Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

In this episode, Mike and Tim tackle the challenges of local advocacy, the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion within school systems and why we pray to God as Father. Through the lens of cruciformity and the teachings of Jesus, the conversation dives into faith and politics, navigating cultural challenges, and wrestling with the complexities of justice. From celebrating small victories to grappling with discouragement, the hosts reflect on what it means to live out a theology rooted in love, humility, and hope, even in the face of opposition. This episode also touches on the nuanced legacies of influential figures, the importance of communal resistance, and the spiritual intimacy of prayer as taught by Jesus. How do we embody faith in a way that centers on the marginalized and resists systemic injustice? What does it look like to adopt a posture of trust, curiosity, and creative resistance? We encourage and would love for you to engage in this conversation. Share your thoughts, questions, and reflection

Why does modern prayer need a serious rethink? In this engaging episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erie and Tim Stafford dive into the complex relationship between prayer, faith, and cultural challenges. From unpacking the transactional mindset often tied to prayer to exploring how the teachings of Jesus reframe this sacred practice, the conversation invites us to reimagine prayer as a transformative act of humility, gratitude, and community. The hosts discuss the role of the church in society, and how faith intersects with politics and justice in today’s world. Drawing from both ancient Jewish practices and the Lord’s Prayer, the episode challenges the prevalent individualistic approach to faith, calling listeners to deeper reflection on blessing God, acknowledging the gifts of life, and responding to societal issues with action. With their hallmark blend of critical thinking, curiosity, and humor, Mike and Tim offer a compelling perspective on navigating cultural tensions while staying rooted in the teac

How does understanding ancient, Jewish prayer transform the way we approach our own prayer life? In this thought-provoking discussion, the Voxology Podcast unpacks the profound communal and theological practices of Jewish prayer that shaped the teachings of Jesus and continue to challenge modern, individualistic approaches to Christianity. Join the hosts as they explore how prayer reflects our understanding of God, our faith, and the world around us, offering a deeper lens into themes of cruciformity, justice, and the role of the church in society. By examining the historical context of Jewish prayer practices, such as the Shema and the Amidah, the conversation dives into the rhythms of blessing, repentance, and trust that were central to the lives of early believers. Learn how these practices offer fresh insight into the Lord’s Prayer and reshape how we navigate faith and cultural challenges today. Whether it's reimagining what it means to bless God or understanding prayer as a communal act of justice and re

Live from the 2025 Nonference, Mike and Tim (In the same room) are joined in studio by Journey Church Pastors Suzie P. Lind and Sam Barnhart. What does it mean to truly deconstruct faith, and how can that journey lead to healing? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, the hosts tackle the complexities of "deconstruction," exploring disillusionment, doubt, discipleship, and ultimately, the pursuit of Jesus amidst cultural challenges. From addressing church hurt and systemic issues to reexamining theologies and navigating the intersection of faith and politics, this episode unpacks the role of the church in society and the personal journeys that shape our understanding of Christianity. Through themes of justice, cruciformity, and reimagining what it means to follow Jesus, the discussion dives deep into how cultural realities and historical practices influence our faith. The panel shares stories of heartbreak and hope, challenging the idea that questioning or rethinking faith is a departure from J

Why does evangelicalism feel like home to so many, yet leave others feeling out of place? This episode dives into the complexities of navigating faith, politics, and the church's role in society. The hosts explore questions of belonging, the tension between community and cultural critique, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world shaped by injustice and division. From personal anecdotes about introversion to deep reflections on justice, cruciformity, and the teachings of Jesus, this conversation challenges traditional views of Christianity while encouraging critical thinking and humility. How do we reconcile love for neighbors with standing against systems that harm the marginalized? What limits, if any, exist in extending biblical hospitality? These are just a few of the thought-provoking questions brought to the table. Whether you're wrestling with faith, grappling with cultural issues, or seeking to understand the intersection of theology and justice, this discussion offers insight and encouragement fo

Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the nuances of biblical interpretation, the role of community in faith, and the challenges of modern Christianity. From exploring the portrayal of masculinity in popular culture to addressing the complexities of communal discernment, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights and reflections. And Superman :) From judgmental posturing and a lack of authentic community to political alignment and cultural challenges, the hosts unpack how these factors are reshaping the role of the church in society. They also discuss the importance of cruciformity, humility, and collaborative leadership as ways to better reflect the teachings of Jesus. This conversation dives into how faith intersects with politics, navigating cultural issues like immigration and justice, and how the church can reclaim its role as a place of hospitality and authentic engagement. With personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and practical takeaways, this

In a time of cultural divides and political tension, what is the church's role in bringing healing and truth to a fractured society? This episode dives into the complex intersection of faith, politics, and justice, exploring how Christianity can navigate today's challenges with humility, love, and a commitment to Jesus' teachings. The hosts reflect on the prophetic responsibility of naming reality, addressing idolatrous uses of faith in politics, and embracing cruciformity—a call to sacrificial living that resists cultural compromises. Drawing insights from Pastor Ara’s compelling story and his courageous leadership amidst injustice, the discussion delves into the urgent need for the church to stand against systems of oppression while maintaining a posture of love and nonviolent resistance. From the misuse of scripture in political narratives to the dangers of intertwining faith with partisan ideologies, this conversation challenges Christians to reclaim the radical, inclusive power of the gospel. Join this t

Pastor Ara Tarosian joins Mike and Tim to share his incredible journey from persecution in Iran to building a vibrant church community in Los Angeles. He went viral a few weeks ago for a visdeo he posted of members of his congregation being abducted by ICE (See our instagram this week for the video). From surviving the Iranian Revolution to smuggling Bibles and leading a massive underground church, Pastor Ara’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. In this thought-provoking discussion, he recounts the challenges faced by Iranian Christians, the cultural and political hurdles of immigration, and how faith can endure under immense pressure.  This episode explores themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, the role of the church in society, and navigating cultural challenges in a deeply divided world. Pastor Ara’s experiences shed light on the global realities of persecution, the resilience of faith in Jesus, and the call for the church to embody justice, mercy, and compassion in the face of injustice. J

What does punk rock have to do with the heart of the Gospel? In this episode, the Voxology team, joined by the Dr. Timothy Gombis, dives deep into the unexpected intersections of radical community, inclusivity, and the teachings of Jesus. From punk rock's raw authenticity to the profound ministry of disability-focused communities that Mike recently experienced at the "Hope Heals" camp. The conversation explores how cruciformity—the self-giving love of Jesus—emerges in unlikely places. Along the way, they unpack the role of the church in society, faith and politics, and navigating cultural challenges with humility and curiosity. By reflecting on the ways marginalized voices reveal the Gospel's power, the team challenges traditional notions of faith and invites listeners to reimagine how justice, community, and theology come alive in everyday life. Whether discussing mutual ministry, the prophetic edge of punk culture, or stories of transformative love, this episode is a powerful reminder that the Gospel is bot

Is Romans 13 being misused to justify political or social agendas? In this intellectually rich yet accessible discussion, the hosts tackle the challenges of interpreting Romans 13 in the context of faith, politics, and justice. Exploring the tension between government authority and the church's mission to love one's neighbor above all, they delve into nuanced themes like "cruciformity," cultural challenges, and the role of the church in society. Through a thoughtful lens, the episode contrasts Paul's teachings on governance with Jesus' profound declaration to "give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s." What does this mean for Christians navigating today's cultural issues? From historical insights to modern implications, this conversation offers clarity on how faith intersects with civic life while challenging misuse of scripture to justify injustice. Join the dialogue as the hosts emphasize humility, curiosity, and critical thinking in a pursuit to follow Jesus' teachings. How should the churc

What does "Joyful Non-Compliance" look like in today’s world? In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts explore how faith intersects with politics, justice, and cultural challenges. Diving into Romans 12 and 13, they discuss the biblical posture of joyful, peaceful non-compliance, emphasizing the church's role in society as a force of love, justice, and truth. From the complexities of navigating immigration issues to the tension between idolatry and injustice in government, this conversation unpacks what it means to live out cruciformity—a life shaped by the cross—in a chaotic world. Key insights include the distinction between peacekeeping and peacemaking, the theological implications of governance, and how Christians can embody a faithful, socially engaged presence amidst cultural turmoil. With practical examples and a deep dive into the text, the hosts challenge listeners to embrace a countercultural, Jesus-centered response to injustice and idolatry. Join the discussion and share your thoughts! How can

How should Christians approach immigration, justice, and faith in today’s cultural climate? In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim dive into "Joyful, Peaceful, and Gracious Noncompliance," exploring what scripture teaches about welcoming the stranger, showing compassion, and advocating for justice. Drawing on the work of experts like Matthew Soerens and their own reflections, they tackle the complex intersections of cruciformity, faith and politics, and the role of the church in society. Through real-life stories, scripture analysis, and discussions on cultural challenges, they address the dehumanizing language often used in immigration debates, the tension between legality and justice, and the church's responsibility to embody the teachings of Jesus. What does it mean to love our neighbor, especially when they are vulnerable? How can the church navigate these issues with humility, courage, and hope? Engage with thoughtful insights, critical questions, and a call to action to advocate for justi

In this episode, Tim and Mike continue the conversation about the complexities of biblical interpretation, exploring how various contexts—textual, cultural, and personal—shape our understanding of scripture. What does "biblical" really mean, and why does it matter in today's world? Mike and Tim explore the "world of the text," the cultural and historical contexts "behind the text," and the modern assumptions we bring "in front of the text." With humor, humility, and intellectual depth, they examine how varying social locations, traditions, and cultural frameworks shape our understanding of scripture, and how the Spirit of God works through it all. From discussing the challenges of "cruciformity" to navigating cultural issues like justice, faith, and the role of the church in society, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the tension between timeless truths and modern interpretations. Drawing on examples like the parable of the prodigal son and the story of Ruth, they highlight the importance of curio

Is the label "biblical" helping or hurting how we approach faith, church, and cultural challenges? In this thought-provoking episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim explore the pitfalls of using "biblical" as a rigid brand, how it impacts theology, and its effects on navigating issues like justice, community, and interpretation of Scripture. They discuss the importance of reading the Bible in community, embracing humility, and fostering critical thinking to form faithful and wise communities. Drawing on listener feedback, they tackle how Scripture has been used both to liberate and to harm and ask what it means to embody a cruciform way of living. The conversation dives into the role of the church in society, the balance between individual and communal faith practices, and the dangers of reducing the Bible to oversimplified categories. With humor, deep insight, and a commitment to justice and Jesus’ teachings, this episode invites you to rethink how we engage with Scripture and one another. #bible #self

Is "biblical" always what it seems? In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts unpack why the word "biblical" might not mean what you think and explore its misuse across faith, politics, and cultural issues. From examining how "biblical" has become a branding tool to discussing its role in sociological stress tests and power dynamics, this conversation challenges us to rethink how we approach scripture and the teachings of Jesus. The discussion delves into the complexity of interpreting the Bible, emphasizing the need to consider the text itself, the cultural context behind the text, and our own assumptions in front of the text. With deep humility and intellectual curiosity, the hosts highlight how faithful readings of scripture require dialogue, critical thinking, and a willingness to hold tension between differing perspectives. How does the Bible shape the church's role in society? What does it mean to navigate cultural challenges with cruciformity and justice in mind? Join the conversation as these quest

Discernment: Cruciformity is Active, Not Passive. On this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford focus on discernment in faith, the essence of Christian identity, and the importance of critiquing ideologies rather than individuals. They emphasize the need for community engagement and humanizing conversations across divides, particularly in the context of immigration and societal issues. Further, Tim and Mike explore the complexities of homelessness, systemic issues, and the role of faith in addressing societal challenges. They discuss the importance of understanding the root causes of homelessness, the church's responsibility in promoting human flourishing, and the significance of inclusivity at Jesus' table. The dialogue also delves into the church's political involvement, the concept of cruciformity, and the challenges of navigating emotional overload while advocating for justice. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for a Christ-like approach to engagement in the world. "Lean In" with M

Today, Mike and Tim discuss the implications of current events, the responsibilities of Christians towards marginalized communities, and the concept of cruciformity in relation to leadership and community engagement. The dialogue emphasizes the need for empathy, awareness, and a commitment to serving others in the face of societal challenges. In this conversation, Mike and Tim explore the transformation of church leadership and community through the lens of grace and cruciformity. They critique the consumer-driven metrics of success in churches, emphasizing the need for a shift towards a more authentic and vulnerable leadership style that prioritizes love and community over prestige and power. The discussion highlights the dangers of traditional leadership models and the importance of fostering a culture that values people and their growth. But first... Andor? Sinners? Beyonce'? "I am an individual with an inalienable bill of rights and constitutional freedoms; I am an American citizen, promised upward mobili

Today, on the Voxology podcast, hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss Jesus’ example of cruciformity on the cross in forgiving his enemies. Tim and Mike explore various themes surrounding the life and death of Jesus, drawing parallels to contemporary issues and cultural narratives. They discuss the significance of the cross, the nature of betrayal and denial, and how Jesus responded to suffering with love and forgiveness. Further, they touch on the anti-empire narrative present in the Bible and the importance of curiosity and imagination in understanding faith today. But first, Mike and Tim discuss the intersection of faith and politics, particularly in light of recent developments regarding religious liberty and the role of the church in society. They explore the implications of political leaders invoking Christianity, the importance of prophetic voices in challenging the status quo, and the need for active resistance against injustice. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community engagemen

Today, Mike and Tim are joined by A.J. Swoboda to discuss his journey in theology, the concept of 'Slow Theology', and the challenges of being teachable in a culture that often shames humility. He explores the tension between emotivism and the life of the mind, emphasizing the importance of learning from diverse perspectives, including those we may disagree with. Swoboda advocates for creating space for differences and encourages Christians to embrace a posture of learning and humility in their faith journey. Further, Mike and A.J. explore the complexities of engaging with culture as Christians, emphasizing the importance of understanding and contextualizing the gospel. They discuss the challenges of navigating truth in a hostile environment, the necessity of self-critique within the faith community, and the vulnerability that comes with learning. A.J. shares a personal story about a moment of realization regarding his lack of knowledge, using it as a metaphor for deeper issues of shame and growth in faith. 

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? In this conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the complexities of Easter, the significance of Jesus' death, and the implications of sin and sacrifice within the Christian faith. They reflect on the pressures of Easter services, the meaning behind Jesus' crucifixion, and the role of the tabernacle and temple in understanding the relationship between humanity and God. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the deeper meanings behind traditional beliefs and practices. Further, Mike and Tim explore the profound theological implications of Jesus' incarnation, death, and the significance of the tabernacle in relation to eternal life. They discuss how Jesus' death was not just a human experience but a necessary act to bridge the gap between humanity and God, emphasizing the importance of understanding the humanity of Jesus, especially in the context of the Garden of Gethsemane. The conversation also delves into the mystery of scripture and the human experience,