Voxology

How do Jesus followers make sense of today's political and social divisions while remaining faithful to the Kingdom of God? In this Q&A-driven episode, Mike Erre and Kevin dive into a series of powerful listener questions exploring topics like immigration, political allegiance, the modern church, the Me Too movement, and how to present the gospel in a postmodern context. With honesty and humility, they tackle whether it's possible to follow both Jesus and support political figures like Donald Trump, how Christians should respond to the heartbreaking images and policies at the southern U.S. border, and what it really means to be "in church" amid deconstruction and reconstruction. They also dig into the limits of media narratives, how shame and community relate to faith, and offer a broader, more narrative-driven way to understand and share the gospel. Key Takeaways: • Navigating Political Allegiances as a Christian – Why pledging full allegiance to any political figure or party can distort Christian witness and compromise the church's prophetic voice. • Justice at the Border – Wrestling with immigration policy, family separation, and the ethics of tear gassing women and children, while acknowledging the complexity and conflicting narratives. • Redefining the Church – Deconstructing the idea that weekly Sunday church attendance is the ultimate marker of faith, and embracing diverse, communal expressions of following Jesus. • Rethinking the Gospel – Moving beyond a guilt-based salvation model to a larger narrative of kingdom restoration, image-bearing, and renewal of the world through Christ. • Me Too and Justice in the Church – Acknowledging the deep challenges of seeking justice for sexual assault survivors and the limitations of applying ancient legal standards in modern contexts. Resources Mentioned: • Romans 6 – The theological basis for understanding sin and death • Deuteronomy & Biblical Law – Context for the 2–3 witness requirement • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Voxology Podcast Email – hello@voxpodcast.com • Voxology Website – voxologypodcast.com • Support on Patreon – Patreon.com/voxology Join the conversation as we unpack what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in a politically polarized world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media for more thoughtful, provocative discussions on the intersection of faith, culture, and justice. — Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: Voxology on Etsy Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast & 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 church's approach to sexuality affect our understanding of purity, desire, and spiritual wholeness? Mike Erre and Kevin explore one of the most frequently asked — and often ignored — questions in Christian life: Is masturbation sinful, especially when done without lust? What seems like a clear-cut topic opens into a deeply nuanced reflection on the nature of desire, discipleship, purity culture, and the transformation Jesus actually invites us into. This episode isn't just about behavior—it's about spiritual formation, grace, and reclaiming sex and desire as part of God's good design. Mike candidly unpacks his own journey, parenthood conversations, and what it means to live with intention rather than restriction. From college students and singles to parents and married couples, this conversation is a compassionate, honest, and theologically grounded exploration that invites all of us to ask better questions. Key Takeaways: • The Purpose of Desire – Why sexual desire is meant to be honored, not feared or shamed, and how it points to something bigger than behavior management. • Rethinking Purity Culture – Moving beyond line-drawing legalism to a vision of purity rooted in wholeness, love, and mutual human dignity. • Lust, Masturbation, and the Heart – What Jesus actually meant in Matthew when he talked about lust—and why it's not about behavior alone. • Parenting & Discipling with Honesty – How to raise kids with a healthy, grace-filled view of sexuality rather than shame-based restriction. • How Accountability Can Go Wrong – Rethinking "Did you mess up?" accountability structures and shifting toward conversations on freedom, transformation, and identity in Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – Teachings on spiritual formation and desire • Richard Foster – Celebration of Discipline (book) • Scripture Referenced: Matthew 5:27–30, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 6:18 • Past Voxology episodes on purity culture, side B Christians, and sexuality Join the conversation on what it really means to be a redeemed, whole human being in a hyper-sexualized and shame-filled culture. Think we're wrong? Want to push the conversation further? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and let's talk. Subscribe to the show, leave us a rating, and follow Voxology Podcast wherever you get your content—and don't miss bonus content on social media and YouTube. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! Voxology on Etsy Learn more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe via Apple Podcasts | Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Voxology Music on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Music by Timothy John Stafford 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 we embrace faith when certainty feels impossible? Pastor and author Austin Fisher joins Mike Erre for a vulnerable, wisdom-packed conversation about navigating doubt, deconstruction, and rediscovering the beauty of Jesus. Drawing from his book "Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt," Austin shares his personal journey of nearly walking away from faith, how the church often mishandles doubt, and why cultivating allegiance to Jesus matters more than achieving airtight certainty. This episode challenges intellectualized faith, critiques superficial apologetics, and redefines what it means to doubt faithfully—making space for honest questions, messy wrestling, and recommitment to the transformative way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Doubt as Faithful Engagement – Doubt isn't the enemy of faith but an inevitable human response to mystery. How we doubt matters more than whether we do. • Reframing Faith as Allegiance – Faith isn't about intellectual certainty; it's about relational allegiance that leads to love and discipleship, even through struggle. • Scripture Beyond Inerrancy – Why inflexible views on biblical inerrancy often lead to unnecessary faith crises—and how to trust the Bible without treating it like a flawless instruction manual. • Deconstruction Isn't Destruction – Honest exploration of the Christian subculture's flaws can actually draw us closer to Jesus if we don't confuse institutional failures with Christ himself. • Desire and Belief – People don't just think their way into or out of faith; they often desire their way there. Beauty and goodness can be more persuasive than arguments. Guest Highlight: Austin Fisher – Lead pastor and author of "Faith in the Shadows," Austin vulnerably shares how he struggled through near-deconversion while pastoring. He offers a deeply pastoral and theological lens for wrestling with big questions on God, doubt, church hurt, and the role of Scripture in a post-certainty world. Resources Mentioned: • Faith in the Shadows by Austin Fisher – [Link] • James K.A. Smith – Philosophical insights on desire and decision making • The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt – [Link] • Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates – [Link] • The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge – [Link] • Unbelievable Podcast by Justin Brierley – [Link] Join the Voxology community as we continue to examine what it means to follow Jesus in an age of questions, contradictions, and complexity. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and let's keep talking. 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

How the choice to live celibately as a gay Christian can reflect the radical love of Jesus and reframe the church's understanding of desire, identity, and human flourishing. Oxford PhD candidate and author David Bennett joins Mike Erre for an unflinchingly honest and theologically rich conversation on sexuality, worship, and the need for a deeper anthropology rooted in the kingdom of God. David shares his journey from an atheist, ardent critic of Christianity to a transformed follower of Jesus who made the costly decision to live celibately—not out of repression, but as an act of worship. Together, he and Mike explore how the idolization of romantic love has malformed both church and culture, and how Christians can reimagine friendship, community, and single life as central to God's good design. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Celibacy – Celibacy isn't about repression but about choosing a greater love over a lesser one, embodying the cross-shaped life Jesus calls us into. • Desire and Eschatology – How the Bible's vision of human desire, eschatology, and resurrection influence a Christian sexual ethic rooted in transformation, not legalism. • Idolizing Marriage – Exploring how both evangelical churches and LGBTQ+ culture have idolized romantic love—and how this shapes our view of fulfillment and identity. • Recovering the Fear of the Lord – Why the biblical concept of "fear of God" is key to experiencing a joyful, empowered life of obedience. • The Power of Story and the Holy Spirit – How David's testimony led others, including skeptical atheists, to reconsider Jesus—not through argument, but through honesty, humility, and joy. • A New Moral Imagination – The path forward for the church includes developing a robust theology of singleness, friendship, and communal life beyond romantic pairings. Guest Highlights: David Bennett – Author of A War of Loves and DPhil candidate in Christian Ethics at Oxford University. David shares his lived experience navigating same-sex attraction, identity, and a call to celibacy with theological clarity and pastoral compassion. His story challenges both traditional and progressive assumptions, offering a Christ-centered vision of intimacy, friendship, and holiness that transcends culture wars. Resources Mentioned: • A War of Loves by David Bennett – Link • N.T. Wright – Contributions to David's academic work and endorsement of the book • Isaiah 11 – The spirit of the fear of the Lord • Scripture on Desire & Transformation – Romans 1, Genesis 1-3, Revelation imagery • @davidacbennett on Twitter and Social Media Join the conversation—let's reshape our understanding of discipleship, sexuality, and community with the gospel at the center. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue the mission of Jesus. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon Explore curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast • 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 a Christian faithfully live in the tension between grace-filled freedom and the call to holiness? This mailbag-focused episode tackles one of the most enduring and controversial debates within the Christian faith—can you pursue freedom and holiness at the same time, and what is the actual goal? Mike Erre and Kevin #2 (aka "K2") open the listener inbox to respond to thoughtful email questions from the Voxology community, including reflections on abusive church structures, how to be discerning in a deconstructed faith, and the challenge of living as people of mercy and justice in a public world fueled by outrage. This episode centers around one listener's deeply honest question: "How do we balance holiness and freedom?" Mike explores how both ends of the theological spectrum often miss the point, framing the Christian life around rules or license instead of the transformative power of Christ-like love. You'll also hear practical insights on: Raising children in a hypersexualized culture Finding common ground with those we disagree with, including an affirming surprise discussion about theologian John Piper The public vs. private tension in believing victims and upholding justice, especially in light of high-profile cases like Kavanaugh and Ford Key Takeaways: • A Christ-centered life isn't about choosing between freedom or holiness—it's about being formed into the likeness of Jesus. • Holiness is not merely moral purity; it's a fruit of transformation, not behavior management. • Freedom in Jesus is not license—it's liberation for love, a love shaped like the cross. • When parenting or pastoring, authenticity and consistency matter far more than presenting a "perfect" Christianity. • It's possible (and vital) to acknowledge the value in those with whom we theologically disagree, including figures like John Piper. • Justice and mercy aren't mutually exclusive values; both must be considered in public moral discourse. Resources Mentioned: • "Desiring God" website – desiringgod.org • Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" • 1 Thessalonians 5 – "Test everything, hold on to the good" • John Piper's "Ask Pastor John" podcast – [Link] Join us weekly as we continue creating space for uncertain yet hopeful conversations about Jesus, culture, and the church's role today. If Voxology has helped reframe your faith or challenged your assumptions in life-giving ways, help us spread the word! Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite podcast platform. Send your thoughts, stories, or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com—your voice deeply shapes what we explore next. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Explore our Merch Store: 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 on Twitter: @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 Old Testament offers more than just laws, wars, and weird stories—Tim Mackie joins Mike Erre to unpack how the Bible's first testament reveals a sophisticated narrative of divine patience, justice, and rescue, and how it all points directly to Jesus. Whether you're deconstructing your faith, questioning biblical violence, or struggling to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the teachings of Christ, this conversation is a deep dive into understanding the Hebrew Scriptures on their own terms. Mike and Tim explore the concept of divine accommodation—how God works within broken systems and with broken people—as a lens for reading difficult texts like the flood, the conquest of Canaan, and ancient warrior kings. They tackle some of the toughest questions from modern readers: Is the Bible compatible with science and history? Is the Old Testament even relevant under the new covenant? And why the way we read the Bible matters more than ever. Key Takeaways: • Divine Accommodation as a Lens – Understanding how God chooses to work within sub-optimal human frameworks, like monarchies and violence, to bring about redemption. • Reading the Bible on Its Own Terms – Why assuming a modern, Western lens of historical accuracy misses what biblical authors were really doing—especially in narrative texts like the flood. • Old Testament as a New Covenant Document – How the Hebrew Bible itself anticipates the failure of the Mosaic covenant and prophesies the needs for spiritual renewal and a transformed heart. • Jesus and the Hebrew Scriptures – Why we can't fully understand the mission and message of Jesus apart from the Old Testament storyline he lived and fulfilled. • Practical Advice for Deconstructing with Integrity – How letting go of certain assumptions and diving into biblical context can deepen both faith and intellectual honesty. Guest Highlights: Tim Mackie – Co-founder of The Bible Project and former seminary professor, Tim brings a powerful combination of theological depth and pastoral heart. This episode showcases his gift for making ancient texts accessible and his clear-eyed view of how modern readers should engage with the Bible. Resources Mentioned: • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Tim's "My Strange Bible" Podcast – Archive of sermons and teachings by Tim Mackie • Genesis 1-9 – Discussion on the flood narrative and literary intent • Numbers 11, Deuteronomy 30, Ezekiel 36 – God's desire for inner transformation through the Spirit • 1 Corinthians 15 – The resurrection as the historical anchor of Christian faith • Gilgamesh and Ancient Flood Stories – Comparison literature and mythic context If you've ever wrestled with the tone, content, or teachings of the Old Testament, this one's for you. Join Mike and Tim as they model curiosity, reverence, and humility for these ancient texts. Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for ongoing conversation and weekly episodes. As always, we encourage your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com to join the dialogue. Check out our YouTube channel: VOXOLOGY TV Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Our Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more and listen online: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe and listen on iTunes or Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/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

What happens when someone experiences both the unmovable conviction of their faith and the deep challenge of being queer in the American church? This powerful and vulnerable conversation opens up a path rarely discussed with grace and clarity. Mike Erre welcomes Tyler Chernesky, a pastor from Kansas City and a gay follower of Jesus who has chosen celibacy, to share his story of adoption, calling, identity, and the tension between loneliness and joy. Listeners will hear a deeply human and hopeful reflection on what modern discipleship can look like when it's grounded in both solid biblical conviction and a radically inclusive love. Tyler talks about being raised in a Bible-believing community, discovering he was gay during adolescence, and wrestling with the sense that his life didn't fit the mold of Christian ideals he saw around him. Yet through honest friendships, intentional community, and surrendered faith, Tyler has embraced a life of joyful, self-denying discipleship that calls the church to rethink not only LGBTQ+ inclusion, but the broader treatment of single people, friendship, and what we define as "the good life." Key Takeaways: • Adopted, Loved, and Called – Tyler shares his journey from being adopted into a loving Christian family to discovering a calling to pastor. • Growing Up Gay in the Church – Navigating silence, shame, and Christian messaging about sexuality as a teenager wrestling with identity. • The Myth of Marriage as Fulfillment – Why the idol of marriage in church culture can marginalize both LGBTQ+ people and single Christians more broadly. • Following Jesus as a Celibate Gay Man – How Tyler lives into his conviction around a traditional sexual ethic while still embracing joy, intimacy, and purpose. • The Church's Missing Voice – Why single pastors are necessary, how churches overlook single people, and what it looks like to create inclusive spiritual communities. • Joy as Apologetic – Tyler shares how joy, not anger or bitterness, is his strongest witness to the goodness of the gospel. Guest Highlight: Tyler Chernesky – Pastor, artist, and thought-leader based in Kansas City. Tyler's story challenges assumptions and extends hope to anyone struggling to hold faith and identity in tension. His mixture of sharp humor, deep pastoral care, and rigorous faith practice makes this a must-hear episode for anyone navigating spiritual complexity. Resources Mentioned: • Velvet Rage by Alan Downs – A psychological exploration of shame and identity for gay men. • Eric Klinenberg's research on the rise of people living alone. • 1 Corinthians 7 – Paul's writings on singleness and celibacy. • Timothy John Stafford's Music – timothyjohnstafford.com • Tyler on Twitter: @tylerchernesky Join us in reimagining what the church can be for single people, LGBTQ+ believers, and all those walking difficult paths of discipleship. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and keep the conversation going on social media. As always, we encourage and cherish discussion in this space. Email your questions or experiences to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch more on VOXOLOGY TV Merch, anyone? ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us via 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 the church can move from silence to safety by acknowledging its complicity in marginalizing abuse survivors and unpacking what repentance truly looks like—for individuals and communities. Kicking off a new Justice Series, Mike Erre and co-host Kevin No. 2 respond to a heartfelt letter from listener "Betty," offering an open, vulnerable discussion on sexual assault, politicization, and the Me Too movement through a gospel-centered lens. Mike shares reflections from past church leadership and his personal journey of repentance while affirming that healthy, just communities must create space for survivors to be believed, heard, and supported—without minimizing truth, due process, or grace. With cultural dialogue often divided and polarizing, this conversation challenges the binary of "believe all women" vs. "protect men," and instead proposes a Jesus-patterned third way marked by truth, love, and safety for all. Key Takeaways: • Building a Church That Believes Survivors – Why an overcorrection is far more redemptive than maintaining a harmful status quo, and how churches must be the safest place to talk about anything—including abuse. • Redefining What Repentance Looks Like – Mike discusses repentance not as guilt, but as embodied change in leadership structures, conversations around sexuality, and empowering women through shared authority. • Politics and Polarization in the Church – Dissecting the harmful merge between evangelicalism and partisan allegiance, and how centering our identity in God's kingdom disrupts political idolatry. • False Dichotomies and the Need for Nuance – Exploring how followers of Jesus must reject simplistic narratives—like "believing all accusations uncritically" or "always trusting authority"—in favor of humble, truth-seeking discernment. • A Broader Gospel and Deeper Invitation – Mike also responds to a separate listener question about why he no longer does traditional altar calls. He highlights the need for a fuller picture of the gospel rooted not in conversion formulas, but in lifelong discipleship. Resources Mentioned: • Mike's Previous Episode with Nicole discussing trauma and survivorship • Book of Deuteronomy – Addressing accusations and justice systems • Nicole's Ongoing Advocacy and Work Around Abuse Recovery • Biblical Views on the Role of Elders and Leadership Ethics Listeners are invited into a posture of humility and reflection—on the state of the church, its responsibilities, and the kind of redemptive presence Jesus calls his followers to embody. Stay engaged with future installments in the Justice Series, and share the episode with someone who may be wrestling through similar questions. Join the dialogue! Email us your thoughts at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV. Grab your favorite Vox gear at our Etsy Merch Store. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on iTunes or Spotify. Support the podcast on Patreon. Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Join us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on X/Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy Let's keep asking the big questions—and walking in the better way of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and be part of this journey toward healing and truth. 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 courageously telling your story can interrupt cycles of silence, shame, and secrecy—especially in the church. Mike welcomes author and activist Nicole Braddock Bromley for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about surviving childhood sexual abuse, sharing her story publicly at age 15, and how that one act unlocked voices of countless others suffering in silence. Nicole shares the painful truth about why abuse often remains hidden in churches and affluent communities and offers a compelling challenge to the church to step into transparency, healing, and active prevention. From her journey of healing to advocacy through her organizations OneVOICE and OneVOICE4Freedom, Nicole unpacks how the Church's image-obsessed culture often suppresses conversations that could set people free—especially women and children. The episode also explores current events like the Kavanaugh hearings and the MeToo/ChurchToo movements, laying bare how politicizing survivors' stories causes further trauma. This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful, a necessary listen for anyone seeking to become an ally to victims of abuse and a faithful representative of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Abuse – Nicole opens up about how years of hiding her secret affected her identity and mental health and how breaking her silence became the first step toward healing. • The Power of Vulnerability – How sharing her story at age 15 sparked others to come forward and say "Me too," showing the radical impact of one person's courage. • Abuse and the Church – Why church culture can make abuse harder to detect and disclose, and how image-protection often trumps victim protection. • Navigating the MeToo and Kavanaugh Era – Nicole discusses the emotional toll of public disbelief, victim-blaming, and how these dynamics retraumatize survivors. • Raising Kids for Justice and Empathy – Insightful and urgent conversations about how to raise boys and girls in a sexually exploited culture, moving beyond "consent" toward honor, accountability, and mutual respect. Guest Highlight: Nicole Braddock Bromley – An author, speaker, and survivor-advocate, Nicole is the founder of OneVOICE, empowering abuse survivors to find healing and purpose, and OneVOICE4Freedom, combating child sex trafficking through education and prevention in the U.S. and abroad. Her books include Hush, Breathe, and Soar. Resources Mentioned: • Nicole's ministry and nonprofit – iamonevoice.org • OneVOICE on Instagram – @iamonevoice • Sexual Abuse and Recovery Statistics – RAINN.org • "Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse" – Nicole Braddock Bromley • "Soar: A Next Step in Healing from Sexual Abuse" – Nicole Braddock Bromley Help us shine light in dark places by joining this ongoing conversation. Subscribe to Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay engaged. 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: 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

Exploring the multifaceted nature of prayer and its significance; A listener's story of doubt and faith amidst tragedy; Questioning the purpose and impact of prayer; Aligning our desires with God's kingdom; Parallel between teaching children and our relationship with God; Embracing the mystery and accepting unanswered prayers.