Voxology

How do we become a community where truth, brokenness, and grace can coexist? In this deeply vulnerable episode, Mike Erre steps forward to share hard, personal truths about the convergence of his private struggles and public ministry. Joined by co-hosts Tim Stafford and Bonnie Lewis, the Voxology team models what it means to confront sin, pain, and shame not with silence but with courageous transparency, loving accountability, and a commitment to holistic healing. Together, they explore the importance of rooting a spiritual community in truth, grace, and vulnerability rather than image management and performance. This candid conversation serves not only as an update for Voxology listeners but as an invitation for all Christians to consider how we respond to failure, how we practice redemptive grace, and how we create spaces safe enough to walk through real pain in pursuit of real transformation. Key Takeaways: • Truth Over Image – Why honest confession and transparency are essential in deconstructing performance-based church culture. • The Long Road to Healing – Mike’s commitment to therapy, spiritual community, and integrating his public and private life through Jesus’s grace. • Creating Safe Faith Spaces – Exploring how church communities can reckon with failure and extend grace without glossing over pain or accountability. • The Role of the Vox Community – How the team, including Vox’s board and co-hosts Tim and Bonnie, is leaning into modeling generative restoration instead of punitive responses. • Looking Ahead – How Voxology will continue with thoughtful guests and spiritual conversations while Mike takes time away from the mic to pursue deeper healing and clarity. Resources Mentioned: • Email for community questions: tim@voxpodcast.com • Future Podcast Guests: Skye Jethani, John Mark Comer, Tim Gombis • Upcoming Episode with Therapist Elise Snipes • Patreon and Interpreters Podcast projects: voxologypodcast.com Join Voxology as we press toward honesty, love, and redemptive space even when it’s messy. Subscribe to stay on the journey, leave a review to help others find us, and follow on social to continue the conversation. As always, we encourage thoughtful dialogue. Email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on: Watch on Voxology TV – YouTube Get Merch on Etsy Visit VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support on Patreon Follow Mike: Twitter Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for updates and community engagement.  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

How can Christians break free from shame-driven views of body image and embrace their inherent worth in Christ? In this deeply personal and vulnerable episode from the Mini Episode Series (#8), Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford gather in person to respond to a powerful listener letter about body image, dieting, disordered eating, infertility, and the church’s silence on these issues. Bonnie steps forward to share her own story of healing and freedom, striking a raw and redemptive tone that resonates with so many in the church today—especially Christian women navigating toxic body narratives reinforced by culture, churches, and families. Discover how micro-communities can become safe spaces for truth-telling, how spouses can walk in honesty and support, and why therapy, spiritual grace, and self-compassion are essential tools in the healing journey. With humor, honesty, and depth, the trio explores how distorted messages about "biblical womanhood" fuel body shame, and how the church can offer a different story formed by love, grace, and real healing. Key Takeaways: • Recognizing the Spiritual and Emotional Roots of Body Shame – How cultural and church-based messaging can deeply influence self-worth and the way we relate to our bodies. • Therapy and Community as Healing Tools – Why a trained therapist and trusted relationships are critical for navigating healing and dismantling harmful thought patterns. • Redefining Spiritual Health – Moving away from appearance-centered validation to a Jesus-centered identity rooted in grace, presence, and wholeness. • What the Church Gets Wrong (and Can Get Right) – A critique of spiritually abusive settings that use control and shame to maintain power, contrasted with a Christ-centered call for liberation and embodied grace. • Honest Marriages and Safe Spaces – Encouraging spouses and micro-churches to foster radical honesty, support, and non-judgmental environments for processing trauma and recovery. Resources Mentioned: • Micro Community Interest Email: tim@voxpodcast.com – Reach out if you’re interested in joining or starting a local Voxology micro-community for shared meals and conversation around faith, doubt, and Jesus. • YouTube Channel: VOXOLOGY TV – Watch full episodes and in-person conversations with Mike, Bonnie, and Tim. • Support the podcast on Patreon • Subscribe and follow: iTunes | Spotify Join the conversation by following us on Instagram @voxologypodcast and Facebook. Please subscribe, write a review, and share with someone who needs to hear that they are enough, just as they are. Healing is possible, and you’re not alone on this path. Send us your questions or stories to hello@voxpodcast.com. We’d love to journey with you. Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Check out our merch store on Etsy Learn more at https://voxologypodcast.com  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

How do we navigate the tension between honoring God’s calling for women and deconstructing the cultural baggage often attached to “biblical womanhood”? This Q&A mini episode tackles that question head-on, as Mike, Tim, and Bonnie gather around the mic to unpack the true scriptural and theological meaning behind what it means to be a Christian woman. Using wisdom literature and gospel narratives, the crew explores whether the church’s traditional gender roles hold up under biblical scrutiny — especially when it comes to misunderstood passages like Proverbs 31 and Mary and Martha. Bonnie speaks candidly about growing up under narrow gender expectations and offers powerful insights into reclaiming these texts in a Christ-centered way. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Proverbs 31 – How the chapter is better understood as a poetic metaphor for wisdom, not a prescriptive checklist for womanhood. • The Mary and Martha Moment – Why Mary’s action of sitting at Jesus’ feet was a radical, subversive act and what it tells us about Jesus’ view of women in leadership. • Deconstructing “Biblical Womanhood” – Why phrases like “biblical manhood” and “biblical womanhood” often reflect cultural norms more than scriptural truth. • The Importance of Context – How ignoring original context in passages like “women should remain silent” can lead to harmful theology. • Following Jesus, Not Gender Stereotypes – Why being a Jesus follower transcends gendered expectations and calls all believers into wisdom and love-driven service. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 10 and Luke 10 – The Mary & Martha narrative revisited • Proverbs 31 – Rethinking its purpose and context • Email for Micro Communities – tim@voxpodcast.com • Join the Voxology Micro Communities: tim@voxpodcast.com (include your name, city, and country) • Watch this episode on our YouTube channel: Voxology TV Join the conversation on biblical gender roles, deconstruction, and rediscovering your identity in Christ. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the Voxology Podcast with your friends to keep the conversation going. 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  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

Kicking off a special December series of mini Q&A episodes, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Bonnie dive into thoughtful listener feedback addressing critiques of their political commentary, the limits of deconstruction, and the broader mission of Voxology. Recorded in-person at Gold Pacific Studios, this episode also announces the launch of Voxology TV on YouTube, feeding both audio and video content into the growing community conversation. This episode peels back layers of evangelical culture and reflects on how orthodoxy has been obscured by modern political alliances, doctrinal gatekeeping, and a conflation of American cultural values with the teachings of Jesus. With humility and sincerity, the team responds to pointed critiques—clarifying their stance on orthodoxy, political idolatry, and the difference between faith and cultural packaging. Key takeaways: • Why criticizing evangelical political alliances isn’t the same as attacking conservative theology. • Distinguishing historic orthodoxy from the evangelical industrial complex of the last 70 years. • Why theological deconstruction is necessary—but not a rejection of core Christian beliefs. • The importance of exposing abuse and corruption in church institutions as a form of holy reckoning. • How Voxology aims to equip listeners not just to deconstruct—but to reconstruct in Christ-centered, community-minded ways. Guest Highlights: • Bonnie Lewis – Brings essential nuance to the conversation around orthodoxy, deconstruction, and gendered critiques of what's considered “liberal.” • Studio shoutouts – Recorded at the legendary Gold Pacific Studios with video by Setter Studios, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the people making this new media expansion possible. Resources Mentioned: • Voxology YouTube Channel (Voxology TV) – YouTube.com/@voxology • Email listener suggestions to host guests: hello@voxpodcast.com • Reference to past interviews with Tim Gombis and conversations around Paul and politics Support the ongoing dialogue by subscribing to the new YouTube channel, sharing the episodes, and joining the community online. Whether you're in a season of deconstruction or just asking sharper questions about your faith, Voxology offers a safe, Jesus-centered space to wrestle and rebuild. We’d love to hear from you—send your questions, critiques, and suggestions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube: Voxology TV – Watch Now Shop our Merch: Voxology on Etsy Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: • iTunes • Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon: Become a Patron Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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

Does a shift in language signal a shift in theology? In this intimate and challenging episode of our new YouTube Q&A Series, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest Bonnie Lewis respond to a listener's thoughtful concern about Mike's theological trajectory and the rise of “progressive” terms like privilege, oppression, and intersectionality on the podcast. What unfolds is a rich, nuanced, and vulnerable conversation about language, biblical faithfulness, and how diverse voices shape how we express the gospel. Mike clarifies that while his core beliefs haven’t changed, his expression of faith has evolved to be more compassionate and inclusive—a shift he argues is distinctly biblical, not political. Bonnie offers a powerful reflection on being a woman in theology and pushes back on long-standing assumptions about women’s roles in the church. Together, the team explores how using cultural language within a gospel framework can help reach those on the margins without compromising the mission of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The difference between theological liberalism and cultural engagement—and why embracing inclusive language doesn’t mean abandoning orthodoxy. • How Mike’s evolving understanding of being pro-life now includes the marginalized, immigrants, and the oppressed—not just the unborn. • Bonnie’s candid response to the gendered dynamics of theological critique and a powerful plea for women’s voices to be heard as equals in the church. • Why language like “privilege” can open gospel conversations, not shut them down, when used with intentionality and grace. • How the Voxology team is committed to walking faithfully in the tension between truth and compassion by reflecting the widening love of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Voxology YouTube Channel – Subscribe here • Gold Pacific Studios – Studio Info • Writers Referenced: Stanley Hauerwas Call to Action: Help us launch our new YouTube presence by subscribing, liking, and sharing the video version of this episode from our new channel, VOXOLOGY TV. Share your thoughts and help us reflect more of Jesus’s beauty through respectful and honest dialogue. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media so you never miss a moment of this journey. 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 (and yes... now with music): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon 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  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

How centering communion over preaching can reshape Christian community and church life. In this launch of a brand-new YouTube mini-series collaboration, Mike Erre, Bonnie Lewis, and Tim Stafford dive into listener-submitted questions about the heart of Vox’s alternative church structure—focusing on Eucharist, inclusion, and grassroots community rather than institutional models. Broadcasting from Gold Pacific Studios in Newport Beach, this visual/audio crossover marks a new chapter for Voxology. Key Takeaways: • The Table Over the Stage Model – Why the Vox team chose to center their church around the Eucharist instead of the sermon, and what kind of community that creates. • Open Communion and the Way of Jesus – Unpacking why offering the Lord’s Table to everyone, believer or not, reflects the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry. • Communion as a Model for Justice and Presence – How table fellowship can transform community into a space of healing, participation, and kingdom embodiment. • Church Without a Stage – The challenges and possibilities of a decentralized, kingdom-rooted faith community that resists institutionalization. • Where Mission Meets Micro-Community – How a “missional imagination” rooted in presence, not platform, can remake the way we do church. Guest Highlights: • Josh (Listener) – Asks the foundational question that sparked this deep dive: Why design church around communion, and why keep the table open? • Nathan (Listener) – A missionary and seminary grad wrestling with the future of church leadership and alternative ecclesiology. Resources Mentioned: • Vox Podcast YouTube Channel – Subscribe Here • Vox Patreon – Support Us on Patreon • Vox Website – voxologypodcast.com • Preston Sprinkle – Past episode collab on open communion • 1 Corinthians 11 – Discussed in the context of open vs closed communion Be sure to catch this whole mini-series by subscribing to our brand new YouTube channel. Join the conversation that moves beyond sermons and into real-life, lived community centered on the radical hospitality of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay updated. 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: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY 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  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

How the Voxology vision of micro communities is providing spiritually curious and deconstructed Christians a new path forward. Hosts Bonnie Lewis, Tim Stafford, and Mike Erre respond to listener emails and dive into what it takes to start a local micro community—spaces for meaningful conversation, vulnerability, spiritual practice, and radical inclusion without the pressure or performance of a traditional church model. Tim shares his real-world experience launching a micro community in Auburn, California, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone asking, “Is church still necessary?” Key Takeaways: • Creating Micro Communities for the Spiritually Homeless – Explore what it means to build safe, open, and inclusive spaces for faith beyond traditional church gatherings. • Community Over Institution – Why centering conversations around Jesus, mutual care, and open dialogue is often more life-giving than Sunday services. • Simple but Intentional Gatherings – Hear how Tim started with friends, built trust, and allowed the community to grow organically—no pastors or pulpits required. • Theological Openness – Micro communities are not church “replacements” but are intentional spaces to explore hard issues, listen to one another, and focus on marginalized voices. • Practical Examples – How to facilitate topics, include young families, rotate meeting times, and develop guiding values for your group. Guest Highlights: Tim Stafford – Voxology co-host and impromptu micro community leader who shares the origin and growth of his Auburn-based group—including how he structured it, the kind of people who show up, and the welcoming ethos they live by. Resources Mentioned: • World Relief – https://worldrelief.org/ • Topic Ideas – Voxology Podcast back catalog • Mike's quote: “If we can agree on Jesus, we can break bread.” • Well vs. Boundary-Centered Communities – A model of inclusion and growth • Skyline Chili (but only in passing…) Join the growing Voxology movement by starting your own micro community or exploring how to step into deeper spiritual conversations outside the institutional church. Subscribe to the podcast, share your thoughts, and follow us on social media to keep the dialogue going. 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  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

Can a complementarian and an egalitarian co-lead a church without compromising their convictions or church polity? That’s the central question driving this special mini-episode of Voxology. Mike, Tim, and Bonnie revisit a recent conversation sparked by their dialogue with Allan Frow, unpacking listener questions about unity in leadership, theological diversity, and the positive biblical basis for women in ministry. With real-life scenarios, pastoral insight, and honest evaluation of both complementarian and egalitarian frameworks, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone discerning their place in church leadership—or working to build a faith community rooted in inclusion and conviction. Key Takeaways: • Unity in Diversity? – The complexities of co-leading a church when leaders hold opposing beliefs on women in ministry roles, and the challenges it raises for church governance and decision-making. • Honoring Women’s Gifting – Why flexibility matters, and how lack of clarity in theology and modeling can perpetuate confusion and exclusion, especially for women seeking freedom in their calling. • The Positive Case for Women in Ministry – A biblical framework starting from Genesis 1-2, with examples from the Old Testament, Jesus’s ministry, and Paul’s writings, including key figures like Phoebe, Junia, and Priscilla. • Reading the Fruit – Encouragement from Bonnie to consider the impact and outcomes of different theological interpretations in practice, not just in theory. • The Role of Theological Disagreement – Why some dialogues may work better in open forums than in the shared leadership of a church body. Resources Mentioned: • Upcoming “Heated” Event Recording – A two-hour teaching and Q&A session with Mike and Bonnie on women in leadership (coming soon!). • Romans 16 – Paul’s commendation of women ministry leaders. • 1 Corinthians 11, Ephesians 5 – Scriptural passages addressing women in the context of early church participation. • Episode 18 – “Is the Bible Anti-Women?” with Bonnie Lewis • Episode 46 – “Women in Leadership” with Bonnie Lewis Have you wrestled with this question in your own church context? We’d love to hear from you. Send your thoughts and feedback to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation online. Stay connected — subscribe to Voxology on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review to help us grow the community, and follow us on social media! We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Discover more on our Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – timothyjohnstafford.com | IG & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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

Why didn’t Jesus spell it all out? Why are we left wondering, searching, and often disagreeing when it comes to theology, salvation, and what it means to follow him? In this mini episode of Voxology, Mike, Bonnie, and Tim respond to an incredible listener question from Newport Beach: if God wanted to save everyone, why wouldn’t he just make things super clear? In a raw and heartfelt conversation, the team explores the beauty and challenge of ambiguity in the Christian faith. They unpack how God’s invitations to join his work are rooted in relationship, trust, and participation—not in following rigid instructions. This episode delves into why mystery, community, and the presence of the Holy Spirit might actually be features, not bugs, of the divine design. Key Takeaways: • Divine Ambiguity as Invitation – How God’s choice not to give us exhaustive clarity invites deeper participation and relationship. • Living by the Spirit, Not Just the Scriptures – The team reflects on the importance of the Holy Spirit guiding us, even when the Bible doesn't give explicit answers. • Cooperative Participation – Exploring the theme of God using his people to embody and express his story throughout history. • Working Through Questions in Community – Why faith grows through tension, shared journey, and real-life wrestling with big questions. • The Role of the Church and Individual Discernment – Unpacking how the early church operated without complete theological consensus, yet with a common Spirit-led pursuit. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – Knowing Christ Today: Why We Can Trust Spiritual Knowledge • Email us your thoughts and questions: hello@voxpodcast.com • Micro Community Formation Info – voxologypodcast.com Whether you're spiritually homeless, a Christian misfit, or just someone with deep questions, this episode will encourage you to embrace the journey of seeking over certainty. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to keep the conversation going. We’re on YouTube! Catch us at: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some gear from our Merch Store on ETSY Support the show on Patreon Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join the conversation on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  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

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. Subscribe on your favorite app, leave us a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events, series, and real-time dialogue. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We’re on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Support the podcast on Patreon Listen on iTunes or Spotify 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