Voxology Why We Changed Our Minds About Women in Leadership (Heated Live Event Series #1)
How wrestling with Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and personal experience led Mike Erre and Bonnie Lewis to change their theological stance on women in church leadership. In this special live episode, part of the Heated Live Event Series, Mike and Bonnie vulnerably share their stories—including painful moments of rejection, spiritual awakening, and biblical reexamination. They address common objections to women in leadership, unpack 1 Timothy 2 and other controversial passages, and challenge patriarchal norms hijacking the church’s witness in the world.
This is the first in a new series of live conversations that confront “heated” theological topics with honesty, humility, and scripture-centered discussion. Get your Bible, your questions, and join the conversation.
Key Takeaways: • Women in Ministry Comes with a Cost — Bonnie shares how her calling came with personal losses, including being shunned by close friends and excluded from church opportunities. • Rethinking 1 Timothy 2 — Mike and Bonnie walk through the passage in depth, showing how the commonly cited prohibition against women teaching may have been tied to a local heresy in Ephesus, not a universal ban. • Paul’s Subversive Use of Cultural Norms — Exploring how Paul adopted patriarchal cultural structures to promote Gospel transformation, subverting them from within rather than outright dismantling. • The Link Between Patriarchy and the Fall — Is patriarchy a biblical ideal or a result of sin? Mike and Bonnie argue that many hierarchical gender roles reflect fallen human structures, not the vision of Genesis 1 or the direction of the Gospel. • Real-Life Implications — The disempowering of women in church settings doesn’t just affect ecclesiology—it spills into society at large, diminishing women’s voices, stories, and gifts. • On Authority and Teaching — They explore Junia’s role as an apostle, Phoebe’s leadership in delivering and likely interpreting Romans, and how even Paul’s call to “be silent” was likely contextual and temporary.
Guest Highlights: Mike Erre – Lead voice on the Voxology Podcast, formerly complementarian, shares the long journey (and study) that led him to affirm women in ministry. Bonnie Lewis – Pastor, speaker, and writer, brings vulnerable and bold narrative to the theological shift around women leading, teaching, and interpreting scripture.
Resources Mentioned: • Video recording of the Heated Live Event – Instagram Bio and Facebook • Romans 16 – Referenced in discussion of Junia as an apostle • 1 Timothy 2 – Central passage explored • Ephesians 5 — Discussion on “headship” and mutual submission • “Romans Disarmed” by C. Keesmaat and B. Walsh – Book Link
Join the broader conversation about restoring dignity, equality, and shared leadership in the church. We want to hear from you—let us know your journey, questions, or how the Spirit is stirring you.
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Music by Timothy John Stafford • Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
Let’s keep pressing into truth… together.
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.
Our Merch Store! ETSY
Learn more about the Voxology Podcast
Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio
Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy