Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith

Come.Union Podcast

Religion EN ↓ 56 episodes

Come. Union is all about relationships over religion. Our relationship with Christ, ourself and with others. In a culture that seems so divisive, we are cultivating a community of truth-seekers from all walks of life. So whether you have faith, no faith or have walked away from faith, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. We are ready to understand, heal, have tough conversations and re-build bridges. So let's get started! Let the reconciliation begin!

Author

Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith

Category

Religion

Podcast website

redcircle.com

Latest episode

Apr 14, 2026

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Episodes

Reflecting on Growth + What’s Next for Come.Union 14.04.2026

This episode marks the end of Season 3 of the Come. Union podcast—a season shaped by deep questions around faith, community, and growth. Erin and Ramonita reflect on the journey of 55 episodes, what God has been doing through these conversations, and how this season has stretched their understanding of faith—especially through curiosity, questioning, and real-life wrestle. They also share a person...

What Happens After You Accept Jesus? 31.03.2026

There’s a moment in faith that feels like a line— before and after. But what if following Jesus isn’t just crossing a line… it’s stepping into a whole new way of living? In this episode, we’re unpacking some of the most foundational (and often confusing) parts of Christianity—salvation, Lordship, and baptism. Not as checkboxes. Not as religious language we’ve heard a hundred times. But as an invit...

Why the Cross, the Resurrection & Communion? 17.03.2026

Why did Jesus have to die such a brutal death? What does the resurrection actually mean? And why did Jesus leave us communion? In this episode, Erin and Ramonita explore the core of the Christian story—the cross, the resurrection, and the invitation Jesus left us at the table. Together they wrestle with what these moments reveal about God’s love, justice, and desire for relationship with humanity....

What Is Revival… and Is It Actually Happening? 03.03.2026

Revival is a word that carries weight — history, emotion, expectation, and sometimes confusion. In this episode, Erin and Ramonita explore what revival really means beyond the events, headlines, and hype. They reflect on childhood memories of tent meetings and Billy Graham crusades, unpack historic revivals that reshaped communities, and wrestle honestly with the question many believers are quietl...

What Is Discipleship, Really? 17.02.2026

In this episode, we dive into the heart of what it truly means to follow Jesus. Too often, modern Christianity focuses on raising hands, saying a prayer, or “joining the club,” but discipleship goes far deeper. Erin and Ramonita unpack the difference between being a convert and being a disciple, explore the relational nature of spiritual growth, and challenge the idea that the Church exists to gro...

What is the Role of the Church? 03.02.2026

In this episode we dive into a big question: What is the role of the church… really? We will take a look at how the church has evolved over time, how the early church prioritized community over structure, and the ways different expressions of church—house churches, small gatherings, and traditional settings—can all be meaningful. We talk honestly about the tension between structure and Spirit, the...

Who is the Holy Spirit? 20.01.2026

A lot of us have heard about the Holy Spirit, but still feel unsure about who the Holy Spirit actually is—or how the Spirit shows up in real life. In this episode, Erin and Ramonita talk honestly about the shift from thinking of the Holy Spirit as a vague idea or spiritual add-on to recognizing the Spirit as a who —someone personal, present, and deeply involved in our everyday lives. They reflect...

What is Repentance? 06.01.2026

What does repentance actually mean—and why does it matter so much in our faith journey? In this episode, Erin and Ramonita sit down together to explore repentance in relation to sin, shame, and the deep kindness of God. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and Scripture, they unpack how repentance is often misunderstood—and how God uses it not to punish us, but to restore us. They discus...

A Christmas Pause: God With Us 23.12.2025

In this heartfelt Christmas episode, Erin and Ramonita slow things down and reflect on the true joy and meaning of the season. Together, they talk about what Christmas has looked like in their own lives, how expectations can quietly steal our joy, and why presence —not perfection or presents—is what actually transforms us. At the center of the conversation is Emmanuel: God with us . Not distant. N...

What is Sin? 09.12.2025

In this episode, Erin and Ramonita take a fresh, honest look at a topic many of us grew up fearing or misunderstanding: sin . Instead of treating it like a checklist of wrong behaviors, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface—our desires, our doubts, our identity, and the God who moves toward us in love. They dig into the deeper roots of sin, how it often distorts who we really are, why fr...

Is the Bible Absolute Truth? 25.11.2025

How do we engage with the Bible in a way that’s both honest and faithful? In this episode, Erin and Ramonita dive into the complexities of interpreting scripture. They explore the tension between absolute and subjective truths, the challenges of understanding God’s Word, and why personal exploration is essential in your faith journey. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or simply curious, this conv...

S3E9: Is Jesus Really the Way, the Truth, and the Life? 11.11.2025

In this conversation, we dive deep into what it really means when Jesus says He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Together, we explore faith, reconciliation, and the bold claims of Jesus—how they challenge us, comfort us, and invite us into something deeper. We talk about what it looks like to feel God’s presence, to walk the ongoing journey of reconciliation with ourselves and others, and to...

S3E8: Is There a Right Way to Be a Christian? 27.10.2025

In this week’s episode, Erin and Ramonita dive into a question that so many of us have wondered— is there really a right way to be a Christian? From childhood church experiences to moments of doubt and discovery, they share stories that reveal how messy, beautiful, and real faith is. This conversation isn’t about having all the answers but about creating space to ask the honest questions. Together...

S3E7: How Do We Sit at the Table with Our "Perceived" Enemy? 14.10.2025

Reconciliation isn’t optional—it’s the heartbeat of the Gospel. In a world where division feels louder than ever, what does it really mean to sit at the table with those we see as our “enemies”? In this conversation, Erin and Ramonita explore what it looks like to lay down our weapons, approach conflict with humility, and follow Jesus’ example of love and reconciliation. Together, they unpack the...

S3E6: A House Divided: Can We Disagree and Still Be United? 30.09.2025

Reconciliation is needed more than ever in today’s world. The body of Christ often appears fractured and divided, but Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. So what does it look like to actually live that out? In this conversation, Ramonita and Erin dive into the pressing need for reconciliation in the body of Christ amidst a week filled with heavy news and heightened division. They explore t...

S3E5: Are Humans Innately Good, Bad, or Somewhere In Between? 16.09.2025

Are people born good? Broken? Or somewhere in that messy middle? In this episode, we dive into one of the oldest (and most important) questions about human nature. Together, they explore: * How nature, nurture, and choice shape who we become * Why grace and accountability both matter in how we see ourselves and others * The power of love to transform lives and communities * What the Bible says abo...

S3E4: Does God Really Answer Prayers? 02.09.2025

Ever wondered if God really hears your prayers? In this episode, we get real about the times God has said yes , the times He’s said no , and the harder ones— not yet or not like that. We share our own stories of waiting, wrestling, and finding hope, and remind each other that prayer isn’t a formula to get what we want—it’s about staying close to God in every season. Here is some of what we discuss...

S3E3: Why Are Christians So Whack Sometimes? 19.08.2025

To listen to the full episode, head over to Substack. https://substack.com/@comeunion In this conversation, we dive into the branding crisis within Christianity, exploring why the issues often lie not with Jesus, but with the behavior of His followers. We tackle the credibility gap between belief and behavior, the importance of embodying Jesus’s character, and the need for unity among believers de...

S3E2: What Does It Mean to Fear God? 05.08.2025

To listen to the full episode, head over to Substack. https://substack.com/@comeunion In this episode of Come. Union , we’re diving into a phrase that’s often misunderstood in Christian spaces: the “Fear of God.” Is it about punishment? Control? Living in terror of messing up? Or… is there something deeper and more beautiful? We explore how the biblical concept of fear is less about being afraid a...

S3E1: Is God Really Good All the Time? 22.07.2025

We’re back with Season 3, and we’re so excited to kick things off with this conversation. In this episode, we (Ramonita and Erin) get real about the complexities of faith—especially when it comes to trusting God’s goodness in the middle of pain, doubt, and hard seasons. We talk about where our questions about God’s character come from, how the prosperity gospel has shaped some of our thinking, and...

S2E25: Expectations and the Path to Reconciliation 30.07.2024

This is our season finale of season 2 and we cannot wait for where we are headed for season 3!  In a world filled with division and brokenness, hosts Ramonita and Erin dive deep into the heart of reconciliation with God, self, and others. In this episode they discuss the topic of expectations: the ones we have for ourself, the ones we have for others and the expectations others have for us.  Refle...

S2E24: His Design with Jeremy Smith 23.07.2024

In this episode, Ramonita and Erin sit down with the incredible Jeremy Smith, whose journey is all about resilience and authenticity. Growing up under high expectations, Jeremy excelled in basketball despite setbacks like contracting mono in high school. His unwavering determination led him to significant professional success, embodying perseverance and trusting the journey. Join us as Jeremy shar...

S2E23: What Has Your Heart? Discovering and Overcoming Idols in Our Lives 16.07.2024

 In this heartfelt episode (S2E23) we’re asking the big questions: What truly has your heart? What sits on the throne of your life? We’ll explore what we worship and prioritize, and how these choices shape our lives. We discuss the idols we often unknowingly worship, even when our intention is to put God first. Dive in with us as we uncover how to live out of love rather than fear, the importance...

S2E22: God Wants More Of You, Not More From You w/ Raul Ochoa 09.07.2024

In Episode 22 of Season 2, Raul Ochoa opens up about growing up just outside of Chicago as the son of Mexican immigrant parents. He dives into the challenges he faced, from financial struggles to cultural identity conflicts. Raul gets real about the tough parts of navigating marriage without Jesus and the incredible transformation when Jesus is at the center. His journey is a testament to the powe...

S2E21: Transforming Pain into Purpose 02.07.2024

In this episode, we dive into how life's toughest moments can lead to finding purpose and meaning. Ramonita and Erin share personal stories of loss, grief, and challenging times, showing how these experiences can shape our journey towards resilience and purpose. We talk about enduring tough times with the help of faith, hope, and community support to get through life's uncertainties. Throu...

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