Voxology

What happens when someone experiences both the unmovable conviction of their faith and the deep challenge of being queer in the American church? This powerful and vulnerable conversation opens up a path rarely discussed with grace and clarity. Mike Erre welcomes Tyler Chernesky, a pastor from Kansas City and a gay follower of Jesus who has chosen celibacy, to share his story of adoption, calling, identity, and the tension between loneliness and joy. Listeners will hear a deeply human and hopeful reflection on what modern discipleship can look like when it's grounded in both solid biblical conviction and a radically inclusive love. Tyler talks about being raised in a Bible-believing community, discovering he was gay during adolescence, and wrestling with the sense that his life didn’t fit the mold of Christian ideals he saw around him. Yet through honest friendships, intentional community, and surrendered faith, Tyler has embraced a life of joyful, self-denying discipleship that calls the church to rethink not only LGBTQ+ inclusion, but the broader treatment of single people, friendship, and what we define as “the good life.” Key Takeaways: • Adopted, Loved, and Called – Tyler shares his journey from being adopted into a loving Christian family to discovering a calling to pastor. • Growing Up Gay in the Church – Navigating silence, shame, and Christian messaging about sexuality as a teenager wrestling with identity. • The Myth of Marriage as Fulfillment – Why the idol of marriage in church culture can marginalize both LGBTQ+ people and single Christians more broadly. • Following Jesus as a Celibate Gay Man – How Tyler lives into his conviction around a traditional sexual ethic while still embracing joy, intimacy, and purpose. • The Church’s Missing Voice – Why single pastors are necessary, how churches overlook single people, and what it looks like to create inclusive spiritual communities. • Joy as Apologetic – Tyler shares how joy, not anger or bitterness, is his strongest witness to the goodness of the gospel. Guest Highlight: Tyler Chernesky – Pastor, artist, and thought-leader based in Kansas City. Tyler’s story challenges assumptions and extends hope to anyone struggling to hold faith and identity in tension. His mixture of sharp humor, deep pastoral care, and rigorous faith practice makes this a must-hear episode for anyone navigating spiritual complexity. Resources Mentioned: • Velvet Rage by Alan Downs – A psychological exploration of shame and identity for gay men. • Eric Klinenberg's research on the rise of people living alone. • 1 Corinthians 7 – Paul’s writings on singleness and celibacy. • Timothy John Stafford's Music – timothyjohnstafford.com • Tyler on Twitter: @tylerchernesky Join us in reimagining what the church can be for single people, LGBTQ+ believers, and all those walking difficult paths of discipleship. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and keep the conversation going on social media. As always, we encourage and cherish discussion in this space. Email your questions or experiences to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage with us on Instagram and Facebook. Watch more on VOXOLOGY TV Merch, anyone? ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us via Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on 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 the church can move from silence to safety by acknowledging its complicity in marginalizing abuse survivors and unpacking what repentance truly looks like—for individuals and communities. Kicking off a new Justice Series, Mike Erre and co-host Kevin No. 2 respond to a heartfelt letter from listener "Betty," offering an open, vulnerable discussion on sexual assault, politicization, and the Me Too movement through a gospel-centered lens. Mike shares reflections from past church leadership and his personal journey of repentance while affirming that healthy, just communities must create space for survivors to be believed, heard, and supported—without minimizing truth, due process, or grace. With cultural dialogue often divided and polarizing, this conversation challenges the binary of “believe all women” vs. “protect men,” and instead proposes a Jesus-patterned third way marked by truth, love, and safety for all. Key Takeaways: •  Building a Church That Believes Survivors – Why an overcorrection is far more redemptive than maintaining a harmful status quo, and how churches must be the safest place to talk about anything—including abuse. •  Redefining What Repentance Looks Like – Mike discusses repentance not as guilt, but as embodied change in leadership structures, conversations around sexuality, and empowering women through shared authority. •  Politics and Polarization in the Church – Dissecting the harmful merge between evangelicalism and partisan allegiance, and how centering our identity in God's kingdom disrupts political idolatry. •  False Dichotomies and the Need for Nuance – Exploring how followers of Jesus must reject simplistic narratives—like “believing all accusations uncritically” or “always trusting authority”—in favor of humble, truth-seeking discernment. •  A Broader Gospel and Deeper Invitation – Mike also responds to a separate listener question about why he no longer does traditional altar calls. He highlights the need for a fuller picture of the gospel rooted not in conversion formulas, but in lifelong discipleship. Resources Mentioned: •  Mike’s Previous Episode with Nicole discussing trauma and survivorship •  Book of Deuteronomy – Addressing accusations and justice systems •  Nicole’s Ongoing Advocacy and Work Around Abuse Recovery •  Biblical Views on the Role of Elders and Leadership Ethics Listeners are invited into a posture of humility and reflection—on the state of the church, its responsibilities, and the kind of redemptive presence Jesus calls his followers to embody. Stay engaged with future installments in the Justice Series, and share the episode with someone who may be wrestling through similar questions. Join the dialogue! Email us your thoughts at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV. Grab your favorite Vox gear at our Etsy Merch Store. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on iTunes or Spotify. Support the podcast on Patreon. Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Join us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on X/Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy Let’s keep asking the big questions—and walking in the better way of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and be part of this journey toward healing and truth.  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 courageously telling your story can interrupt cycles of silence, shame, and secrecy—especially in the church. Mike welcomes author and activist Nicole Braddock Bromley for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about surviving childhood sexual abuse, sharing her story publicly at age 15, and how that one act unlocked voices of countless others suffering in silence. Nicole shares the painful truth about why abuse often remains hidden in churches and affluent communities and offers a compelling challenge to the church to step into transparency, healing, and active prevention. From her journey of healing to advocacy through her organizations OneVOICE and OneVOICE4Freedom, Nicole unpacks how the Church's image-obsessed culture often suppresses conversations that could set people free—especially women and children. The episode also explores current events like the Kavanaugh hearings and the MeToo/ChurchToo movements, laying bare how politicizing survivors' stories causes further trauma. This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful, a necessary listen for anyone seeking to become an ally to victims of abuse and a faithful representative of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Abuse – Nicole opens up about how years of hiding her secret affected her identity and mental health and how breaking her silence became the first step toward healing. • The Power of Vulnerability – How sharing her story at age 15 sparked others to come forward and say “Me too,” showing the radical impact of one person’s courage. • Abuse and the Church – Why church culture can make abuse harder to detect and disclose, and how image-protection often trumps victim protection. • Navigating the MeToo and Kavanaugh Era – Nicole discusses the emotional toll of public disbelief, victim-blaming, and how these dynamics retraumatize survivors. • Raising Kids for Justice and Empathy – Insightful and urgent conversations about how to raise boys and girls in a sexually exploited culture, moving beyond “consent” toward honor, accountability, and mutual respect. Guest Highlight: Nicole Braddock Bromley – An author, speaker, and survivor-advocate, Nicole is the founder of OneVOICE, empowering abuse survivors to find healing and purpose, and OneVOICE4Freedom, combating child sex trafficking through education and prevention in the U.S. and abroad. Her books include Hush, Breathe, and Soar. Resources Mentioned: • Nicole’s ministry and nonprofit – iamonevoice.org • OneVOICE on Instagram – @iamonevoice • Sexual Abuse and Recovery Statistics – RAINN.org • "Hush: Moving from Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse" – Nicole Braddock Bromley • "Soar: A Next Step in Healing from Sexual Abuse" – Nicole Braddock Bromley Help us shine light in dark places by joining this ongoing conversation. Subscribe to Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay engaged. 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: 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

Exploring the multifaceted nature of prayer and its significance; A listener's story of doubt and faith amidst tragedy; Questioning the purpose and impact of prayer; Aligning our desires with God's kingdom; Parallel between teaching children and our relationship with God; Embracing the mystery and accepting unanswered prayers.

How can we engage others in our faith journey when we’ve experienced the freedom of spiritual reconstruction but live in a culture deeply shaped by conservative, evangelical tradition? In this episode—part one of a new Vox Mailbag Series—Mike Erre and Kevin (#2) tackle questions about deconstruction, talking faith in politically charged spaces (like Branson, Missouri), and discerning truth in a world of theological contradictions. Filled with laughter, spicy sandwiches, and insightful reflection, this episode helps listeners explore what it means to engage conversations about faith transformation with kindness, humility, and relational depth. Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or just reconciling old beliefs with new questions, this conversation offers practical and spiritual tools for navigating the journey. Key Takeaways: • Sharing Your Faith Journey Without Preaching – Learn how to invite others into conversation without threatening their beliefs or pushing an agenda. • What Deconstruction & Reconstruction Really Mean – Understanding when it's about pursuing truth vs. simply rejecting past traditions. • Posture Over Pressure – Why humility and story-sharing are more effective than pushing others to change. • Political Christianity and Idolatry – Exploring why conflating faith with political ideology creates distortion in the church’s mission. • Testing Everything, Holding the Good – A thoughtful framework for learning from Christian authors and leaders with whom you may disagree. Guest Highlights: Kevin (#2) – Coffee connoisseur, resident funny man, and conversational wingman to Mike Erre. Kevin helps ground this episode in practicality by pushing for the “so what?” and aligning theory with real-world action. Resources Mentioned: • “The Myth of a Christian Nation” by Greg Boyd – A key text for rethinking the relationship between Christianity and political power. • “Winsome Persuasion” by Tim Muehlhoff – A guide for navigating tough conversations with grace and clarity. Link • “I Beg to Differ” by Tim Muehlhoff – Equips believers to engage in healthy and constructive dialogue. Link • “The Prodigal God” by Tim Keller – A powerful reframing of the gospel rooted in Luke 15. Link • “Everyday Theology” (feat. John Walton & N.T. Wright) – For resources related to biblical criticism and cultural context. Call to Action: Join us in building a faith that welcomes questions, values authentic dialogue, and pursues the heart of Jesus beyond cultural assumptions. Subscribe wherever you’re listening, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay connected and part of the conversation. As always, we welcome your questions and stories—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram. Watch the conversations and subscribe to VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Stream curated music & moments on Voxology Radio (Spotify) Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // @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 can LGBTQ+ Christians faithfully navigate their identity while holding to a traditional Christian sexual ethic? Mike Erre sits down with Nate Collins, author of "All But Invisible" and founder of the Revoice Conference, for a raw, personal, and deeply theological conversation on gender, sexuality, and costly obedience. This is the first in an ongoing Revoice Series, spotlighting voices that are challenging the polarized narratives in the church by creating space for sexual and gender minorities within the framework of historic Christian faith. Key Takeaways: •  Defining Revoice’s Mission – Supporting and empowering LGBTQ+/SSA (same-sex attracted) Christians committed to traditional views on marriage and sexuality. •  Rethinking Identity and Orientation – Exploring the concepts of secondary gender identity and how orientation can be more than just sexual attraction. •  Critiquing the Nashville Statement – Why denial of marginalized voices and language policing have left deep wounds in the LGBTQ+ Christian community. •  Life as a Gay Man in Conservative Evangelical Spaces – Nate shares his journey through seminary, marriage, and living openly while remaining committed to the traditional sexual ethic. •  Joy in Celibacy and Community – How the first Revoice Conference offered a glimpse of joyful resilience, belonging, and spiritual family. Guest Highlights: Nate Collins – Founder of Revoice and author of "All But Invisible," Nate holds a PhD in New Testament from Southern Seminary and shares his story of being a non-straight Christian living in alignment with historic Christian teachings. His experience brings incredible depth, compassion, and clarity to one of the most pressing conversations in modern Christianity. Resources Mentioned: •  Revoice Conference – revoice.us •  All But Invisible by Nate Collins – allbutinvisible.com •  Spiritual Friendship Blog – spiritualfriendship.org •  People to Be Loved by Preston Sprinkle – [Link] •  Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill – [Link] •  God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines – [Link] Join the ongoing conversation and help create space for real people wrestling faithfully with their identity. Subscribe, leave a review, or follow us on social media so you don't miss the next episode in our Revoice Series. 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 – Watch Here Our Merch Store! – ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast – voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Listen to VOXOLOGY Radio on Spotify – Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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 does the American evangelical church reconcile justice, culture, and faith in a post-Christian age? Mike Erre is joined by author, pastor, and podcast host Skye Jethani (The Holy Post) for a provocative discussion about the recently issued "Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel" from prominent conservative evangelical leaders—and why its assumptions about sin, culture, and mission may be fundamentally flawed. Together, Mike and Skye unpack the tensions between personal salvation and social transformation, the fragmentation of modern evangelicalism, and the theological implications of rejecting systemic sin and collective repentance. Through humor, history, and a deep love for scripture, they contrast a kingdom vision of justice and shalom with the boundary-drawing tendency of political and cultural Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Understanding a Broken Evangelicalism – Why modern evangelicalism feels fractured and why many feel “spiritually homeless” in today’s tribal climate. • The Problem with Statements – How culture war-era declarations like the Nashville Statement and the “Gospel and Social Justice” statement reflect a dying vision of Christianity. • Justice is Not a Distraction – A biblical case for how social justice is not an add-on, but an integral part of gospel witness and the Kingdom of God. • Jesus’ Kingdom Vision – How personal righteousness and community transformation must go together for followers of Christ. • Culture and Power – Why framing some cultures as morally "better" reveals deep-rooted assumptions about privilege, whiteness, and American exceptionalism. • The Cross is Both Vertical and Horizontal – A rejection of the false split between private faith and public justice, and the need for holistic discipleship. Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Former executive editor at Christianity Today, co-host of The Holy Post podcast, and author of multiple books including "What If Jesus Was Serious?" and creator of the daily devotional With God Daily. Skye brings deep theological insight with a winsome, challenging voice that critiques American Christian culture from within. Resources Mentioned: • The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – statementonsocialjustice.com • The Holy Post Podcast with Skye Jethani – holypost.com • Lausanne Covenant (1974) – lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant • Tim Keller’s Book – "Generous Justice" – [Link] • Voxology Non-ference Details – [Link] Redefining faith means challenging power structures, wrestling with uncomfortable truths, and seeking the heart of Jesus beyond political categories. Join the conversation, subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay engaged. 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 – voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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

What happens when the pastoral spotlight becomes too heavy to bear—and no one sees the weight until it’s too late? Mike Erre and longtime friend Andy Lara reflect deeply on the tragic suicide of Inland Hills Church pastor Andrew Stoecklein, a young leader whose public transparency about his mental health struggles still couldn’t prevent a heartbreaking end. This raw discussion examines broader issues of how we as individuals, communities, and the Church respond to mental illness—and what goes awry when simplistic solutions meet complex pain. Unpacking the pressures of pastoral leadership, the toxic success culture of the modern American church, and the harmful theological prescriptions often offered in response to depression, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to reimagine spiritual community as a space of solidarity—not isolation. Key Takeaways: • The Hidden Costs of “Success” – Why growing attendance, staff, and budgets often don’t correspond to spiritual or emotional health for pastors. • Performance Culture in the Church – How the celebrity pastor model exacerbates spiritual isolation, performance anxiety, and suppresses vulnerability. • The Limits of Spiritual Clichés – Why phrases like “fix your eyes on Jesus” or “rest in God’s sovereignty” may do harm when offered as one-size-fits-all solutions to mental illness. • Embodied Faith, Not Spiritual Gnosticism – Reframing mental health through holistic, embodied support—embracing therapy, medication, community presence, and practical care. • A Call to Pursue, Not Push Away – Why the church must learn to lean in with compassion, presence, and support when someone is spiraling—not retreat under the guise of sabbatical or spiritual advice. Notable Quotes: • “It’s not that they want to die—they want relief. And everything else they’ve tried hasn’t worked.” • “The opposite of depression recovery isn’t willpower—it’s connection.” • “When someone’s honest about struggle, the worst thing we can do is hand them a prescription with seven spiritual buzzwords and back away.” Resources Mentioned: • Andrew Stoecklein’s final sermon and Kayla Stoecklein’s public letter (search “Inland Hills Church blog”) • Anchor podcasting app – anchor.fm • John Mark Comer & Mark Sayers – This Cultural Moment podcast • The Gospel Coalition’s article on supporting loved ones with depression – [Search TGC depression article] Join us in reimagining how the Church can be a place of healing, not pressure. Want to continue the conversation and support this kind of work? Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. 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

What if tithing isn’t actually a New Testament teaching? In this honest and deeply practical solo episode, Mike tackles an insightful listener question about the theology behind tithing, prosperity gospel implications, and whether churches should be offering “90-day tithe challenges” with promised blessings (and optional refunds). Unpacking Scriptures like Malachi 3, Matthew 23, and key passages from 1 & 2 Corinthians and Acts, Mike invites us to reframe our understanding of generosity, stewardship, and the church’s mission in the world. Mike explores how the early church didn’t prescribe a 10% tithe, but instead fostered radical, heart-led generosity focused on caring for the poor and supporting gospel work. He contrasts this with modern church practices that often confuse or pressure members into rigid financial expectations, sometimes under theological pretenses that mimic prosperity gospel teachings. Get ready for a robust biblical breakdown and a challenging reorientation of how we view money, blessing, and the church’s financial asks. Key Takeaways: • Tithing Isn’t Commanded in the New Testament – The early church encouraged giving “as each one is able” rather than enforcing a 10% standard. • Generosity Is a Spiritual Discipline – Mike emphasizes cultivating cheerful, voluntary giving as a form of resistance to materialism and worship of money. • Support for Church Workers Is Biblical – While generosity to sustain gospel workers is affirmed, Scripture does not equate church giving with a prosperity formula. • Blessing ≠ Wealth – God’s blessings aren’t defined by financial prosperity; obedience often brings spiritual growth, not necessarily material gain. • Giving Should Focus on Justice – The New Testament prioritizes supporting the poor, not funding large-scale church infrastructure or flashy programs. Resources Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 8–9 – Paul’s teaching on generosity and heart-led giving • Acts 4:32–35 – Early church practices of communal support and radical sharing • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for missing justice while tithing mint and cumin… what did he mean? Join the conversation about how the church can practice more transparent, meaningful generosity rooted in New Testament principles. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform to keep deconstructing and reconstructing faith with us. 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ 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

Challenging the modern church growth mindset, Mike Erre and guest Kevin revisit the assumptions baked into much of American Christian culture—namely the obsession with polished Sunday services, celebrity pastors, and numerical success. In a week where high-profile abuse scandals shook major institutions like the Catholic Church, Willow Creek, and John MacArthur’s ministry, the conversation turns to a deeper issue: How do we define “church success,” and what does the witness of Jesus call us to instead? This raw and prophetic episode asks whether our obsession with "excellence" in worship bands, livestreams, and church branding might actually distract from the mission of Jesus—especially in a time when abuse, injustice, and marginalization are being revealed inside the very systems we’ve built to “do church well.” Key Takeaways: • Unmasking Toxic Success Metrics – Producing high-quality services isn’t inherently bad, but treating them as the gold standard of church success reveals an idolization of production and performance. • When Big Church Models Fail – Exploring how the prioritization of large platforms, celebrity pastors, and top-tier talent creates systems vulnerable to abuse of power. • Jesus’ Scorecard – Paul’s letters remind us that God chooses the weak, the lowly, the overlooked—not the spotlight-ready. The church loses its distinctiveness when it mimics the world’s obsession with strength and success. • The Power of Lament and Repentance – In light of abuse scandals, the church’s role isn’t to distract with polished services but to lead in public repentance, healing, and transparency. • Hope for Small Churches and Planters – For pastors leading small or struggling communities, this episode offers an alternative vision: practice-based, missional communities that emphasize discipleship, vulnerability, and real-life transformation—not just production value. Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – Paul's challenge to the world's systems and the affirmation of God's preference for the foolish things over the wise. • The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch – [Link] • C3 Church Columbus – A missional model for tracking community health through disciple-making, not Sunday attendance. • Dave Lomas and John Mark Comer – Pastors focused on practice-based, embodied Christianity over entertainment-driven churches. • Rock Harbor Church (CA) – One example of a church that shifted from attractional to missional focus. Join us as we rethink success, celebrate weakness, and call the church to a more honest, humble witness of Jesus. Subscribe to stay part of these paradigm-shifting conversations, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue the dialogue. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch us on YouTube here: VOXOLOGY TV. Grab some Vox merch: ETSY SHOP Explore more at the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and find us on 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