Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Discover how the challenges faced by the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira reveal the pitfalls of cultural assimilation and idolatry, and learn how to identify and resist the modern-day idols of money, sex, and power. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into Revelation's letters to these churches, exploring how their struggles illuminate the ongoing battle against societal pressures that compromise faithfulness. Key Takeaways: Unveiling Cultural Idolatry – Understanding how the letters to Pergamum and Thyatira expose the temptations of assimilating into surrounding culture and how that applies today. The Significance of Eating Food Sacrificed to Idols – Exploring the historical context of idolatry in Revelation and its implications for modern faith communities. Faithful Witness and Resistance – Learning how to embody faithful witness in the face of societal pressures and cultural narratives. Identifying Modern Idols – Preparing to examine the idols of money, sex, and power in contemporary society through the len

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gombis to explore how reimagining the powers and principalities in Ephesians transforms our understanding of spiritual warfare and the church's mission in the modern world. Delving into the complexities of the present evil age, they discuss how believers can actively resist systemic injustice, embrace communal salvation, and participate in new creation dynamics that defy the influence of the powers. Key Takeaways: Unveiling the Powers and Principalities – Understanding these forces as systemic structures influencing societies, reshaping our concept of spiritual warfare. The Church's Role in Spiritual Warfare – How embodying new creation practices within the community counters the influence of the powers and manifests God's triumph. Communal vs. Individual Salvation – The importance of shifting from individualistic approaches to a communal understanding of salvation and spirituality. Practical Implications for Believers – Encouraging tangible a

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue the Exile Series by delving into the letter to the church in Ephesus from Revelation. They explore how early Christians redefined victory, contrasting it with Roman imperial narratives, and discuss what it means for the modern church to resist assimilation into prevailing cultural norms. By examining themes of repentance, faithfulness, and the true meaning of overcoming, they challenge the American church's understanding of success and call believers to embody a cruciform life. Key Takeaways: Redefining Victory – Understanding how Revelation subverts Roman concepts of victory by emphasizing faithful resistance to empire rather than conquest. The Historical Context of Ephesus – Exploring Ephesus as a commercial and religious center, including the significance of the Temple of Artemis and its symbolic tree of life. Returning to First Love – Discussing Jesus's call for the church to repent and return to their initial deeds of love and faithfulness. Testing False Apostles – Re

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the recent debates surrounding women's roles in church leadership, examining the Southern Baptist Convention's decision on female pastors and critiquing arguments against women in ministry. They explore how these contemporary issues mirror the challenges faced by the early churches in Revelation, discussing themes of faithfulness, compromise, and the call to overcome societal pressures. Key Takeaways: • Re-evaluating Traditional Views on Women's Leadership – Analyzing the implications of restricting female pastors and the theological arguments for egalitarianism within the church. • The Temptation of Assimilation – Drawing parallels between the early churches in Revelation and today's congregations, highlighting the dangers of compromising core beliefs to align with cultural or institutional norms. • Insights from the Seven Churches – Unpacking the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, emphasizing themes of faithfulness, perseverance, and the challenges of staying

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with rapper and author KB to explore how embracing the "Dangerous Jesus" can reignite the church's mission by confronting issues of justice, race, and cultural complacency. They delve into KB's faith journey, his insights on the Christianity of Christ versus the Christianity of the land, and the transformative power of art in challenging and inspiring believers today. Key Takeaways: Embracing the Dangerous Jesus – Understanding how rediscovering the true nature of Jesus can transform personal faith and the church's response to societal issues. The Christianity of Christ vs. the Christianity of the Land – KB discusses Frederick Douglass's distinction and its relevance in today's American church, particularly regarding justice and race. Cultivating Hope Amid Challenges – Strategies for maintaining hope and faithfulness in the midst of political polarization and church shortcomings. The Role of Art and Music – Exploring how art can evangelize the imagination, engage hearts, and

In this episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the Roman imperial cult to uncover how the official narrative of Rome influences the understanding of the Book of Revelation. They explore the parallels between ancient Rome's civic religion and modern-day cultural narratives, challenging listeners to discern where contemporary society may mirror the dynamics of empire. Key Takeaways: The Official Story of Rome – Understanding how Rome's mythic narrative of being the chosen empire of the gods shapes the context of Revelation. The Imperial Cult and Asia Minor – Examining how cities competed to honor the emperor, and how this impacted early Christian communities in the seven churches addressed in Revelation. Parallels to Modern Empire – Identifying similarities between the Roman imperial narrative and current cultural narratives, encouraging critical reflection on nationalism and faith. Discerning Babylon Today – Discussing the importance of recognizing and resisting the parts of c

Discover how decoding the symbols and Old Testament references in Revelation Chapter 1 can transform your understanding of Jesus and the Book of Revelation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the rich tapestry of apocalyptic literature, Roman imperial context, and biblical imagery to unveil the profound messages intended for the original audience and for us today. Key Takeaways: Understanding Revelation's Context – How the book instructs us to read it and the importance of recognizing its apocalyptic genre. Old Testament Imagery in Revelation – Exploring the numerous references to the Old Testament and how they unlock the meanings of the symbols. Jesus as Faithful Witness, Firstborn from the Dead, and Ruler of Kings – Analyzing the titles and descriptions of Jesus in Chapter 1 and their significance. Subverting Roman Imperial Claims – How Revelation counters the propaganda of the Roman Empire through its portrayal of Jesus and the church. The Role of the Church as a Counter-Cultural Community – Discus

Explore how harmful messages from purity culture have impacted women in the church and how we can do better. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by authors Sheila Wray Gregoire and Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach from Bare Marriage to discuss their latest book "She Deserves Better," which addresses toxic teachings on sex, self, and speaking up. They delve into empowering girls to resist detrimental teachings, the importance of consent education, and creating safe spaces in the church. Key Takeaways: • Confronting Purity Culture – Understanding the damaging effects of purity culture on women's sexual and spiritual well-being, and the need to reframe these teachings. • Teaching Consent and Agency – Highlighting the importance of educating girls about consent, personal agency, and bodily autonomy to protect them from harm. • Breaking Down Toxic Messages – Discussing how internalized misogyny and harmful doctrines limit women's ability to stand up for themselves. • Creating Safe Spaces – Exploring how men and churc

Delve into the complexities of Old Testament violence and discover how reframing these challenging narratives reveals the Shalom of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Dr. Matthew Lynch, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and author of Flood and Fury, to explore how stories like the Flood, the Nephilim, and the conquest of Canaan can be understood in the context of God's restorative justice and peace. Key Takeaways: • Reassessing the Flood Narrative – Rethinking traditional perspectives on the Flood, seeing God's role as the preserver of life rather than a destroyer. • Violence and Monotheism in Genesis – How monotheism shapes the portrayal of violence in the Old Testament, contrasting with ancient Near Eastern myths. • The Enigma of the Nephilim – Exploring the mysterious figures of the Nephilim and their significance in connecting the Flood narrative to the conquest of Canaan. • Reinterpreting 'Herem' and the Conquest Commands – Understanding how later biblical authors viewed c

Explore how incorporating feminist theory and a renewed understanding of the body can reshape the church's approach to gender, community, and intergenerational relationships. Mike and Tim sit down with theologian and author Kaitlin Schiess to discuss the church's failures and opportunities in valuing the human body, and how this impacts our engagement with culture, scripture, and the future of the church. Key Takeaways: The Importance of the Body in Theology – Understanding how the church has often failed to value human bodies and the implications for gender and sexuality discussions. Integrating Feminist Theory and Theology – How insights from feminist theory can inform and challenge the church's approach to gender and embodiment. Intergenerational Community – Rethinking church structures to include children and youth as active participants rather than segregating them. Reading Scripture in Community – The need for honest conversations about how we approach the Bible and acknowledging the perspectives we br

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, to explore the historical roots of the current fractures within American evangelicalism and what this means for the future of the church. They delve into the split between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists, the cultural and political forces that have shaped evangelicalism, and discuss how understanding this history can guide the church forward. Key Takeaways: The Historical Split in Evangelicalism – Discover how the division between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists has shaped modern evangelicalism. Cultural and Political Influences – Learn about the impact of cultural fears, political alliances, and events like the Civil Rights Movement and Roe v. Wade on the church's unity and direction. Deconstruction as Discipleship – Explore the concept of deconstruction as a means to separate cultural assumptions from biblical truth, leading to a more authentic fa

Learn how to lead and engage in an increasingly polarized church environment as Mike and Tim celebrate their 400th episode with guest Skye Jethani. They explore practical insights on confronting Christian nationalism, adapting to technological advances like AI, and cultivating unity and tolerance within church communities. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Church Polarization – Insights into how cultural divides are leading to segregated 'red' and 'blue' churches, and the implications for the body of Christ. • Addressing Christian Nationalism – Strategies for church leaders to navigate the rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on congregations. • Pastoral Challenges and Redefining Success – Discussing the evolving role of pastors, the difficulties of ministry today, and how leaders can redefine faithfulness and success. • Embracing Technology and AI – Exploring how AI could change preaching and teaching, and how the church can focus on authentic community in a digital age. • Navigating Gender Issues in Le

Discover how rethinking sin as a cosmic force rather than individual failures transforms our understanding of forgiveness, salvation, and the gospel. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to explore the communal aspects of sin and how this perspective reshapes our approach to discipleship, community life, and personal struggles. Key Takeaways: • Sin as a Cosmic Power – Understanding sin not just as personal transgressions but as an active force that seeks to enslave and destroy humanity. • Forgiveness as Communal Restoration – How forgiveness involves entering into a new creation community and experiencing God's shalom collectively. • The Gospel Beyond an Entrance Formula – Exploring the gospel as a transformative reality that invites us into a lifelong journey of learning and practicing new creation dynamics. • Overcoming Personal Struggles through Community – How viewing sin from a communal perspective changes our approach to personal challenges like pornography, emphasizing vulnera

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the perplexing time references in the Book of Revelation, exploring how phrases like "what must soon take place" and "the time is near" represent a kind of time rather than imminent calendar dates. They discuss the pitfalls of "calendarizing" prophetic scripture, the difference between kairos (opportune time) and chronos (chronological time), and how understanding God's unique timing transforms our perspective on living in the "now and not yet" of the Kingdom. Key Takeaways: Reframing 'Soon' and 'Near' in Revelation – Recognizing that these terms signify a kind of time characterized by urgency and expectancy, not specific dates. The Dangers of Calendarizing – Examining historical failures of predicting end times and how such attempts undermine the intended perpetual readiness. Kairos vs. Chronos Time – Understanding the biblical distinction between qualitative and quantitative time, and its impact on interpreting scripture. Living in the 'Now and Not Yet' – Discussing th

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford grapple with the profound grief and anger following the tragic school shooting in Nashville. They delve into the complexities of gun violence in America, examining how the intertwining of gun culture and evangelical Christianity hinders meaningful action. Through a heartfelt and critical exploration of common arguments against gun control, they challenge listeners to reconsider biblical teachings on violence, self-defense, and what it truly means to follow Jesus in the face of societal injustice. Key Takeaways: Personal Reflections on Grief and Proximity – Mike shares his deep emotional response to the Nashville shooting, emphasizing the impact of its closeness to his community and family. Critiquing Common Gun Arguments – Analyzing claims such as "guns don't kill people" and "it's a heart problem, not a gun problem," highlighting their logical and theological flaws. The Intertwining of Gun Culture and Evangelicalism – Exploring how guns have become an idol within the church, confl

A soul-stirring conversation recorded live at the 2024 Voxology Nonference in Brentwood, Tennessee, brings together Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, Susie P. Lind, and Timothy Gombis for a powerful exploration into what it truly means to rehumanize ministry and Christian life. Gathering in person for the first time as a group, these longtime friends and spiritual voices reflect on emotional health, identity, shame, self-talk, cruciformity, and how power is expressed through weakness, drawing inspiration from Gombis's book, Power in Weakness. This episode is both deeply personal and broadly communal—raw, hilarious, sobering, and healing—as the guests share authentic stories from their own spiritual formation, vocational ministry, therapy, and transformation in Christ. Together, they ask some of the biggest questions followers of Jesus are facing today: Can discipleship be healing instead of dehumanizing? What does it look like to show up fully as ourselves… and still be loved? Key Takeaways: • Reimagining Discipleship

Delve into the rich history and enduring significance of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as we explore how this timeless hymn reshapes our understanding of authentic worship, deconstruction, and the journey back to faith. Tim Stafford discusses the life of Robert Robinson, his transformative encounter with faith, his moments of wandering, and the magic that brought him back—offering insights into how our own stories mirror this journey. Key Takeaways: The Story Behind 'Come Thou Fount' – Uncovering Robert Robinson's journey from a troubled youth to a passionate preacher and hymn writer. Worship as Reorientation – Exploring how worship serves as an invitation to re-tune our hearts toward God's grace and justice. Embracing Deconstruction for Authentic Faith – Rethinking deconstruction not as a departure, but as a pursuit of genuine understanding and ownership of belief. Community's Role in Navigating Faith Journeys – Highlighting the importance of relationships and community in guiding us when we are prone

Mike and Tim delve into a listener's question about handling church discipline in cases of adultery within the church community. They explore how to approach restoration and reorientation with grace, empathy, and a focus on relationships, rather than mere rule enforcement. Drawing from centered set theology, they discuss the importance of inviting individuals back to the center—Jesus—and the role of community in fostering genuine transformation. Key Takeaways: Invitation Over Exclusion – Emphasizing an invitational approach to church discipline that focuses on restoration rather than shaming or excluding individuals. Community and Individualism – Understanding how hyper-individualism impacts our approach to sin and restoration, and the importance of communal relationships in the healing process. Good vs. Bad Judgment – Differentiating between condemning judgment and discerning guidance that helps reorient others toward Christ. Dealing with Roots, Not Symptoms – Highlighting the necessity of addressing underl

Explore how harmful teachings on sexuality within the church have impacted women, and how reclaiming mutuality, consent, and healthy theology can lead to healing and transformation. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they welcome guests Susie Lind and Katie Haseltine to discuss the damaging effects of purity culture and the importance of including women's perspectives in conversations about sexuality and theology. Key Takeaways: The Harm of Purity Culture – Understanding how purity culture and certain church teachings have negatively affected women's views on sexuality, leading to shame, trauma, and unhealthy relationships. Reclaiming Mutuality and Consent – Highlighting the need for mutuality, consent, and respect within relationships, and how these principles align with biblical teachings. Women's Perspectives in Theology – Emphasizing the importance of including women's experiences and voices in theological discussions to foster a more holistic understanding. Challenging Harmful Teachings – Encourag

Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation through its original context can transform our understanding of its message for today. Mike and Tim sit down with theologians Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett to discuss their new book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us," unraveling misconceptions and highlighting the timeless relevance of this apocalyptic text. Key Takeaways: Understanding Apocalyptic Literature – Exploring Revelation as an art form rich in symbolism and Old Testament imagery, inviting us to see beyond literal interpretations. Babylon as a Timeless Empire – Discussing how Babylon represents oppressive systems throughout history and challenges us to identify modern-day parallels. Divine Judgments as Calls to Repentance – Rethinking the judgments in Revelation as acts of divine discipline aiming to lead people back to faithfulness. The Importance of Community in Interpretation – Emphasizing the value of reading and interpreting Revelation within a community to grasp its deeper meanings. Guest High