Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

How the biblical framework for sexuality challenges cultural norms, overcomes shame, and invites every person—regardless of past or orientation—into healed, holy intimacy. In part 3 of the Song of Songs Series, Mike dives deep into the theology of sex, identity, and one-flesh unity through the poetic lens of Song of Songs chapter 4 and powerful insights from Genesis, Corinthians, and modern neuroscience. You'll hear an unflinching yet grace-filled conversation around sex, the LGBTQ+ community, church hypocrisy, and what the Bible actually teaches about the soul-deep power of sexuality. With honesty, humor, and compassion, Mike and the Vox community explore how the church can become a place of healing—not shame—when it comes to our most vulnerable expressions of love and longing. Key Takeaways: • Jesus-Centered Sexual Ethics – Understanding Scripture's vision for sex as "one flesh" union rooted in covenant, not shame or control. • Four Lenses on LGBTQ+ Issues – How to hold grace and truth simultaneously as a d

How the fear-fueled foundations of religion lead us away from the radical freedom and hope Jesus offers. Mike Erre and Andy sit down for a compelling conversation with author, podcaster, and former Christianity Today editor Skye Jethani to explore the core message behind his book, What's Wrong With Religion, and to reflect on how the American church's pursuit of cultural power has distorted the gospel. This lively episode journeys through evangelicalism's obsession with relevance, the illusion of control through religion and politics, and the subtle idolatries of "celebrity Christianity" and mission without intimacy with Jesus. From deconstructing megachurch culture to reimagining what it means to live free in a "God-bathed world," this is an essential listen for anyone disillusioned with the church but captivated by Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Fear as the Foundation of Religion – Religion often arises as a human attempt to control an uncontrollable, fearful world—ultimately making life even more dangerous by rep

How does our modern understanding of marriage diverge from its biblical foundation, and what does it mean to live in covenant rather than comfort? Continuing with the Song of Songs Series, Mike Erre unpacks the theological and spiritual weight behind the concept of marriage as a holy covenant—one that reflects the gospel itself. With warmth, vulnerability, and humor, he explores the Old and New Testament framework for marriage, diving deep into Genesis, Exodus, Ephesians, and Revelation to illuminate how our relationships mirror God's redemptive relationship with His people. Mike is joined by Jim and Roe Dodgin, a couple whose personal journey through sexual brokenness, addiction, healing, and street-level ministry powerfully illustrates how God can redeem even the most shame-filled parts of our stories for a greater mission. Their testimony sets the tone for an evening focused on grace, truth, and honest reflection about sex, sin, singleness, and sacred unions. Key Takeaways: • Marriage as Covenant, Not Cont

What does true Christian love look like in our conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and theology? Continuing the "Sex Love God" Series, Mike Erre takes a heartfelt and theologically grounded look at the Nashville Statement, critiquing not only its theological assertions but more importantly its failure as a pastoral document. This episode serves as a call to embody a covenantal love rooted in commitment, presence, advocacy, and transformation—before truth is ever spoken. Drawing heavily from scripture and inspired by theologian Scot McKnight's framework for covenantal love, Mike offers his own "Suburban Columbus Statement" in response, encouraging the church to lead with love that is felt, embodied, and transformative. The result is a challenging reflection for anyone who cares about how the church engages with LGBTQ+ individuals and with the broader culture. Key Takeaways: • Loving Before Toward-ing – Why declaring "the truth" without showing up in love and relationship first is often perceived as coercion,

How the metaphors of vines and foxes in Song of Songs help us understand what undermines healthy relationships—and how God invites us to pursue healing and redemption from a place of honesty, grace, and commitment. In this fifth installment of the Sex, Love & God series, Mike unpacks the biblical worldview on relationship dynamics, addressing everything from Genesis creation truths to modern issues like fear of abandonment, sexual expectations, and emotional reactivity in conflict. This is a raw, revelatory exploration of why "foxes" (aka unaddressed issues) destroy intimacy and how Jesus-centered love offers something deeper than infatuation or cultural ideals. Key Takeaways: • Foxes in the Vineyard – What the imagery in Song of Songs 2 reveals about the small, often ignored issues that ruin intimacy and hinder relational flourishing. • Why Love Is Hard – A deep dive into the Genesis 1–3 narrative showing how sin fractured our relationships, creating power struggles between genders and frustrating our ef

How does the church navigate the complex and often painful terrain of sexuality, identity, and public witness? In this candid and challenging episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy reunite in-person to unpack the Nashville Statement—a public declaration from the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) aimed at defining Christian responses to homosexuality and gender identity. Rather than a hot-take, this episode offers a deeply reflective critique on what this kind of theological statement represents, what it misses, and how it affects the real people the church is called to love. The conversation explores the harm caused by boundary-focused definitions of orthodoxy, the danger of equating theological disagreement with spiritual disqualification, and the urgent need for humility, confession, and nuance in today's cultural and church climate. Whether you've never heard of the Nashville Statement or have wrestled through its implications, this conversation is both pastoral and prophetic—offer

How does our view of God shape our experiences of desire, sexuality, and freedom? In this raw and emotionally honest continuation of the "Sex, Love & God" series, Mike explores the sacredness of sexual desire through the lens of Song of Songs while unpacking the dangerous spiral of lust, idolatry, and self-worship outlined in Genesis and Romans. This episode – titled "The Tornado of Death" – offers a deep dive into the difference between holy longing and destructive craving, revealing the power of God's design for intimacy, restraint, and healing. As Mike leads us through poetic affirmations in Song of Songs and the brutal honesty of Romans 1, we explore how desire becomes corrupted when it disconnects from gratitude and reverence for God. He unpacks the devastating effects of lust – not as mere sexual temptation, but as the loss of sensitivity, agency, and joy. Whether you're single, married, struggling with addiction, or questioning your faith, this episode offers soul-piercing honesty, powerful biblica

How confronting the cultural lies about body image, beauty, and identity can free us to live in the restored image of God. In episode three of the Sex, Love & God series, Mike Erre takes us deep into Song of Songs 1:1-8 to unpack the powerful truth behind the phrase "Do not stare at me," exposing our culture's toxic standards of beauty and inviting listeners into a radically different story rooted in image-bearing, not performance. Through biblical reflection, historical context, and raw personal engagement, Mike invites us to rethink what it means to be human, to be loved, and to be seen—not as objectified bodies but as divine image-bearers in a world of Hellenistic distortions. Key Takeaways: • What Song of Songs Teaches About Insecurity – Exploring the ancient woman's plea, "Do not stare at me because I am dark," and how her vulnerability speaks directly to today's struggles with body image and cultural beauty norms. • The Legacy of Hellenism on Body Image – Tracing the history of "ideal beauty" from A

How the church's prophetic call and ministry of reconciliation compel followers of Jesus to confront racism, embody peacemaking, and build the new humanity in response to Charlottesville and beyond. Mike Erre addresses the tragic events of Charlottesville and the deeper systemic, theological, and prophetic implications for the modern church. Responding to a listener's heartfelt question, he explores how the Biblical gospel compels every follower of Jesus to reject racial superiority and embrace a ministry of reconciliation rooted in humility, confession, and peacemaking. Key Takeaways: • Racial Reconciliation at the Core of the Gospel – The Bible consistently affirms the equal worth of every human as bearers of God's image, making racial division not just a social concern but a central theological issue. • The New Humanity in Christ – Paul's doctrine of a unified community beyond Jew and Gentile reveals that the church is meant to model a diverse, counter-cultural body where all are equal under Christ. • Peac

How desire, vulnerability, and sacrificial love shape authentic intimacy and emotionally safe relationships. Mike Erre continues the "Sex, Love & God" series by diving into Song of Songs 1–2 and Ephesians 5 to examine what it means to delight in the "shade" of another—how trust and character matter far more than superficial attraction. This deeply personal and honest reflection invites conversation around biblical sexuality, gender roles, healthy submission, and what makes love truly safe, satisfying, and Christlike. Key Takeaways: • "I Delight to Sit in His Shade" – A profound image from Song of Songs that shows how emotional and relational safety form the basis for attraction and intimacy. • Physically Attracted, Spiritually Anchored – How beauty, desire, and character intersect in a relationship that honors God's design. • Reframing Ephesians 5 – Why mutual submission, not domination, lies at the heart of biblical love and marriage. • Redefining Headship – What true love and leadership look like when m

Unfiltered, raw, and deeply personal—this mailbag Q&A episode invites you into a porch-side conversation with Mike Erre as he tackles questions from the Voxology community, ranging from the role of preaching versus teaching, to the profound struggles of depression within a life of faith, and the complexities of divorce and Christian belief. Broadcasting from a transitional moment in his family's life (post-move from California to Ohio), Mike provides reflective insights rooted in scripture, honesty, and empathy. Key Takeaways: • Preaching vs. Teaching – Why authentic, companion-based communication often resonates more than traditional preaching models. • Faith and Depression – Exploring how depression is not contrary to faith, but often part of the journey of following Jesus in a hurting world. • Mental Health in the Church – How the Bible models honesty about emotional suffering and why the church should be a stigma-free place for mental health conversations. • Initial Thoughts on Divorce – Acknowledging

How understanding our humanity as made in the image of God offers a better story of sexuality, identity, and spiritual integration than what culture or the church often provide. Kicking off the Sex, Love, and God series, Mike Erre revisits his powerful and vulnerable teaching on sexuality from 2013—complete with updated reflections and grace-filled context. This episode, "Made in the Image," explores the ways we have been misformed by both the culture's over-sexualization and the church's silence or shame around sex, and invites us into a more human, integrated, and hopeful vision rooted in Scripture and God's design. Key Takeaways: • Fully Human, Not Merely Animal or Angel – Unpacking how humans are uniquely created to embody both body and spirit, and why that impacts how we should understand and live out our sexuality. • Reframing Broken Desire – Why the biblical view of sexuality offers a redemptive middle way between cultural license and religious repression. • Sexuality as Spiritually Significant – How p

How the pursuit of Jesus—not just what He offers—leads to deeper spiritual transformation, intimacy, and joy. In this insightful mailbag episode, Mike Erre and Andy reflect on listener questions ranging from the hiddenness of God, the relational significance of the Genesis narrative, and how to plant church communities centered on Jesus. Plus, a deep dive into Paul's gospel and its relationship to Jesus's proclamation of the kingdom. Key Takeaways: • The Reward of Jesus Is Jesus – Why seeking God as the goal—not a means to self-fulfillment—is essential to authentic spiritual growth. • Understanding God's Hiddenness – How seasons of spiritual silence help us move from using God towards being with God. • Genesis as Foundational Theology – Exploring how the fall, hierarchy, and power dynamics in Genesis 1–3 reflect deep truths about human experience. • Kingdom over Consumerism – The danger of treating Christianity like a spiritual vending machine and how joy comes from the treasure of Jesus Himself. • Church Pla

Mike Erre shares big personal and community-changing news as the Vox Podcast—and Mike's family—pivot toward a new chapter in Columbus, Ohio. This heartfelt, spontaneous episode reflects on the spiritual, personal, and communal reasons behind Mike's cross-country move, the vision for expanding Vox into Ohio, and how Vox OC will continue despite this transition. With vulnerability and honesty, Mike and Andy explore what it means to grieve, grow, and faithfully follow where Jesus is leading next. Key Takeaways: • The Big Move – Mike Erre announces his family's relocation to Columbus, Ohio, sharing the emotional and spiritual weight behind the decision, including his mom's health and his desire to live at a healthier pace. • The Future of Vox – Vox OC will continue to gather, worship, and embody its sacramental, inclusive mission without disruption. Mike will remain engaged via technology, resourcing, and leadership. • Vox OH Launch – A call to listeners and supporters in Ohio to help shape what Vox Ohio might be

How should Christians respond to political loyalty, personal relationships, and shifting cultural norms—all while seeking to follow Jesus faithfully? In this candid and often hilarious live Q&A episode, Mike Erre tackles big listener questions about political allegiance, discerning God's will for big decisions, the biblical view of monogamy, and what the future might hold for the American church. With Andy chiming in remotely and Seth Eery making a surprise (and adorable) appearance, this episode is as insightful as it is heartwarming. Key Takeaways: • Power and Image-Bearing – What it truly means for humans to rule the earth as divine image-bearers, and why any authority used outside of God's purposes isn't worthy of our allegiance. • Should Christians Pledge Allegiance to Trump? – A thought-provoking explanation of why power should only be followed when it reflects God's shalom and justice. • Discerning God's Will for Your Future – Why God may not always have a "right" choice for every decision and how

How does viewing the Bible through the lens of Jesus transform our understanding of scripture, inspiration, and divine violence? In the third installment of the Voxology Scripture Series, Mike and Tim welcome Bible Project co-founder and Hebrew Bible scholar Tim Mackie for a deep dive into the literary brilliance of the Bible, the cultural context of the Old Testament, and why grounding our reading in the person of Jesus changes everything. Mackie reflects on his personal journey—from a disillusioned teen and skateboarder to becoming a Bible nerd and seminary professor—and explains why approaching the Bible through Jesus opened his eyes to its beauty, complexity, and unified message. This episode builds on previous conversations with guests Rob Bell and Greg Boyd, bringing yet another thoughtful perspective on how Christians can faithfully wrestle with tough questions, like divine violence, inspiration, and the evolving formation of scripture. Key Takeaways: • Jesus as the Interpretive Center – Why starting w

How the rise of Christian podcasting is reshaping spiritual conversation, decentralizing church authority, and creating new spaces for voices questioning megachurch systems, leadership cultures, and what's next for the American church. Mike and Andy sit down with Matt Carter—musician, podcast pioneer, and co-founder of Bad Christian Media—for an unfiltered and energizing exploration into how podcasts like Bad Christian are redefining what it means to lead, disciple, deconstruct, and push the church forward. Matt details his journey from performing in a Christian punk band to becoming one of the most compelling progressive voices challenging Christian institutional norms. They unpack the creative power of podcasting as a medium that allows for nuance, truth-telling, and disruption, all of which are deeply needed in current church culture. From megachurch fatigue to decentralization, misinformation, and a longing for authentic spiritual community, this conversation is an honest and hopeful look at what might be

How the perception of evangelical Christianity in American culture has become a point of crisis, and why it's worth engaging in honest self-examination. In this first episode of the Vox Mailbag Series, Mike Erre and producer Andy Bear tackle a flood of listener questions, critiques, and encouragements—ranging from Rob Bell's theology and Paul's role in shaping gospel narratives, to how Christians are perceived in politics and the media. This episode explores how the Vox community wrestles with heavy accusations against the evangelical church, including charges of hypocrisy, cruelty, and sociopathic behaviors. By reading listener emails directly and offering raw responses, Mike and Andy create a brutally honest and empathetic space to ask who really represents Jesus—and whether "loving your enemies" and "making Jesus beautiful" can still be the defining markers of the church. Key Takeaways: - Evangelicalism Under Fire – Responding to critiques that evangelical Christianity is toxic, damaging, and irreparably h

A practical and sincere deep dive into how we read the Bible, how we think about sin, and how the church engages controversial topics like women in leadership — all driven by listener-submitted questions. Mike and Andy tackle a full mailbag in this no-frills Q&A episode that offers fresh insight, book recommendations, and pastoral reflection on issues at the heart of modern Christian conversations. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Scripture in Context – Mike offers resources and frameworks for reading the Bible with cultural and historical context, challenging surface-level interpretations of key passages like Matthew 18. • Are We Still "Bad" After Jesus? – A nuanced response to the weight of sin, shame, and human identity in Christ. Mike confronts Reformed views of total depravity while uplifting the biblical declaration that those in Christ are no longer defined by sin. • Women in Church Leadership – A heartfelt question leads to discussion on gender roles in the church, how tradition can distort gospel b

Discover how the absence of God's felt presence can be part of his transformative grace. Mike Erre shares deeply from his current season of spiritual dryness, wrestling with divine silence, emotional fatigue, and the disorienting experience of not sensing God. Drawing from scripture, mystics, theology, and his own heartache, Mike explores the paradox of a God who is always present but sometimes hidden. This episode is a vulnerable and powerful conversation about the dark night of the soul, why God may withhold his tangible presence, and what we can learn when spiritual adrenaline runs dry. Whether you're currently wandering through one of those desolate spiritual seasons or accompanying someone who is, this episode offers honesty, hope, and a roadmap for seeking God in the silence. Key Takeaways: • God's Hiddenness Isn't Absence — Unpacking the biblical concept of God's manifest vs. universal presence, and why his felt absence might actually be forming us into deeper maturity. • Seeking in the Dry Seasons — H