Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Uncover how reimagining the Image of God can transform our perspectives on disabilities, gender identity, and unity within the church community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the profound implications of being made in God's image, discussing how this understanding impacts our relationships, church practices, and societal debates on gender and inclusion. Key Takeaways: • Embracing the Image of God in All People – Recognizing that every individual, including those with disabilities and diverse gender identities, are bearers of God's image and worthy of dignity and respect. • Unity in Diversity – Exploring how the unity of humanity is expressed through diversity, reflecting the nature of God and challenging the church to embrace differences within the community. • Rethinking Traditional Views – Discussing the importance of revisiting traditional interpretations of scripture regarding gender roles and hierarchies, and how this impacts our approach to inclusion and church leadership. • The Role of the Chur

Explore how recognizing every human as made in the image of God challenges societal norms, reshapes our understanding of human worth, and calls us to value all people regardless of ability or status. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the profound implications of the Imago Dei, discussing how this foundational truth confronts modern idolatry, societal biases, and our own perceptions. Key Takeaways: • Every Human as God's Image-Bearer – Understanding that every person, by virtue of being human, reflects the divine image, and how this shapes our interactions and ethics. • Challenging Cultural Norms – Examining ancient and modern practices that devalue human life based on efficiency, effectiveness, and societal standards. • Seth's Story – Mike shares personal insights from raising his son Seth, who has Down syndrome, illustrating the beauty and prophetic witness of valuing every life. • Imago Dei vs. Idolatry – Exploring how the concept of the image of God opposes societal idols of productivity, power, and pe

Mike and Tim dive into Genesis 1 to explore what it truly means to be made in the image of God. Challenging traditional notions of sin management, they discuss how embracing our full humanity as God's image bearers transforms our understanding of faith, community, and daily life. Addressing a listener's question about navigating college life, partying, and the complexities of applying faith in real-world situations, they offer insightful perspectives on discernment, wisdom, and living out the gospel authentically. Key Takeaways: The Fullness of Humanity as God's Image – Understanding that being made in God's image encompasses our entire being, not just specific abilities or attributes. Moving Beyond Sin Management – Critiquing the limitations of a sin-focused approach to faith and emphasizing the pursuit of Christlikeness in all areas of life. Wisdom and Discernment in Modern Challenges – Discussing how to approach topics like partying, alcohol, and relationships with a centered, wisdom-based perspective rat

Explore how reexamining Genesis 1–3 reveals a richer biblical anthropology, challenging traditional evangelical interpretations and uncovering what it truly means to be human. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the implications of understanding Genesis beyond scientific literalism and how it shapes our perception of Jesus's mission. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Genesis Beyond Science – How Genesis focuses on metaphysical questions of meaning and purpose rather than material origins. • Reframing Our Human Story – Discovering how the starting point of our human story in Genesis impacts our understanding of what Jesus came to do. • Embracing a Richer Biblical Anthropology – Exploring a more compelling picture of humanity as presented in Genesis, and its implications for mental health, sexuality, and embracing our limitations. • Moving Beyond Literalism – Discussing how reading Genesis with curiosity and humility allows us to grasp the theological messages intended for the original audience. Guest Highlights

Discover how embracing humility and focusing on repair can transform your relationships with your children, regardless of their age. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Susie Lind explore the challenges of parenting beyond fear and control, emphasizing the importance of building authentic connections and being present for meaningful repair. Key Takeaways: The Power of Repairing Relationships – Acknowledging past mistakes and being available for repair can strengthen and heal the bonds with your children. Parenting Beyond Fear – Understanding how fear influences parenting styles and learning to approach your children with love and connection rather than control. Self-Awareness as a Parent – The significance of working on oneself to become a better parent, recognizing personal triggers, and how personal growth impacts your children. Redefining Authority – Exploring non-coercive ways to exercise authority through example, patience, and creating a safe environment for your children. Guest Highlights: Sus

Unveiling how the early Christians defied cultural norms and how rediscovering their radical approach can transform today's church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Dr. Nijay Gupta to explore the compelling differences between Roman religion and early Christianity, and how modern believers can make Christianity "weird" again by embracing humility, community, and the teachings of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The Six Elements of Roman Religion – Understanding the hierarchical, elitist, and monocultural aspects of Roman faith, and how they contrast with early Christian beliefs. • Defying the Empire – How the first Christians rejected the norms of Roman religion, including hierarchy, rituals of appeasement, and limited access to the divine. • The Power of Compelling Community – Exploring how the early church's emphasis on love, equality, and inclusivity drew people in and transformed lives. • Making Christianity Weird Again Today – Practical steps for modern believers to reclaim the radical nature of early fai

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the heart of parenting without shame, discussing how letting go of controlling outcomes and embracing faithfulness can transform our relationships with our children. By focusing on cultivating fruit rather than enforcing boundaries, they explore how to reflect Jesus's unconditional love, reject shame-based parenting, and foster genuine connection and growth. Key Takeaways: The Difference Between Fruit and Outcomes – Understanding how focusing on faithfulness and cultivating fruit differs from trying to control outcomes in parenting and life. Rejecting Shame-Based Parenting – Exploring the harmful effects of shame and fear in traditional parenting models, and how to parent without shame. Embracing Faithfulness Over Control – Discussing how prioritizing faithfulness and connection over controlling behaviors leads to deeper relationships with our children. Center-Set vs. Boundary-Set Parenting – Examining the shift from boundary-focused parenting to a center-set approach th

Discover how the resurrection of Jesus launches the New Creation project and what it means for us to live as New Creation people now. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their Revelation series by connecting Genesis, Revelation, and Paul's teachings to explore how we can embody New Creation realities and witness to its transformative power in our daily lives. Key Takeaways: • Understanding New Creation – How Jesus's resurrection initiated the New Creation and redefines our identity and mission. • Genesis and Revelation Parallels – Exploring the connections between the Creation and New Creation narratives to grasp God's overarching plan. • Living as New Creation People Now – Practical ways to embody New Creation values and ethics in the present age. • Paul's Teachings on Resurrection – Unpacking 1 Corinthians 15 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 to understand the implications of resurrection for New Creation. • Clarifying Pastoral Expectations – Discussing the importance of defining pastoral roles to foster healthier chu

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford challenge traditional views of evangelism by exploring how the early church grew through embodied faith and patient community life. Drawing from Alan Kreider's The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, they discuss moving beyond altar calls rooted in guilt and manipulation, and toward a transformative understanding of evangelism rooted in the way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Rethinking Evangelism – Understanding that the early church grew not by compelling arguments or altar calls, but by living out the teachings of Jesus in community. • Patience Over Outcomes – Exploring the virtue of patience as central to early Christians, and how trusting God's timing contrasts with modern urgency to produce immediate results. • Dangers of Control – Discussing how attempts to control spiritual outcomes can lead to manipulation and divert us from genuine discipleship. • The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds – Unpacking Jesus's teaching on allowing wheat and weeds to grow together, and how it inform

Explore how shifting our understanding of the Holy Spirit from an individual focus to a communal one can transform the church and spiritual life. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Timothy Gombis to delve into Paul's vision of the Holy Spirit's role in uniting and empowering the Christian community, challenging modern misconceptions and inviting believers into a more collective experience of faith. Key Takeaways: The Communal Role of the Holy Spirit – Understanding how the Spirit works to unify the church, emphasizing collective transformation over individual experiences. Rethinking Spiritual Gifts – Challenging the individualistic interpretation of spiritual gifts and viewing them as contributions determined by the community's needs. Spiritual Disciplines and Community – Discussing how personal spiritual practices prepare believers for communal life rather than serving as the primary context of spirituality. Prayer and the Trinity – Exploring theological perspectives on praying to the Holy

Discover how spiritual formation can transform the way Christians engage in politics as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Michael Wear, author of The Spirit of Our Politics. They delve into the challenges of political identities overshadowing religious convictions, the pitfalls of Christian nationalism, and how believers can offer goodness to public life without compromising their faith. Key Takeaways: Navigating Faith and Politics – Understanding how to integrate political life into discipleship without conflating the two. Political Identities vs. Religious Convictions – Exploring how political affiliations often overshadow Christian identity and the dangers this presents. Spiritual Formation as a Foundation – Learning how personal discipleship and spiritual disciplines can positively influence public engagement. Resisting Idolatry in Politics – Recognizing the tendency to baptize political preferences with religious language and how to avoid it. Engaging with Love and Integrity – Practical steps for

Explore how to navigate the challenges and potential pitfalls of the deconstruction movement, rethink traditional views of hell, and embrace a more authentic and compassionate faith aligned with Jesus's teachings. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into listener questions about deconstruction, purity culture, and the concept of hell, offering thoughtful insights on building an enduring faith. Key Takeaways: Reflecting on Deconstruction's Potential Pitfalls – Understanding how the deconstruction movement could inadvertently cause harm and how to prevent it. Reevaluating Purity Culture – Acknowledging both the intentions and unintended consequences of purity culture within evangelicalism. Inviting Others into Deeper Faith – Discussing how to gently invite others out of "gift shop" Christianity into a fuller experience of faith. Rethinking Hell and Universalism – Exploring biblical interpretations of hell, the concept of universalism, and how these views impact our understanding of salvation. Embracing Critical T

Discover how the Bible's vision of a new heaven and a new earth offers profound hope and insight into God's ultimate plan of restoration. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into key biblical passages from Isaiah, Peter, Paul, and Revelation to unpack the consistent message of renewal and reconciliation throughout Scripture. They explore the significance of the Greek words for "new"—Kainos (new in quality) and Neos (new in time)—and how understanding these terms illuminates God's intention to purify and restore creation rather than destroy it. Key Takeaways: Understanding "New" in Scripture – Differentiating between Kainos and Neos and what it means for God's promise to make all things new. The Consistent Biblical Theme of Restoration – Examining how passages from Isaiah 65, 2 Peter 3, 1 Corinthians 3, and Revelation 21-22 point toward a renewed creation and the rejoining of heaven and earth. Metaphors of Purification – Exploring how fire, water, and light symbolize refining processes leading to new creati

Discover how the reunification of heaven and earth reshapes our understanding of salvation, the Gospel, and the church's mission today. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the profound themes of Genesis and Revelation, exploring the biblical narrative from creation's beginning to the unveiling of the new creation. They discuss how Jesus embodies the overlap of heaven and earth, the implications for believers, and the transformative power of participating in God's restoration of all things. Key Takeaways: • The Overlapping of Heaven and Earth – Unpacking the biblical concept of heaven and earth as unified spaces in Genesis and the impact of their rupture on humanity and creation. • Jesus as the Bridge – Understanding how Jesus embodies both divine and human, bridging the gap between heaven and earth, and redefining our approach to faith and salvation. • New Creation Theology – Exploring the restoration and reconciliation of all things as depicted in Revelation, redefining the true message of the Gospel. • Ou

Unpacking the biblical imagery of the Lake of Fire in Revelation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into concepts of judgment, destruction, and the ultimate eradication of evil. Challenging traditional views of eternal conscious torment, they explore how Old Testament references shape our understanding of Revelation's message for the modern church and its call to resist complicity with oppressive systems. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Lake of Fire – Examining fire and burning sulfur as symbols of destruction rather than eternal torture, drawing from the narratives of Sodom and Gomorrah. Old Testament Foundations – Exploring references from Daniel, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, 2 Peter, and Jude to shed light on Revelation's depiction of judgment. Reevaluating Eternal Punishment – Discussing the implications of redefining hell from eternal torment to the complete destruction of evil and what that means for believers. The Church's Complicity with Empire – Reflecting on how Revelation warns the church against p

Discover how moving from information to transformation in discipleship can revolutionize your spiritual journey as Mike Erre sits down with author and pastor John Mark Comer to discuss his new book "Practicing the Way". Explore the limitations of traditional evangelical models, the importance of integrating the Bible into your daily life, and how embracing spiritual disciplines, community, and even suffering can lead to deep spiritual formation. Key Takeaways: From Information to Transformation – Understanding why increasing biblical knowledge alone isn't enough for true spiritual growth and maturity. Embodied Spirituality – The significance of getting the Bible into your body through integrating scripture and spiritual practices into your whole being. Rule of Life and Spiritual Disciplines – How creating a personal Rule of Life and engaging in ancient practices can guide you toward Christlikeness. The Role of Community and Suffering – Discussing how relationships and enduring hardships are essential compone

Explore why following Jesus is worthwhile even when life doesn't 'work out' as expected, and how understanding the symbolic imagery in Revelation's final battles can deepen your faith and resilience. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into listeners' challenging questions about faith, deconstruction, and the purpose of following Jesus amidst disappointment. They also unpack Revelation 19 and 20, shedding light on the symbolic nature of the battle scenes and judgments, and preview discussions on the concepts of the Lake of Fire and being 'outside the city.' Key Takeaways: Reevaluating Faith When Life Doesn't 'Work Out' – Discussing why the traditional 'recipe' for a satisfying Christian life may not lead to expected outcomes, and exploring the deeper reasons for following Jesus. Deconstructing False Gospels – Understanding the necessity of dismantling prosperity teachings and false promises within Christianity, and how deconstruction can lead to a more authentic faith. Symbolism in Revelation's Final Battl

Explore how experiencing God's hiddenness and spiritual dryness is a normal part of the Christian journey. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the biblical concept of disorientation, discussing why God sometimes feels distant and how this can lead to deeper faith and maturity. They also provide insightful guidance on what to look for in a healthy church community that fosters genuine growth, transparency, and support. Key Takeaways: Understanding Spiritual Dryness – Recognizing that feeling God's absence is a common part of faith and can deepen our reliance on Him. The Hiddenness of God – Exploring biblical examples and reasons why God may veil His presence to encourage our growth. Stages of Faith – Discussing the journey through Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation in our spiritual lives. Finding a Healthy Church – Identifying key qualities such as shared leadership, inclusion of women in leadership roles, and transparency about money and power. Embracing Disorientation – Learning to navigate se

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the often-overlooked practice of lament, exploring how embracing seasons of disorientation can deepen our faith and connection with God. Drawing from the Psalms and Walter Brueggemann's categories of orientation, disorientation, and reorientation, they discuss the importance of acknowledging suffering and sorrow in the Christian life. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Psalms of Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation – How these categories help us navigate different seasons of faith. • The Role of Lament in the Bible – Why expressing sorrow and protest is a vital part of our relationship with God. • Challenging Prosperity Theology – Examining how modern worship songs and theology often ignore the reality of suffering. • The Importance of Community in Disorientation – How being supported by others can help us find hope when we feel hopeless. • Finding God in the Darkness – Insights on how God is present even when we feel abandoned or disillusioned. Resources Mentio

Discover how understanding the theme of disappointment in the Bible can transform your faith journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the realities of following a God who doesn't always meet our expectations. By exploring stories of biblical figures like John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary, they unpack how the lament tradition plays a crucial role in navigating unmet expectations and suffering in our lives. Key Takeaways: • Disappointment as Part of Faith – Recognizing that faithful obedience to God doesn't always lead to worldly success or personal fulfillment. • The Importance of Lament – Embracing lament as a biblical practice that allows us to express sorrow and protest within a covenant relationship with God. • Biblical Examples of Unmet Expectations – Lessons from the lives of John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary on dealing with disappointment when God's plans differ from ours. • Reframing Expectations – Learning to surrender outcomes and find joy, faith, hope, and love amid suffe