Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

A raw, provocative, and delightfully messy Christmas episode with Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh explores how the Christmas story has been softened, sanitized, and even hijacked by nostalgia, cultural expectations, and spectacle. What emerges instead is a deeply human tale of presence, prophecy, and disruption—one worthy of contemplation beyond a single holiday. The episode spans humorous holiday banter, chaotic family vibes featuring Seth Erre and Big Nate, and a deep theological roundtable about "beefs" with the way Christianity has portrayed Christmas. The team critically unpacks the warping of Christ's birth into a feel-good, curated experience—and boldly suggests we might need to separate "Advent" from Christmas entirely to re-encounter its radical core. Get ready for a different kind of Christmas conversation. Key Takeaways: • The Problem with Curated Christmas – Bethany Shea reflects on the pressure to create an Instagram-perfect holiday and how this contradicts the

Dive into an engaging exploration of women's roles in church leadership as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dissect biblical texts and historical contexts to address the question: Can women be elders? Unpacking examples of female leaders in early Christianity, they challenge traditional interpretations and discuss the implications for modern church practices and gender equality. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Evidence of Female Leadership – Analyzing scriptural accounts of women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and the "chosen lady" who served in leadership roles in the early church. • Reframing the Term 'Elder' – Exploring how the meaning of 'elder' in the biblical context differs from modern hierarchical structures and what it signifies for gender roles. • Addressing Counterarguments – Examining common objections to women serving as elders and providing insights from biblical scholarship to counter these views. • Impact on Modern Church Practices – Discussing how embracing women in leadership roles can influence the church's m

Launching a new mini-series under The Wanderer banner, Tim Stafford embarks on an exploration of worship—not as performance or emotional manipulation, but as resistance, reorientation, and the embodiment of justice. This reflective episode traces Tim's journey from burnout with worship-leading to rediscovering the true heart of worship through scripture, history, and music. In this premiere installment, Tim unpacks the history and radical impact of the Christmas anthem "O Holy Night," connecting its forgotten abolitionist roots to the deeper calling of worship as cultural and spiritual counter-programming. Key Takeaways: • Worship is a deeply human and formative act—constantly shaping us, whether we recognize it or not. • True Christ-centered worship should serve as resistance to societal idols like nationalism, consumerism, and individualism. • The purpose of worship is not to boost God's ego, but to reorient ourselves toward justice, community, and God's kingdom. • "O Holy Night" is more than a Christmas cl

Explore how Dr. Lynn Cohick, a distinguished Pauline scholar, reinterprets the roles of women in the early church and challenges traditional readings of key biblical texts. Mike and Tim engage in a deep discussion on passages like 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, uncovering how cultural context and historical insights can reshape our understanding of women's participation in ministry and leadership within the church. Key Takeaways: Women in the Early Church – Discover the significant contributions of women in early Christian communities and how they actively partnered with men in ministry. Re-examining 1 Timothy 2 – Learn how understanding the cultural and historical background of Ephesus reveals new perspectives on this often-debated passage. Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation – Understand the importance of considering ancient cultural norms and practices when interpreting scriptures about gender roles. Overcoming Educational Barriers – Hear Dr. Cohick's personal journey navigating challenges in

Uncover how fear and collective narcissism shape the worldview of white evangelicals and what this means for the future of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Dr. Dave Verhaagen about his book "How White Evangelicals Think," exploring the psychological factors influencing evangelical culture, politics, and identity. Key Takeaways: • Fear's Influence on Evangelicalism – Understanding how fear drives self-interest and the desire for power within white evangelical communities. • The Concept of Collective Narcissism – Exploring how collective narcissism manifests in the church and impacts interactions with those outside the group. • Psychology Vs. Theology – Discussing the idea that the evangelical worldview is more influenced by psychological factors than theological beliefs. • Power Dynamics and Cultural Shifts – Analyzing how changing demographics and loss of cultural dominance affect evangelical responses to social issues. • Path Forward for the

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the controversial passage of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, challenging traditional interpretations that have restricted women's roles in the church. By unpacking the historical and cultural context of Paul's letters, they shed light on how misreadings have led to harmful theology and discuss actionable steps to embrace women's leadership as a biblical mandate. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Cultural Context – How the early church's battle against false teachings, like Gnosticism, influenced Paul's instructions and how this impacts our interpretation today. Clarifying Misinterpretations – Examining the original Greek language to reveal that Paul's restrictions were specific, temporary measures rather than universal commands. The Importance of Women in Ministry – Highlighting biblical examples of women leaders and the necessity of their gifts for a healthy, effective church. Missionary Motives of Paul – Understanding Paul's intent to present the gospel attractively in different cul

Discover how embracing mystery and asking better questions of the Bible can deepen your faith and transform your understanding of God. Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Podcast and author of the upcoming book Asking Better Questions of the Bible, shares his journey from fundamentalist evangelicalism to a faith rooted in curiosity and openness. Together with co-hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, and joined by returning guest Tyler Chernesky, they explore how reframing our approach to Scripture can lead to a more authentic and vibrant spiritual life. Key Takeaways: • Embracing Mystery and Curiosity – Learn how adopting a posture of curiosity toward Scripture fosters a deeper, more authentic faith. • Asking Better Questions of the Bible – Marty discusses the importance of reframing the questions we bring to the Bible, moving beyond seeking certainty to exploring wonder and awe. • Deconstruction as a Natural Part of Faith – Understanding deconstruction not as something to fear but as a necessary process in spiritual

Unpacking how traditional views on biblical masculinity may limit our understanding of true humanity, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of gender roles, anger, and equality within Christianity. They explore how striving for predefined standards can hinder new creation dynamics, and advocate for embracing a fuller, more holistic view of humanity as modeled by Jesus. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Fixed Standards – Why seeking a clear-cut standard for masculinity or femininity can lead to a watered-down version of following Jesus. Healthy Expression of Anger – Discussing how acknowledging and expressing anger is part of being fully human, and how Jesus exemplified this in his life. Interpreting Gender Roles in Scripture – Analyzing the Bible's accommodation to patriarchy versus its affirmation of equality, and how to navigate this complexity. Role of Women in the Church – Highlighting the significant contributions of women in early Christianity and questioning traditional interpretations tha

Unpacking how Ephesians 5 reverses the curses of Genesis 3, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the implications of mutual submission over traditional gender hierarchies. Responding to listener feedback on biblical masculinity, they delve into Paul's radical subversion of ancient household codes and what this means for the modern church's understanding of gender roles. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Traditional Views of Biblical Masculinity – Addressing listener questions and concerns about how the church portrays masculinity and the harm of rigid gender roles. • Ephesians 5 and Mutual Submission – Analyzing Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5, highlighting how he promotes mutual submission and redefines relationships within the church community. • Reversing Genesis 3's Power Struggle – Exploring how Paul's message in Ephesians 5 offers a reversal of the hierarchical relationships resulting from the Fall, advocating for equality and reciprocity. • Understanding Ancient Household Codes – Examining the cultural con

Explore how rethinking Christian Nationalism can transform the way we read scripture and engage politically. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep with theologian and author Kaitlyn Schiess, discussing the intersection of faith, politics, and the Bible, and how pastors and believers can navigate political issues faithfully without partisanship. Key Takeaways: Understanding Christian Nationalism – Examining the historical and modern perspectives on Christian Nationalism and its influence on American Christianity. Reading Scripture Politically – Insights on how to read scripture responsibly in political contexts without cherry-picking verses. The Role of the Holy Spirit – Discussing how reliance on the Holy Spirit guides us in discerning how to engage with political issues and scripture. Challenges for Pastors – Addressing the practical difficulties pastors face when engaging political topics within their congregations. Learning from Black Christian Traditions – Exploring how Black Christians historically engag

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford challenge the rising trend of toxic "alpha male" Christianity, unpacking how the pursuit of power and dominance contradicts the biblical understanding of masculinity. Diving deep into Genesis, they explore how true biblical manhood embraces weakness, interdependence, and community, rejecting cultural idols of power and control. Through personal stories and scriptural analysis, they reveal how enshrining the curse of dominance from the Fall distorts the Gospel and harms both men and women. Key Takeaways: • Rejecting Toxic Masculinity Narratives – Understanding how modern "alpha male" movements conflict with biblical teachings on humility and dependence on God. • Biblical Masculinity Redefined – Exploring Genesis to uncover God's original design for men and women as equal image-bearers needing community and partnership. • Embracing Weakness and Dependency – Recognizing that acknowledging our limitations leads to deeper intimacy with God and others, and is central to living fully in Hi

How the morality police in Iran became a symbol of oppressive theocracy, and why Christians in the West must pay attention. In this special edition of Voxology, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Susie Lind (an elder, pastor, and Iranian-American) dive into the recent wave of women-led protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. The conversation explores the historical context of Iran's revolution, the internal trauma of displacement, and the deeply personal ties Susie holds to the current uprising. They draw unsettling parallels between Iran's morality police and Western theocratic impulses taking shape in America. The team is later joined by theology professor and podcaster Tim Gombis for a broader conversation on the seductive pull of ideological tribalism, the myth of Christian cultural dominion, and the revolutionary call to be good neighbors rather than spiritual conquerors. Key Takeaways: • Iran's Current Uprising – How Mahsa Amini's death sparked a generational resistance movement led

How the gospel disrupts political ideologies and cultural polarization—Mike and Tim sit down with pastor and author Chris Nye to explore how our faith can break free from the mental strongholds of ideology, certainty, and tribalism. Centered around themes from Nye's new book, "A Captive Mind," the conversation navigates the emotional allure of simplistic labels, the danger of reducing Christianity to hot takes, and why the foolishness of the cross matters more than ever in today's ideological landscape. Key Takeaways: •   Christianity as an Event, Not an Idea – Why the death and resurrection of Jesus transcend philosophy and political platforms, and how this should shape how we engage the culture. •   Hot Takes vs. Pastoral Wisdom – How the pressure for pastors to respond to every news cycle with polished opinions harms authentic shepherding and thoughtful discipleship. •   The Emotional Appeal of Ideologies – Understanding why modern Christians gravitate toward prepackaged worldviews that feel good, and how

Embrace a transformative approach to faith by exploring how love can reconstruct your spiritual journey. Dive into a profound conversation as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke of Gravity Leadership to discuss their new book, "Having the Mind of Christ." Discover practical ways to embody love in your community, navigate deconstruction, and cultivate a faith that truly reflects the teachings of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Reconstructing Faith Through Love – Understanding how centering love can guide you through deconstruction into a more authentic faith. • Making Love Concrete in Community – Learning practical disciplines and practices to embody love within church leadership and communal life. • Embodying the Mind of Christ – Exploring what it means to have the mind of Christ and how it transforms our perspectives and actions. • Navigating Power Dynamics – Recognizing and addressing the misuse of power in spiritual communities and embracing humility and shared leadership. Guest Highl

Discover how Jesus' approach of sharing meals with sinners challenges traditional notions of purity and separation, and what it means for us today. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the significance of Jesus being called a "glutton and a drunkard," exploring how his radical hospitality invites us to rethink our own practices of inclusion, neighbor love, and the mission of the church. Key Takeaways: The Pharisees' Pursuit of Purity and Resurrection – Understanding how the Pharisees aimed to bring about God's kingdom through strict adherence to the Law and separation from sinners. Meals as Cultural Expressions of Social Status – How meals were a reflection of social boundaries, and why Jesus' willingness to eat with tax collectors and sinners was revolutionary. The Deep Meaning Behind "Glutton and Drunkard" – Exploring the accusation rooted in Deuteronomy and its implications on how Jesus was perceived by religious leaders. Jesus' Radical Invitation to Repentance through Kindness – How Jesus' inclusion and

Discover how to maintain a Christ-like posture amid political extremes by embracing a cruciform life. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their Culture War Series by exploring how to resist the temptation to engage in cultural battles through old creation dynamics and instead create beautiful alternatives that reflect Jesus' way. Key Takeaways: Staying Cruciform – Understanding the significance of living a life shaped by the cross and how it informs our response to political polarization. Resisting Political Idolatry – Discussing the dangers of fusing Christian identity with partisan politics and how to stay faithful to Jesus above all. Creating Beautiful Alternatives – How to channel frustration and anger into building communities that embody the love, hospitality, and reconciliation of Jesus. Embracing the Kingdom Imagination – Encouraging a shift from the divisive narratives of our culture to a Kingdom-centered perspective that transcends political boundaries. Resources Mentioned: "Scandalous Witness" b

Delving into how Jesus' response to political power challenges Christian nationalism and guides us in embracing a cruciform life amidst the culture war, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest pastor Susie Lind discuss the role of the church in today's polarized society. They explore what it means to stay on the cross, embody a cruciform life, and resist the temptations of power and political idolatry. Key Takeaways: Jesus' Response to Political Power – Insights from John 18 on how Jesus confronted authority and refrained from worldly power struggles. Embracing the Cruciform Life – Understanding the call to live a life of self-sacrificial love and how it applies to modern-day culture wars. Resisting Christian Nationalism – Examining the dangers of merging faith with national identity and political agendas. Faithfulness over Effectiveness – Discussing why living faithfully according to Jesus' teachings is more crucial than pursuing worldly effectiveness. Kingdom of God vs. Kingdoms of the World – Differentiating b

Unveiling how the culture war mentality undermines authentic Christian living, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into listener feedback to explore the tension between being faithful and being effective in today's polarized society. They discuss the challenges of engaging the world without adopting a combative stance and how embracing new creation dynamics can transform our approach to cultural conflicts. Key Takeaways: Reimagining Christian Engagement – Understanding how the pursuit of effectiveness can lead us away from the cruciform way of Jesus. The Culture War Trap – Analyzing how viewing the world through a culture war lens harms the church's witness and fosters division. Embracing New Creation Dynamics – Exploring practical ways to live out Jesus' teachings by adopting a posture of humility, generosity, and love. The Role of Discernment – Recognizing the need for ongoing discernment and community in navigating complex social issues. Resources Mentioned: American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving b

Explore how Christians can navigate the tension between engaging in societal issues and staying faithful to Jesus's teachings without becoming entangled in culture wars. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the challenges of resisting political power grabs, addressing injustice, and embodying a Jesus-like response in a polarized world. Key Takeaways: Resisting Political Idolatry – Understanding the dangers of conflating faith with political power and how it can compromise Christian principles. Engaging Without Culture Wars – Discussing ways Christians can be involved in societal issues without adopting divisive tactics or losing their cruciform posture. Faithful over Effective – Emphasizing the importance of being faithful to Jesus's teachings rather than seeking worldly success or power. Reimagining Christian Community – Encouraging local communities to repair shalom, embody the difference, and offer creative, Jesus-shaped solutions to societal problems. Embodying Jesus's Way – Reflecting on how to stay on

Explore how the accusations of blasphemy against Jesus reveal profound insights into His divine identity and challenge our understanding of faith today. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into biblical narratives and theological discussions, unpacking the significance of Jesus's claims to divinity and how they confront both ancient and contemporary perceptions. Key Takeaways: Understanding Blasphemy in Jesus's Time – Discover the historical context of blasphemy and why Jesus's actions and statements were considered scandalous by religious authorities. Jesus's Divine Claims – Examine the instances where Jesus asserted divine prerogatives, such as forgiving sins and identifying Himself with God's presence. Communal Faith vs. Individualism – Discuss the importance of communal aspects of faith as highlighted in Jesus's teachings and contrast this with modern individualistic approaches. The Trinity and Divine Identity – Explore the complexities of the Trinity as inferred from Jesus's interactions and the implicatio