Voxology

How do we live out a centered-set model of church when real people, power structures, and theological questions get messy? In this midweek bonus episode of the Unity Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome theologian and author Mark Baker, whose book Centered Set Church has been the foundation of recent Voxology conversations. Together they unpack a wave of thoughtful listener questions that pu...

Mike and Tim delve into the true meaning of salvation, exploring how restoring our vocation as God's image bearers reframes our understanding of being saved. From Genesis to Jesus, they discuss how salvation is about more than just sin management—it's about embracing our true humanity and living out our calling in community. Key Takeaways: • Worship as a Way of Life – Understanding worship as the...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off a transformative series that reexamines salvation through the lens of the Kingdom of God. Challenging the traditional, individualized gospel message, they delve into the rich biblical narrative of God's kingship from Genesis to Revelation. By exploring how Jesus' central message of the Kingdom reshapes our understanding of faith, grace, works, and salvation, Mik...

Exploring how the church has harmed LGBTQ Christians and how repentance can lead to healing and restoration, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford talk with Bridget Eileen Rivera about her book "Heavy Burdens: Seven Ways LGBTQ Christians Experience Harm in the Church." They delve into the double standards and injustices faced by LGBTQ individuals in Christian communities, discussing the importance of open di...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into how followers of Jesus can navigate the complexities of war, violence, and shame in our modern world. Reflecting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they discuss the challenges of peacemaking, the importance of enemy love, and how Jesus's approach to shame can transform our responses to conflict. Continuing their Centered Set Series, they unpack the differ...

Discover how personal stories of deconstruction, mental health struggles, and church leadership challenges shape our understanding of a centered faith community. Mike and Tim delve into listener emails, discussing the impact of bounded versus centered church models, and how embracing a centered approach fosters unity, love, and spiritual growth. Key Takeaways: Bounded vs. Centered Church Models –...

Discover seven essential ways to understand Jesus at the center of a centered church, and how redefining the Kingdom of God transforms our unity, mission, and understanding of discipleship. Mike and Tim delve deep into what it truly means to have Jesus as the center, exploring the implications for how we live out our faith in community. Key Takeaways: • Jesus Is Jewish – Recognizing the importance...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue their exploration of church models by diving deeper into what it means to practice discipline in centered communities. They discuss the transformative concept of love as a rugged commitment—a commitment to be with others, be for others, and help others move toward growth. Drawing from listener emails and personal experiences, they contrast bounded, fuzzy, and ce...

How the church can move from condemning boundaries to redemptive restoration through relational discernment, radical invitation, and the long-haul work of love. Mike, Tim, and surprise guest Seth Erre dive deep into what real church discipline looks like in a centered-set community—and how bounded and fuzzy churches often get it wrong. Part 5 of the Centered Set Series unpacks core differences bet...

Discover how shifting from bounded and fuzzy church models to a centered church approach can transform your faith community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the distinctions between bounded, fuzzy, and centered churches, exploring how focusing on Jesus at the center fosters authenticity, inclusivity, and genuine discipleship. Key Takeaways: • Lines that Shame vs. Invitations to the Cente...

Explore how shifting from bounded and fuzzy sets to a centered-set framework can redefine church unity and community. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack Paul's confrontation with Peter in Galatians and the transformative implications for modern Christianity. They discuss how focusing on Jesus as the center can break down barriers and foster authentic relationships within the church. Key Takeaways:...

Discover how reexamining justice and mercy through a Christ-centered lens challenges the death penalty, as Mike and Tim sit down with public defender Renee Monzon to discuss her journey and the Christian case against capital punishment. Key Takeaways: Rethinking Justice Through Jesus's Teachings – How Jesus's approach to mercy and justice calls Christians to oppose the death penalty. The Flaws in...

Explore how confronting racism, misogyny, and division within the church can lead us toward genuine unity and reconciliation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a deep conversation with Dr. Tim Gombis, unpacking the complexities of standing in solidarity with those who oppose the very teachings of Jesus and examining how a posture of confession, lament, and humble confrontation can transform our...

Discover how real-life deconstruction stories can offer hope and guidance for navigating your own faith journey amidst religious trauma and doubt. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into powerful listener stories, unpacking how experiences with church politics, restrictive doctrines, and personal struggles have impacted their spirituality. They discuss the complexities of questioning long-held belie...

How do we stay faithful to the Jesus of the Gospels when American Christianity often looks nothing like Him? This deeply personal and reflective episode offers an honest mosaic of deconstruction stories from within the Voxology community. Mike and Tim read listener submissions about disillusionment, church trauma, and the painful cost of leaving behind institutional faith while rediscovering a mor...

A raw and honest unpacking of what "deconstruction" really is—and isn't—in today's church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford take time to explore the complexities behind this often-used and often-misunderstood buzzword. Drawing from philosophy, theology, psychology, and their personal experiences, they break down the six distinct processes many people go through under the umbrella of deconstruction—rangi...

Discover how challenging traditional gender roles can transform discipleship and the church's mission. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with author Aimee Byrd to discuss her book "Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," exposing the limitations of complementarian teachings and exploring how both men and women can fully participate in the life of the church. Key Takeaways: • Redefining...

Gain insights into the complexities of deconstruction in the Christian journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a candid conversation with author and pastor Josh Butler. Together, they unravel misconceptions, discuss the impact of personal experiences on faith, and explore how to navigate doubt and spiritual growth within the church. Key Takeaways: Defining Deconstruction – Understanding th...

Mike Erre is joined by his 16-year-old daughter, Hannah, for an honest and heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and the challenges facing the next generation in the modern church. They delve into Hannah's experiences with rigid religious environments, her journey of questioning, and the hope found in open dialogue and permission to wrestle with tough topics. Key Takeaways: Permission to Ques...

Explore how systemic issues within the church contribute to the deconstruction movement as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford critically engage with Joshua Ryan Butler's article "The Four Causes of Deconstruction." Delve into deep conversations about church hurt, poor teaching, and how re-examining our faith can lead to a more authentic relationship with Jesus. Key Takeaways: Understanding Church Hurt Bey...

Discover how to reclaim unity in a divided church by addressing anger, grievance culture, and political divisions. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to delve into Paul's teachings on unity, the dangers of anger and resentment within the church, and practical steps to foster a community grounded in love, confession, and forgiveness. Key Takeaways: Unity as the Ultimate...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their Bible Series by delving into how interpreting Scripture within community leads to true transformation. They explore the vital role of embodying the values of Community, Cross, and New Creation in today's church. Join them as they discuss how discipleship is a collective journey toward becoming fully human in Christ, and how the fruitfulness of a community...

Explore how challenging traditional views on 'Biblical Womanhood' can lead to a more authentic and inclusive understanding of the Bible and the role of women in the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by historian and author Beth Allison Barr to discuss how the subjugation of women became gospel truth and what this means for modern Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Womanhood as a C...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the pitfalls of relying on common Christian clichés like "God told me" and "I feel led," examining how these phrases can lead to misunderstanding and manipulation within the church. They explore a more biblical approach focused on embracing wisdom, community, and partnership with God in decision-making, moving away from the obsessive pursuit of God's specific...

Discover why viewing the Bible through the lens of inerrancy might limit our understanding of its divine and human nature. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of Scripture, discussing how a more nuanced approach can lead to a deeper, more faithful engagement with God's Word. They tackle the challenges of biblical interpretation, the role of community in understanding Scripture,...