Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

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

Mike and Tim explore the importance of understanding the genre clues in the Book of Revelation, discussing how recognizing it as an apocalypse, a prophecy, and a pastoral letter reshapes our interpretation. They also confront systemic misogyny in the church, reflecting on recent events involving prominent female leaders and the need to address gender inequality. Key Takeaways: Confronting Misogyny in the Church – Discussing recent events highlighting systemic issues with gender inequality and the importance of advocating for change. Genre Clues in Revelation – Understanding how acknowledging Revelation's apocalyptic, prophetic, and epistolary genres guides proper interpretation. Prophecy as a Call to Faithfulness – Reframing biblical prophecy from predicting the future to encouraging present faithfulness among God's people. Importance of Old Testament Context – Emphasizing how familiarity with Old Testament imagery and themes is crucial for decoding Revelation's symbolism. Interpreting Revelation Responsibly

Delve into the complexities of evil and suffering as Mike and Tim are joined by scholar Tim Gombis in their Gospel with Gombis series. Together, they explore the origins of evil within the biblical narrative, the role of human collaboration in God's Kingdom, and how the church can respond to a world marred by suffering and injustice. Key Takeaways: The Origins of Evil – Understanding how human rebellion against God's plan introduced chaos and suffering into the world, drawing from Genesis and New Testament teachings. God's Kingship and Human Collaboration – Exploring how God's sovereignty is actualized through human beings and the importance of collaborating with God to bring about His reign on earth. The Church's Role in a Broken World – Strategies for the church to embody God's reign by banding together, addressing suffering, and fostering communities of compassion and solidarity. Sin as Pollution in Purified Space – Discussing the concept of sin not just as moral trespass but as a corruption that affects

Explore how recognizing the apocalyptic genre of Revelation transforms our interpretation of this enigmatic book, allowing us to reclaim its original message of hope and comfort. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of genre in biblical texts, discussing how misreading Revelation has led to fear-based teachings rather than the intended encouragement. They also examine the "He Gets Us" Super Bowl ad campaign, offering thoughtful critique on modern evangelism methods and the portrayal of Jesus in mainstream media. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Genre in Biblical Interpretation – Understanding how identifying the apocalyptic genre of Revelation changes our approach to its symbols and messages. Misuse of Revelation in Modern Teaching – How literal and fear-based readings have distorted the book's original intent and impacted Christian doctrine. Critical Analysis of the "He Gets Us" Campaign – Discussing the effectiveness and implications of mainstream advertising in conveying Jesus's message. P

Delve into the powerful history and universal impact of "Amazing Grace" as Tim explores how this timeless hymn transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries. Through the transformative journey of its author, John Newton, we uncover themes of grace, justice, and shared humanity, reflecting on how grace invites us into God's ongoing vision for the world. Key Takeaways: • John Newton's Transformation – From slave trader to abolitionist, and how his life experiences shaped "Amazing Grace." • The Evolution of the Hymn – How "Amazing Grace" became a universal anthem embraced by diverse communities and used in pivotal historical moments. • Understanding Grace – A deep dive into the concept of grace, its theological significance, and its practical implications for communal living and social justice. • Music as a Unifying Force – Exploring the power of music in worship and how songs like "Amazing Grace" connect us across divides. • Invitation to Shared Humanity – Reflecting on how grace calls us to elevate oth

Discover how transforming the culture of policing can lead to a more just and dignified society, as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Nick Sensley, CEO of the Institute for American Policing Reform. Learn about practical steps towards meaningful reform, the importance of community engagement, and how embracing human dignity can reshape law enforcement in America. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Police Culture – How entrenched cultural norms within law enforcement contribute to systemic issues and the urgent need to address them. • Human Dignity as a Foundation – Exploring how recognizing the inherent worth of every individual can guide transformative changes in policing practices. • Community's Role in Reform – The essential role of community involvement in driving meaningful change and rebuilding trust between police and the communities they serve. • The Challenges of Reform – Acknowledging the complexities and the long-term commitment required to address deep-seated issues within the policing system.

Unpacking how debunking the myths of dispensationalism and embracing a more faithful interpretation of Revelation can transform your understanding of the end times and challenge the roots of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the history and theological flaws of dispensationalism, discussing how popular interpretations like the Left Behind series have distorted the true message of Revelation and contributed to unhealthy ideologies within Christianity. Key Takeaways: Confronting Suffering and the Problem of Evil – Addressing honest questions about God's goodness in the midst of personal pain and illness. Unveiling Dispensationalism's Influence – Exploring how dispensationalism became widespread in American evangelicalism through influential figures and institutions. Misreading Revelation – Understanding the dangers of interpreting Revelation as a literal roadmap of future events, leading to fear-based theology. Theological Roots of Christian Nationalism – Examining how misinterp

Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation can challenge and dismantle the harmful ideologies of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford begin a new series that aims to reclaim Revelation from misuse and unpack its true message of hope, comfort, and allegiance to Jesus in times of marginalization. Key Takeaways: • Introducing the Revelation Series – Starting a deep dive into the Book of Revelation, focusing on its relevance today. • Confronting Christian Nationalism – Exploring how misinterpretations of Revelation have fueled harmful nationalistic ideologies. • Understanding Apocalyptic Literature – Discussing the importance of genre and proper hermeneutics in interpreting Revelation responsibly. • The Danger of Bad Theology – Emphasizing how misusing Revelation can harm individuals and communities, obscuring the true message of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael J. Gorman – Link • Seeing Things John's Way by David A. deSilva – Link • Apocalypse and Alleg

Mike and Tim engage with New Testament scholar Tim Gombis to explore how our traditional understanding of the gospel might be missing the radical message of Jesus's Kingdom. They discuss the limitations of a transactional approach to faith and delve into how Jesus's teachings in the Gospel of Mark challenge our expectations, both then and now. This conversation kicks off a new series focused on rediscovering the Kingdom message in today's context. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Transactional Faith – Understanding why the traditional "accept Jesus into your heart" message misses the fuller gospel. The Kingdom of God in Jesus's Time – Exploring what the phrase "Kingdom of God" meant to Jesus's original audience and why they found him disappointing. Reimagining the Gospel Today – How our modern expectations can lead to similar misunderstandings of Jesus's message. Community and Suffering – Embracing the communal and sacrificial aspects of the Kingdom life as depicted in Mark's Gospel. Deconstruction and Faith – D

Delving into the impact of celebrity culture on the church, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with author and journalist Katelyn Beaty to discuss her book "Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits are Hurting the Church." They explore how the pursuit of platform and influence can undermine authentic Christian community, lead to scandals, and distort the gospel message. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Dark Side of Celebrity Culture in the Church – How celebrity dynamics contribute to scandals and a lack of accountability among church leaders. • Distinguishing Between Fame and Celebrity – Exploring how notoriety for virtue differs from the pursuit of platform and personal branding. • The Role of Technology and Media – Discussing how mass media and social platforms facilitate celebrity culture within evangelicalism. • Reimagining Leadership and Community – How returning to local, embodied church practices can counteract the harms of celebrity dynamics. Guest Highlights: Katelyn Beaty – Auth

Explore how facing church scandals through genuine repentance and embracing healthy transitions can lead to a revitalized and authentic faith community. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, along with guest Susie Lind, as they delve into the challenges of event-driven church models, the complexities of leaving a church gracefully, and a critical analysis of Christianity Today's Top 20 Stories of 2022 to uncover what it means for the future of the church. Key Takeaways: • The Need for Genuine Repentance – Understanding how confronting scandals transparently can lead to true renewal within the church. • Leaving a Church Well – Practical guidance on navigating the difficult process of leaving a church community while maintaining relationships and integrity. • Reimagining Church Models – Discussing the shift from event-driven ministries to a centered-set approach focused on authentic relationships and spiritual formation. • Analyzing Modern Church Culture – Reflecting on themes of abuse and scandal in church na