue that many hierarchical gender roles reflect fallen human structures, not the vision of Genesis 1 or the direction of the Gospel. • Real-Life Implications — The disempowering of women in church settings doesn't just affect ecclesiology—it spills into society at large, diminishing women's voices, stories, and gifts. • On Authority and Teaching — They explore Junia's role as an apostle, Phoebe's leadership in delivering and likely interpreting Romans, and how even Paul's call to "be silent" was likely contextual and temporary. Guest Highlights: Mike Erre – Lead voice on the Voxology Podcast, formerly complementarian, shares the long journey (and study) that led him to affirm women in ministry. Bonnie Lewis – Pastor, speaker, and writer, brings vulnerable and bold narrative to the theological shift around women leading, teaching, and interpreting scripture. Resources Mentioned: • Video recording of the Heated Live Event – Instagram Bio and Facebook • Romans 16 – Referenced in discussion of Junia as an apostle • 1 Timothy 2 – Central passage explored • Ephesians 5 — Discussion on "headship" and mutual submission • "Romans Disarmed" by C. Keesmaat and B. Walsh – Book Link Join the broader conversation about restoring dignity, equality, and shared leadership in the church. We want to hear from you—let us know your journey, questions, or how the Spirit is stirring you. Subscribe on your favorite app, leave us a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events, series, and real-time dialogue. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Support the podcast on Patreon Listen on iTunes or Spotify Music by Timothy John Stafford • Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Let's keep pressing into truth… 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 the ruthless elimination of hurry isn't just about slowing down—it's about rediscovering the way of Jesus in every aspect of your life, from spiritual formation to parenting. In this episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre is joined by pastor, author, and longtime friend John Mark Comer to explore the profound connection between the pace of our lives and our capacity to love well. They dive deep into John Mark's journey from megachurch burnout to spiritual renewal and offer practical wisdom on how to embody love, joy, and peace through intentional living. Along the way, they talk about the limitations of hustle culture, the impact of spiritual formation on community and parenting, and the challenge of truly becoming "like Christ" amid cultural and religious noise. Key Takeaways: • The Cost of Hurry – How John Mark's burnout in ministry revealed the soul-killing nature of hustle culture and led him to rebuild his life around rhythms of rest, reflection, and formation. • Spiritual Formation as the Path to Change – Why transformation isn't about willpower or waiting for a spiritual "zap" moment, but about consistent engagement with Jesus through practices, community, and the intentional shaping of the soul. • Parenting Without Shame – How a relational theory of change can inform parenting, helping children process their emotions and choices with trust instead of fear, control, or punishment. • The Gospel as Apprenticeship to Jesus – Deconstructing Reformation-era definitions of grace and works to rediscover the biblical vision of discipleship grounded in abiding in Christ rather than merely believing about Him. • Enneagram and Soul Work – A critical conversation on the misuse of the Enneagram as a personality label versus its intended use as a tool for spiritual transformation. • The Church's Role in True Formation – The limits of preaching alone to shape souls, and the need for the church to guide people not just in what Jesus taught, but how to embody it in daily life. Guest Highlight: John Mark Comer – Pastor, author of multiple books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and host of the podcast This Cultural Moment. Known for his work on spiritual formation in a secular age, John Mark opens up about his personal journey from church growth idolization to a life grounded in presence, soul-care, and love. Resources Mentioned: • The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer – Amazon • This Cultural Moment podcast – thisculturalmoment.com • Fight Hustle, End Hurry podcast (with Jefferson Bethke) – fighthehurry.com • Dallas Willard – Renovation of the Heart • EMDR Therapy – EMDRIA.org • Tim Mackie – The Bible Project's work on biblical wisdom • Steven Porter & John Coe – Theology of spiritual formation at Biola University • Pete Scazzero – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality • Enneagram Institute's Levels of Development – enneagraminstitute.com Want to explore transformation beyond hustle and hurry? Dive deeper with us as we rethink what it truly means to follow Jesus today. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and join the conversation on social media. As always, we invite your thoughts and questions at hello@voxpodcast.com, or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Join the journey on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Visit: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Support us at Patreon Voxology Radio on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 does the modern church get the theology of judgment wrong—and what does the Bible actually say about it? Mike, Tim, and Bonnie unpack the fear-driven narratives many Christians inherit, contrasting them with a richer, more relational and kingdom-centered understanding of judgment, eternal life, and salvation. Using John 3 and Jesus's dialogue with Nicodemus as a launchpad, the team explores how concepts like heaven, hell, and accountability have been weaponized in much of Christian teaching—often to the detriment of genuine spiritual formation. Drawing contrasts between judicial and relational frameworks of judgment, this episode wrestles with the crucial questions: What are we judged for? Who is judged most harshly—and why? And most importantly, how do we become the kind of people fit for the coming kingdom today? Key Takeaways: • Judgment Is Now and Not Yet – Heaven and hell are both future realities and present choices. How we align with the kingdom today matters. • Sin as Self-Inflicted Judgment – Much of the Bible teaches that sin contains its own consequences, forming us into people either fit for new creation or resisting it. • Love, Not Fear – God's judgment is not about checking doctrinal boxes but about participating in a relationship that transforms us to love Him and others. • Leaders Are Accountable – Religious leaders face unique and intense judgment for misrepresenting or weaponizing the gospel, especially through fear or exclusion. • Eternal Life Begins Now – Borrowing from Jesus's teaching in John 3, salvation isn't a ticket to heaven but the daily experience of new creation breaking into our lives. Guest Highlights: No outside guest this week, but Bonnie leads a powerfully insightful conversation with Mike and Tim, bringing clarity, depth, and challenge to traditional views on salvation and discipline. Resources Mentioned: • N.T. Wright – "Surprised by Hope" • Greg Boyd – "Cross Vision" • Preston Sprinkle – "Four Views on Hell" • Joshua Ryan Butler – "The Skeletons in God's Closet" • Michael Wittmer – "Heaven is a Place on Earth" • Alan Hirsch – Commentary on heresy as "making a small thing the main thing" Call to Action: If you've ever wrestled with questions about salvation, hell, or what judgment really means, this episode is a must-listen. Help others join the conversation—subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode. And email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com—we'd love to hear from you. Catch us visually on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube, grab some merch at our Etsy store, and visit voxologypodcast.com for more ways to connect. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and support us on Patreon. Follow the journey on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook. 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 complementarian theology be both faithful to Scripture and deeply honoring toward women? Mike Erre sits down with Pastor Alan Frow from Southlands Church in Brea, California, for a respectful and thought-provoking conversation about women in ministry, complementarian leadership, and the infamous John MacArthur-Beth Moore controversy. Alan, a self-avowed complementarian, pushes back against harmful caricatures and offers a more nuanced model—one anchored in mutuality, Scripture, and genuine partnership between men and women. Together, Mike and Alan reflect on what it means to hold strong convictions without straying into rigidity, and how churches can recover a theology of gender that mirrors both the Trinity and the self-giving love of Jesus. They also tackle the nature of authority, the role of women in leadership, and what the modern church can learn from biblical models like Priscilla, Deborah, and Phoebe. This episode features rich theological back-and-forth as the hosts and their guest model respectful dialogue amidst theological disagreement—reminding us all that the way we hold our beliefs matters as much as the beliefs themselves. Key Takeaways: • Beyond Caricatures – Alan shares why he rejects John MacArthur's tone and example, arguing for a more generous and respectful form of complementarianism that affirms the dignity and giftedness of women. • Team-Based Leadership – Exploring how Alan and his wife lead together in their church context, avoiding hierarchical stereotypes and embodying mutuality within complementarian convictions. • Office vs. Gifting – Breaking down the distinction between the roles of elder and teacher, and how non-elder men and women can teach under elder oversight. • Scripture, Creation, and Gender – A deep dive into Genesis, Ephesians 5, and the New Testament household codes to examine how theology emerges from biblical design and redeemed relationships. • Countering Misuse of Authority – Why both complementarian and egalitarian settings are susceptible to abuse, and how the church can cultivate healthier cultures through shared leadership and spiritual parenting. Guest Highlight: Alan Frow – Lead pastor at Southlands Church in Brea, California and author of Broken for Blessing: The Underrated Potential of the Medium-Sized Multiplying Church. Alan brings decades of pastoral experience, deep biblical insight, and an open-hearted humility to this conversation on theology, family, and church leadership. Resources Mentioned: • Southlands Church • Alan's Blog • Broken for Blessing by Alan Frow – [Amazon Link] • Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 1–3, Ephesians 5, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Peter 3, Romans 12, Galatians 3 • Previous Voxology Episode on John MacArthur & Beth Moore Let's keep the conversation going. Whether you're complementarian, egalitarian, or still sorting it out—your voice matters. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to join our growing community of listeners striving to follow the way of Jesus over ideology. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions at hello@voxpodcast.com and invite interaction on Instagram and Facebook. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Visit the Merch Store: ETSY More about the show: VoxologyPodcast.com Listen & Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify Support us on Patreon Explore curated playlists on Voxology Radio (Spotify) Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like our Facebook Page: Voxology Podcast 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

A heartfelt message for those who no longer feel at home in the American evangelical church, Mike Erre delivers an unfiltered and compassionate reading of his letter titled "An Open Letter to the Spiritually Homeless," originally written for Q Commons in Costa Mesa. Speaking directly to spiritual exiles—those disillusioned yet still drawn to Jesus—Mike offers solidarity, honesty, and hope in the midst of uncertainty and reconstruction. This episode is a sacred pause for anyone wrestling with deconstruction but unwilling to abandon their faith entirely. It's an invitation to embrace life in the in-between, to encounter a God not confined by temples or traditions, and to recognize your wandering as sacred space full of purpose. Key Takeaways: • Spiritual Homelessness Defined – More than church-switching or faith doubts, this homelessness is the ache of those disillusioned by what American evangelicalism has become but still captivated by the beauty of Jesus. • Naming the Grief and the Longing – Mike voices the sorrow, anger, and isolation felt by many who still long for community, depth, and integrity in their faith practices. • Prophetic Critique of Evangelical Systems – A direct call-out of failures in leadership, exclusionary practices, political allegiances, and the silencing of questions within the church. • A Homeless God for a Homeless People – Exploring Jacob's encounter with God in an ordinary place (Genesis 28), this reflection reframes our wandering as a place of divine encounter and transformation. • Hope in Deconstruction – Jesus himself confronted and deconstructed broken religious systems. Mike reminds us that God is often at work dismantling what no longer serves, preparing us for something new. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 28 – The story of Jacob's unexpected encounter with God at Bethel. • Q Commons – Q Ideas This is an invitation to the spiritually displaced to know that they are not alone—and to reimagine faith on the road with a God who refuses to stay confined. Share this episode with someone who's been hurt by the church or is wrestling with their place in it. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on social to stay connected to this growing community of Jesus followers navigating the messiness 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Listen to the Voxology Spotify Channel: https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com 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