Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

How rediscovering the Jewishness of Jesus reshapes Christian theology, discipleship, and our reading of the gospel. In this deeply insightful and honest conversation, Mike and Tim sit down with Dr. Jennifer Rosner, a Messianic Jewish theologian and author of Finding Messiah: A Journey into the Jewishness of the Gospel. As part one of the Finding Messiah Series, this episode explores the core question: what happens when we stop seeing Judaism as Christianity's foil and begin to recognize it as its foundation? Dr. Rosner shares her personal story of growing up in a culturally Jewish home, discovering Jesus through evangelical campus ministries, and the years-long journey toward reconciling those identities. Through her eyes, listeners gain a fresh perspective on why a gospel detached from Israel's story is not just incomplete, but distorted. Key Takeaways: • Why "unhooking" Christianity from the Old Testament undermines the gospel – and why Jesus can't be understood apart from his Jewish context. • The dangerou

Uncover how reexamining the concepts of 'works' and 'grace' in Ephesians 2 can transform your understanding of faith and salvation. Mike and Tim are joined by New Testament scholar Timothy Gombis to delve deep into Paul's messages, challenging traditional interpretations and exploring how these ancient texts apply to modern Christian life. Key Takeaways: Understanding 'Works' in Paul's Context – Exploring the difference between "works of the law" in Galatians and Romans and "good deeds" in Ephesians, and what Paul really meant. The Role of Grace Beyond Passivity – How God's grace is not about making us passive but invites us into active participation in His work. Avoiding Modern Legalism – Identifying contemporary parallels to the legalism Paul addressed, such as cultural identity markers that exclude others. Community as the Embodiment of the Gospel – Discussing how the church as a community proclaims the message of Christ through unity and love, rather than individual efforts. Guest Highlights: Timothy Go

A powerful and somber conversation centered on lamenting violence and abuse at the hands of institutions that claim to represent Jesus. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Suzie Lind—Pastor, church elder, seminary student, and trusted leader—for a raw and vulnerable reflection on national tragedy, spiritual trauma, and the church's desperate need for repentance, transformation, and justice. This episode explores the emotional aftermath of widely publicized events: the Texas elementary school shooting and the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) sexual abuse report. With reflections rooted in lament, theology, and personal experience, the trio discuss what it means to be Jesus followers in a time of horrific violence and institutional corruption. Susie shares her own journey—as a child of the Iranian Revolution, a convert from Islam, and a woman navigating the realities of male-dominated church leadership. The episode ends with a moving rendition of prayers for the people. How do Jesus followers respond to i

Discover how moving beyond the culture war mindset and embracing a cruciform identity can transform Christian engagement in a divided world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to discuss the dangers of enemy-making, redefining Christian identity through the lens of the cross, and how love of neighbor should shape our political actions and relationships. Key Takeaways: • The Pitfalls of the Culture War Mentality – Understanding how framing societal issues as "us vs. them" contradicts Jesus' teachings and damages Christian witness. • Embracing a Cruciform Identity – Reimagining what it means to be Christian by adopting a self-sacrificial posture modeled after Jesus' crucifixion. • Reorienting Political Participation – How Christians can engage in politics grounded in love of neighbor, especially considering marginalized communities. • Breaking Free from Enemy-Making – Strategies for overcoming the impulse to define ourselves by what we're against and instead fostering unity and under

Delving into the challenging intersection of abortion, grace, and theology, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford share heartfelt discussions on personal stories, the church's response, and how to navigate these complex issues with compassion and Christ-centered perspectives. Key Takeaways: Personal Stories and the Complexity of Abortion – A listener bravely shares her experience with abortion, prompting a nuanced conversation about compassionate, Christ-centered abortion policies and the church's approach to such sensitive issues. Reframing Grace and Theology – Exploring how understanding grace as transformative and reciprocal impacts our perspectives on faith, works, and addressing complex moral dilemmas like abortion. The Church's Role and Response – Reflecting on how the church can better support individuals facing difficult decisions, moving beyond black-and-white thinking to embody empathy and support. Engaging with Listener Questions – Addressing topics such as the potential future targets of the religious right

How should Christians respond when long-sought political victories come with emotional and spiritual turmoil? As part of the ongoing Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford process the leaked Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, diving into the complex relationship between faith, justice, and power. Rather than celebrating or condemning in simplistic terms, the episode explores why this moment calls for grief, humility, and a reexamination of what it means to walk the way of Jesus in a culture obsessed with winning. Mike and Tim also dissect the theology of culture war Christianity and how it contradicts the upside-down kingdom Jesus proclaimed. They contrast coercive, legislated morality with the patient, radical hospitality of community that values every image-bearer – from unborn children to vulnerable mothers, immigrants, the poor, and beyond. The episode concludes with a reflective time of worship and a liturgical prayer of the people, inviting the listener into a posture of mercy and

Discover how redefining faith as enacted loyalty can revolutionize your understanding of Christianity and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack common misconceptions about faith, exploring how viewing faith as allegiance to Jesus as King leads to a more authentic and active spiritual life. Key Takeaways: Faith Beyond Mental Agreement – Challenging the idea that faith is merely believing certain truths without action. Enacted Loyalty to Jesus – Understanding faith as lived allegiance, demonstrated through actions and lifestyle. Debunking Misconceptions – Addressing misunderstandings of faith being the opposite of reason, a leap in the dark, or mere profession. The Marriage Analogy – Exploring how marriage serves as a powerful metaphor for faith as a covenantal and relational commitment. Embracing Doubt Within Faith – Discussing how doubt is a natural part of faith and does not undermine genuine allegiance. Resources Mentioned: "Salvation by Allegiance Alone" by Matthew Bates

Explore how rethinking deconstruction and understanding the full narrative of the Gospel can empower you to share hope and faith effectively, especially in life's most challenging moments. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into what it truly means to deconstruct faith—not as a departure but as a deeper commitment to Jesus—and discuss how to compassionately articulate the good news to those in crisis. Key Takeaways: Reframing Deconstruction – Recognizing deconstruction as an opportunity to deepen faith and embrace a fuller understanding of the Bible's narrative. Articulating the Gospel in Difficult Times – Ways to communicate the good news in a meaningful, compassionate manner to friends facing suffering or end-of-life situations. Responding to Critiques with Grace – Approaching criticism and differing theological views with openness and respect, fostering healthy faith conversations. Rethinking Traditional Evangelism – Challenging methods that focus on guilt and judgment, and instead emphasizing God's love an

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their deep dive into the concept of 'saved' by exploring how salvation is a story about time and space. They unpack the Jewish understanding of the present age and the age to come, discuss the 'already but not yet' nature of the Kingdom of God, and explain how living in the intersection of these ages affects our understanding of salvation and Christian life. They also address listener feedback on previous episodes and reflect on the practical implications of viewing salvation as the intersection of the ages. Key Takeaways: Salvation as a Story of Time and Space – Understanding how 'saved' involves the overlap of the present age and the age to come. The 'Already but Not Yet' Kingdom – Exploring the paradox of the Kingdom of God being both present and future, and how this shapes our Christian experience. Living in the Intersection of Ages – Discussing how the overlap of the ages explains conflicting experiences in Christian life and informs our participation in God's mission

What does it mean to truly belong in a church community—and how do we get there when Sunday morning isn't an option? In this special midweek episode, guest Bethany Shea joins Mike and Tim to explore the essence of church beyond the traditional structure. They dive into rich conversations about spiritual loneliness, self-worth, deconstruction, marriage, inclusive theology, and how our past affects our faith journey. Bethany brings deep insight from her experience as a church planter, United Methodist pastor, adoptive mom, and author of Stepping Into Advent and Stepping Into Lent. With wisdom, vulnerability, and humor, the team addresses questions from listeners navigating complex spiritual and relational terrain—from finding church community outside of Sunday mornings to helping others wrestle with bounded theology, and living with the heavy weight of spiritual unworthiness. Key Takeaways: • Church Beyond Sunday – Why your weekly worship experience doesn't have to be limited to Sunday services and how to culti

Understanding how Paul's insights in Romans about sin, wrath, and cosmic powers reshape our view of salvation and what it means for living in the Kingdom today, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into deep theological concepts of what we are truly saved from and how this impacts our embodied lives. Key Takeaways: The Cosmic Powers of Sin and Wrath – How sin and wrath are active forces that enslave humanity, not just individual moral failings. Paul's Theology in Romans – Unpacking how Paul's writings provide a deeper understanding of salvation, moving beyond traditional interpretations. New Creation Space – Exploring the concept of purified temple space through Jesus and how believers inhabit this space to live out the Kingdom. Resources Mentioned: When Helping Hurts by Corbett and Fickert – [Link] Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions by Corbett and Fickert – [Link] Tim Gombis' Podcast and Writings on Romans – [Link] The Letter to the Romans by N.T. Wright – [Link] Join the conversation as we chall

How the story of salvation is far more expansive than sin management—unraveling the Old Testament's narrative of chaos, pollution, and broken image-bearing, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into what we're truly saved from. Continuing their deep-dive Salvation Series, this episode explores new creation space, the cosmic pollution of sin, and how Israel's tabernacle points to God's larger rescue plan. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Sin as Cosmic Disorder – Instead of personal moral trip-ups, sin is described as chaos invading God's ordered creation, disrupting divine image-bearing. • Temple as New Creation Space – How Eden, the tabernacle, and later the temple represent God's ordered space in a chaotic world, and why that matters for understanding salvation. • Humankind's Vocational Failure – What it means that humans stopped imaging God and instead bore the image of creation, upending their priestly and kingly roles. • Sin as Pollution – Ancient Israel's purification rituals show that sin was seen as contamina

How our distorted image-bearing has led to a shallow understanding of salvation—and why recovering a body-centered gospel transforms everything. Mike and Tim take a sweeping journey through Genesis, Romans, and Revelation to reframe what it really means to be "saved." Shifting away from a soul-only rescue plan for the afterlife, they highlight Paul's central argument: that sin is a symptom, not the root. The true gospel is a call to reclaim our purpose as image-bearers of the Creator—bodily, communally, and holistically. This episode in the Salvation Series continues unpacking the disconnect between misguided missions and the true mission of Jesus, pressing into what it means to be human in the Kingdom of God. Key Takeaways: • Salvation as Restored Vocation – Moving away from "heaven or hell" narratives, salvation is reframed as the restoration of our Genesis calling to image God in every area of embodied life. • From Idolatry to Worship – Paul's diagnosis in Romans isn't just that we sin, but that we've exch

How do we live out a centered-set model of church when real people, power structures, and theological questions get messy? In this midweek bonus episode of the Unity Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome theologian and author Mark Baker, whose book Centered Set Church has been the foundation of recent Voxology conversations. Together they unpack a wave of thoughtful listener questions that push the centered-set model beyond theory and into lived reality. From gender-based leadership exclusion to navigating "soccer players" who claim Jesus but distort his ethic, Mark dives deep into the tensions between theory and practice. He emphasizes that the centered-set model isn't a quick fix—it's a posture, a community effort, and a call to define our center as the Jesus of the Gospels, rather than culturally constructed versions. If you've loved the Unity Series and wrestled with the practical implications of centered-set thinking on church membership, theological boundaries, power dynamics, and finding belonging

Mike and Tim delve into the true meaning of salvation, exploring how restoring our vocation as God's image bearers reframes our understanding of being saved. From Genesis to Jesus, they discuss how salvation is about more than just sin management—it's about embracing our true humanity and living out our calling in community. Key Takeaways: • Worship as a Way of Life – Understanding worship as the totality of human life rightly oriented toward God, not just religious activities. • Image Bearing and Idolatry – How imaging something other than God leads to idolatry and brokenness, and the importance of restoring our vocation as God's image bearers. • Jesus as the True Image Bearer – Discussing how Jesus perfectly embodied what it means to be human, restoring our humanity and vocation. • Reframing Salvation – Moving beyond a focus on sin management to seeing salvation as the restoration of our true human vocation in Christ. Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Mike's son Seth makes a joyful appearance, sharing his enthu

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off a transformative series that reexamines salvation through the lens of the Kingdom of God. Challenging the traditional, individualized gospel message, they delve into the rich biblical narrative of God's kingship from Genesis to Revelation. By exploring how Jesus' central message of the Kingdom reshapes our understanding of faith, grace, works, and salvation, Mike and Tim invite listeners to embrace a more expansive and communal vision of the gospel that impacts every aspect of life. Key Takeaways: The Kingdom of God as the Core of Jesus' Message – Understanding how the announcement of God's kingship is central to the entire biblical story and redefines salvation. From Individualism to Community – Moving beyond a narrow, personal view of salvation to a holistic understanding that encompasses social, political, and economic realities. The Direction of God's Movement – Recognizing that God's Kingdom is coming to us, bringing heaven to earth, rather than us escaping to heaven.

Exploring how the church has harmed LGBTQ Christians and how repentance can lead to healing and restoration, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford talk with Bridget Eileen Rivera about her book "Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church." They delve into the double standards and injustices faced by LGBTQ individuals in Christian communities, discussing the importance of open dialogue, humility, and genuine listening in fostering true reconciliation. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Double Standards – How LGBTQ Christians face unique burdens not placed on heterosexual believers within the church. • The Origins of Sexual Orientation Concepts – Bridget explains the historical development of how sexuality became linked to identity and the impact of Freudian psychology on Christian perspectives. • Repentance and Restoration – Discussing what genuine repentance looks like in non-affirming churches to heal the harm done to LGBTQ individuals. • The Role of Conversation and Listening – Emphasizing th

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into how followers of Jesus can navigate the complexities of war, violence, and shame in our modern world. Reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they discuss the challenges of peacemaking, the importance of enemy love, and how Jesus's approach to shame can transform our responses to conflict. Continuing their Centered Set Series, they unpack the difference between disintegrative and reintegrative shaming, and explore how a centered church can operate from a place of security rather than fear. Key Takeaways: • Peacemaking in a Violent World – Understanding the role of Christians in responding to war and violence with enemy love and nonviolence. • Jesus's Approach to Shame – Exploring how Jesus joins the marginalized in their shame to restore and reconcile, rather than exclude. • Disintegrative vs. Reintegrative Shaming – Differentiating between shaming that stigmatizes and excludes versus shaming that seeks to heal and restore relationships. • Centered Set Dynamics

Discover how personal stories of deconstruction, mental health struggles, and church leadership challenges shape our understanding of a centered faith community. Mike and Tim delve into listener emails, discussing the impact of bounded versus centered church models, and how embracing a centered approach fosters unity, love, and spiritual growth. Key Takeaways: Bounded vs. Centered Church Models – Understanding how shifting from a boundary-focused faith to a centered approach can transform personal and communal relationships within the church. Navigating Deconstruction – Exploring personal journeys of faith deconstruction, and how questioning traditional doctrines can lead to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus. Mental Health and the Church – Discussing the church's role in supporting members struggling with mental illness, and the importance of compassion over judgment. Science and Faith Integration – Addressing the perceived conflict between science and faith, and how embracing both can enrich

Discover seven essential ways to understand Jesus at the center of a centered church, and how redefining the Kingdom of God transforms our unity, mission, and understanding of discipleship. Mike and Tim delve deep into what it truly means to have Jesus as the center, exploring the implications for how we live out our faith in community. Key Takeaways: • Jesus Is Jewish – Recognizing the importance of Jesus's Jewish identity to fully grasp his teachings and mission within the context of Israel's history. • The Kingdom of God – Exploring Jesus's central message about the Kingdom and how it redefines salvation as a communal reality rather than an individualistic pursuit. • The Great Reversal – Examining how Jesus's upside-down Kingdom challenges societal norms, elevating the humble and redefining concepts of power and greatness. • Conflict with Powers – Discussing how embracing the Kingdom of God leads to inevitable conflict with existing powers and systems, both spiritual and earthly. • Jesus Reveals the Father