Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

What happens when the pastoral spotlight becomes too heavy to bear—and no one sees the weight until it's too late? Mike Erre and longtime friend Andy Lara reflect deeply on the tragic suicide of Inland Hills Church pastor Andrew Stoecklein, a young leader whose public transparency about his mental health struggles still couldn't prevent a heartbreaking end. This raw discussion examines broader issues of how we as individuals, communities, and the Church respond to mental illness—and what goes awry when simplistic solutions meet complex pain. Unpacking the pressures of pastoral leadership, the toxic success culture of the modern American church, and the harmful theological prescriptions often offered in response to depression, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to reimagine spiritual community as a space of solidarity—not isolation. Key Takeaways: • The Hidden Costs of "Success" – Why growing attendance, staff, and budgets often don't correspond to spiritual or emotional health for pastors. • Performance Cultur