Voxology

How confronting critique with humility, exploring a church abuse cover-up with honesty, and challenging toxic theology about doubt can move us toward a healthier and more Christ-like faith. Mike Erre and Andy Lara take a vulnerable and candid look at their own missteps in covering a sensitive abuse case in a previous episode, read listener feedback aloud, and respond with repentance, clarity, and conversation about power, justice, and faith. Then, a viral tweet from Desiring God becomes the catalyst for a passionate theological breakdown of what doubt truly means in the Christian life—and why it might just be a mark of maturity, not spiritual failure. Key Takeaways: • Taking Accountability in Real Time – Mike and Andy open the show with gratitude for listener critiques, acknowledging where they missed the mark and where they can grow—especially in handling sensitive stories involving abuse and the need for women's voices. • Power, Accountability, and Apology Culture in the Church – Engaging listener concerns about the mishandling and platforming of abuse confessions in churches, including whether public apologies without victim presence signal real repentance, or merely institutional self-preservation. • Good Doubt vs. Unbelief – A passionate exploration of how the Bible differentiates between honest questions and rebellious disbelief, and why doubt, when engaged truthfully, can be an act of covenantal faith. • Challenging Desiring God’s Stance on Doubt – Deconstructing a viral take that calls doubt “slander against God” and why such black-and-white theology causes more harm than good to struggling believers. • Faith as Actionable Trust, Not Psychological Certainty – Clarifying the biblical definition of faith as allegiance and relationship—not mere mental assent or doctrinal confidence—and why mature faith makes room for lament, questioning, and waiting. Timely Topics: • Church Too Allegations and Public Responses • The Role of Women’s Voices in Church Conversations About Abuse • The Pitfalls of Shame-Driven Theology Around Doubt • Globalization, Deconstruction, and the Complexity of Modern Faith Resources Mentioned: • DesiringGod.org – Twitter Thread Critiqued • Pete Enns – "The Sin of Certainty" – A book exploring faith beyond belief systems • Book of Lamentations & Psalms of Lament – Biblical examples of honest doubt and faith in tension • The story of Thomas (John 20) – A deep dive into doubt as relationship, not rebellion Join the conversation and help build a community where people can ask hard questions without fear. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and follow us on social media to stay connected. We love hearing from you! Email questions or thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the discussion on Facebook and Instagram. Catch us on YouTube here: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: ETSY STORE Support the podcast on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Check out Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy If you're in Ohio, join the journey and sign up for local updates at voxpodcast.com – a collaborative future is taking shape!  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 church applauds repentance—but overlooks justice? Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a nationally reported scandal involving a Memphis teaching pastor who confessed to a past “sexual incident” with a minor amid Me Too scrutiny. They explore how the Church often mishandles abuse under the guise of grace, blurring the line between sin and crime, and what true redemptive justice should look like in faith communities. Using biblical examples and real-life experiences, the conversation wrestles with Christian restoration, institutional protectionism, and the long-term impact of silencing victims. This powerful and nuanced discussion raises urgent questions about power, gender, leadership, moral authority, and what it means to model Jesus in addressing harm—not just sin. Key Takeaways: • Sin vs. Crime – Understanding the critical distinction between personal moral failure and legal wrongdoing, and why churches must treat crimes as such. • Restoration and Justice – Biblical pathways to restoration require confession, repentance, and accountability—but do not replace law or justice. • Power Disparities and Victim Silencing – Exploring how structural imbalances and male-centric leadership frameworks often marginalize victims and enable dueling narratives to poison process. • Christian Witness and Public Integrity – Why the Church’s moral authority suffers when reputation protection trumps empathy, transparency, and truth-telling. • The Importance of Women in Leadership – Considering how inclusion of women in church governance could drastically reshape how abuse cases are handled. Resources Mentioned: • Washington Post article on the Memphis pastor allegations • 1 Corinthians 5 & biblical models for church discipline • Timothy references to Paul labeling himself “chief of sinners” • Lee Camp – Scandalous Witness • David Brooks – Insights on tribalism and siege mentality • Scripture on grace and restoration: 2 Corinthians 7; 1 Peter 5 Join the conversation on how we can create church communities that are sacred spaces for repentance and also fiercely protective of justice and the vulnerable. Subscribe and support the Voxology mission of spiritual honesty and healing. 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: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @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 theology is taught matters—and bad theology can be deeply harmful. In this first installment of the Reforming Culture Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a controversial article that claims husbands have a divine responsibility to "correct their wives," and they’re not pulling any punches. Using humor, biblical exegesis, and cultural analysis, Mike and Andy deconstruct the poor theology of gender roles presented in the article, tracing how misapplications of Ephesians 5 can lead to patriarchy disguised as gospel truth. Rather than focusing on headlines and outrage, the duo roots their critique in scripture, Roman culture, and the revolutionary acts of Jesus and Paul. This conversation also amplifies why recognizing mutuality in marriage isn’t just more ethical—it’s more biblical. Key Takeaways: • Ephesians in Context: What Paul was really saying in Ephesians 5, and why reducing his words to "husbands correct your wives" misses the subversive nature of the text. • Jesus and Power: How Jesus’ sacrificial love—and not hierarchical correction—informs our relationships and leadership. • The Problem of Complementarianism: How popular evangelical teachings on gender roles can perpetuate harmful systems and miss the gospel's liberating message. • Mission vs. Institution: Understanding the difference between a missionary approach to Christian witness (as Paul had) versus institutionalized religion. • Modern Culture and Missional Witness: Why misapplying ancient household codes in today’s culture undermines Christian witness in a world reckoning with inequality and abuse. Notable Quotes: • "If your God hates all the same people you do, you’ve likely made God in your own image." • "Jesus didn’t use his power to correct. He used it to sacrifice." • "Theology has consequences—and bad theology hurts people." Resources Mentioned: • Book of Ephesians, especially Chapter 5 – Read on Bible Gateway • Philippians 2 – The model of Jesus' self-sacrifice and humility – Read on Bible Gateway • Gospel Coalition article (Referencing but not endorsed): “Husbands, Correct Your Wife” • Stephanie Drury (Stuff Christian Culture Likes) – Follow on Twitter • Lee Camp's theological work (featured in past episodes) Join us as we challenge institutional power structures, reframe rigid gender expectations, and rediscover a Jesus who subverts authoritarianism with love. Let’s make Jesus beautiful again. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Voxology Podcast on social media to join the conversation. 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: 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 City of God versus City of Man dichotomy is being misused to justify Christian political compromise. Mike Erre and Andy Bear unpack a popular article defending immoral political candidates by appealing to Augustine's two kingdoms framework. They examine the dangers of compromising character for policy wins, the hypocrisy of shifting moral standards, and the long-term damage this does to the church’s witness and identity. Drawing from Old and New Testament examples, historical context, and evangelical rhetoric surrounding figures like Roy Moore and Donald Trump, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to consider where their real hope lies—political power or the unshakable kingdom of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Flawed Justification for Immorality – Dissecting the argument that secular leaders don’t require spiritual integrity and why this misreads scripture and church history. • Hypocrisy and Loss of Witness – How evangelicals’ shifting stance on character from Clinton to Trump undermines their moral influence and credibility. • Theological Compromise – Why anointing politicians as "God’s candidates" damages Christian theology and risks setting up idols of power. • True Hope in the Kingdom of God – Why the church’s fate and mission don’t hinge on Senate seats, Supreme Court judges, or political access, but rests in the promises and sovereignty of Jesus. • Scriptural Misrepresentations – Critiquing how stories like Esther and Daniel have been repurposed to support utilitarian arguments rather than covenantal faithfulness. Resources Mentioned: • Gospel Coalition article by Greg Forster – On the eschatological vs. electoral mission of the church • Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll – Evangelical shifts in views on character and political leadership • Isaiah 31:1 – “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help…” – a biblical critique of political alliances • David French commentary on Trump and Christian witness • Augustine’s “City of God” – Foundation for the dual-sphere argument being reevaluated Join us as we critically examine the ways faith has been entangled with politics, and explore a prophetic alternative rooted in Jesus and scripture. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on social media 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: @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 choosing risk and obedience over comfort sparked a life of radical love, hardship, and staggering hope. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mike and Andy talk with bestselling author and missionary Katie Davis Majors on the life-shaping journey from suburban Tennessee teen to adoptive mother of thirteen girls and founder of a thriving ministry in Uganda. Katie shares the backstory behind her books Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope, offering profound insights on finding God not only in the miracles but also in the mess. From saying yes to a three-week trip that turned into a lifelong calling to navigating deep personal loss, spiritual doubt, and the burdens of unexpected fame, Katie opens up about the vulnerability, beauty, and brokenness of wholehearted discipleship. This conversation is a much-needed dose of good news, grace, and gritty faith. Key Takeaways: • Going All In on Obedience – How a single “yes” launched Katie’s journey from teen missionary to Ugandan mother and ministry leader. • When Hope Looks Like Heartache – Navigating seasons of grief, quiet faith, and unanswered prayer with authenticity and trust. • Reframing Orphan Care – Unpacking the misconceptions about orphanages and how poverty, not parentlessness, is often the root issue. • Faith Under Fame – Wrestling with the tension between being placed on a pedestal and living a messy, real, vulnerable faith journey. • Building A Better Education Model in Uganda – Why Amazima opened a high school that combines discipleship, critical thinking, and opportunity for generational change. Guest Highlights: Katie Davis Majors – New York Times bestselling author of Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope, founder of Amazima Ministries, and adoptive mom to 13 Ugandan girls. Katie shares how God transformed ordinary obedience into a global movement centered on justice, family, and radical dependence on Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Katie Davis Majors' Website and Ministry – amazima.org • Daring to Hope – [Link to Book] • Kisses from Katie – [Link to Book] Ready to be encouraged and challenged by Katie’s story? Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on your favorite social platforms. 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

A sacred night of confession, repentance, and healing, this eleventh installment of the Exile Series journeys into the deep waters of sexual brokenness and redemptive grace. Mike and Justina Erre vulnerably share their personal stories of addiction, trauma, and healing, inviting the Vox community into an experience of intimacy, honesty, and restoration. Anchored in the Psalms of David—Psalm 32 and Psalm 51—this gathering becomes more than a message; it’s a pathway to embrace God’s blessing, especially in the areas we’re most ashamed of. With the symbol of the “hoopa”—a canopy representing God’s presence, love, and blessing—the community is invited to offer their wounds, mistakes, and desires for transformation. Whether struggling with addiction, past abuse, relationship wounds, or the heaviness of shame, listeners are called to the truth: the Gospel is for you. Key Takeaways: • Confession Brings Freedom – The power of secrecy gives sin its grip. Naming your sin is the first step in experiencing liberation and grace. • Repentance is a Redirection – True repentance means turning away from darkness and walking down a radically new path. • Stories of Grace – Mike shares his healing journey from sexual sin, and Justina courageously recounts her experience with rape, shame, and finding Christ's mercy. • The Hoopa as a Symbol of Renewal – Participants step into a symbolic expression of God’s love, regardless of relationship status, brokenness, or past. • Healing Takes Time and Community – While some healing comes instantly, most is shaped through consistent confession, boundaries, and safe relationships. • The Gospel Is For the Broken – No one is too far gone; God’s grace meets us even in our worst moments and deepest secrets. Guest Highlight: Justina Erre – Wife of Mike Erre, Justina vulnerably shares her story of childhood trauma, sexual violence, and years of self-blame that ultimately led to a surrender to Jesus and the experience of spiritual and emotional healing. Her words offer validation and hope to countless women and men carrying unseen wounds. Resources Mentioned: • Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 – Prayers of confession and restoration by King David • Healing Hearts Ministry – Support groups for women experiencing sexual betrayal and abuse • Vox Prayer and Care Teams – Pastoral and lay presence available throughout the night • James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to one another and pray... that you may be healed.” Join the journey towards freedom and wholeness rooted in Christ’s unwavering love. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us online to spread this message of healing. 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

How can the Church remain faithful to Jesus in a world shaped by political division, abuse scandals, and the erosion of moral authority? Mike Erre and Andy Lara tackle the explosive Roy Moore controversy as a lens to explore evangelical hypocrisy, the dangers of political idolatry, and the psychological toll of the siege mentality consuming much of American religious life. As allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Roy Moore—with many evangelicals doubling down in support—Mike and Andy wrestle with the implications for Christian witness, integrity, and the identity of evangelicalism itself. Drawing from David Brooks' powerful description of the “siege mentality,” they question the Church’s complicity in excusing immoral leaders for the sake of preserving cultural and political power. This episode offers a sobering reflection on how fear-based theology and political nationalism distort the Gospel and derail the Church from its call to be peacemakers, truth-tellers, and ambassadors of grace. From scriptural insights to personal anecdotes, the conversation underscores the urgent need for self-examination, consistency, and prophetic witness. Key Takeaways: • The Siege Mentality and Evangelical Support – Understanding how fear of cultural loss warps moral reasoning and drives blind support for compromised leaders. • The Collapse of Evangelical Identity – Why evangelical now signals political allegiance more than spiritual conviction, and how abandoning the label may be necessary. • Witness in a Wounded World – How hypocrisy in the Church's public stance on morality undermines our credibility and witness to a watching world. • Reclaiming the Role of Ambassadors – Paul’s metaphor of believers as ambassadors of reconciliation reminds us that our primary identity is the Kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world. • Jesus Over Politics – Why doing Jesus’ work Jesus’ way is non-negotiable for followers of Christ, even amid pressure to “win” at any cost. Resources Mentioned: • David Brooks – “The Siege Mentality Problem” (New York Times) • Jeremiah 29 – Instructions to the exiles on blessing the city • Philip Yancey – Reflections on the politicization of evangelicals • Relevant reporting on Roy Moore’s allegations and evangelical polling Let’s reclaim the integrity of Jesus’ name in the public square. Subscribe now, leave a review, and join the Voxology community on Instagram and Facebook to keep the conversation growing.  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

How do we reconcile a loving God with the pain of birth defects, child loss, and perceived divine silence? This honest and moving Q&A episode tackles some of the most deeply personal and theologically challenging listener questions about suffering, scripture, and how God's will interacts with real-world tragedy. Mike and Andy explore whether Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 teach that God literally forms every child in the womb, and what that means for children born with trisomy 18 or Down syndrome. Offering empathy, biblical insight, and honest wrestling, they aim to create space for faith that allows for heartfelt mourning and hope beyond trauma. They also respond to questions about the accessibility of Scripture for those without formal education, examine the role of biblical scholarship versus everyday spiritual understanding, and talk through how to sit beside fellow believers—whether LGBTQ+ or ideologically different—with humility, grace, and hospitality. From divine sovereignty to stigmatization in the church, this episode doesn’t hold back. Key Takeaways: • God Did Not Cause It – Unpacking a non-Calvinist theology of suffering that affirms God’s goodness in a broken world without attributing tragedy to God’s active will. • Poetry, Not Prescription – Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 offer deeply personal metaphors about God’s knowledge of us, not literal step-by-step accounts of fetal development or divine intention of abnormalities. • Grieving Without Platitudes – A compassionate challenge to Christian clichés and a call to be honest with God, especially amid heartbreaking loss. • Scripture Is for Everyone – Encouragement that the Bible's message of grace is accessible to all, while recognizing the added richness that deeper study and scholarship can provide. • Sitting Beside Difference – Wrestling with how to love people we disagree with, whether they are white supremacists or LGBTQ+ Christians, and how the church's historic inconsistencies have contributed to present stigmas. Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology episodes on suffering, evil, and God’s will – VoxologyPodcast.com • Peter Enns – Works on interpreting difficult scripture and biblical complexity • “Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes” by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien • The story of the man born blind – John 9 • Matthew 20 – Parable of the Day Laborers Help us create space for raw, compassionate, Christ-rooted dialogue by joining the Voxology community. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and continue the conversation. We love hearing from you. Send your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV via YouTube Shop Voxology merch on Etsy Support the podcast on Patreon Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify 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 ChurchClarity.org is sparking a deeper conversation about transparency, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the theological complexities facing modern American churches. Mike Erre and Andy dissect the origins and intentions of the platform while offering thoughtful critiques around its methodology, impact, and assumptions. Addressing the polarizing affirming/non-affirming binary, this episode navigates the messy tension between the demand for clarity and the pursuit of faithful community centered on Jesus. With guest insights from progressive Christians and celibate gay believers, Mike and Andy reflect on the costs, contradictions, and consequences of forced doctrinal stances in the digital age. Key Takeaways: • The Mission of ChurchClarity.org – Exploring the site's goal to rate churches based on their LGBTQ+ policies and how clearly they’re stated online. • Critiques from Across the Spectrum – Why progressive allies, gay celibate Christians, and even pastors question Church Clarity's labeling system. • The Cost of Binary Categorization – How terms like “affirming” and “non-affirming,” along with color-coded scores, oversimplify complex theological and pastoral realities. • Center-Set Community vs. Boundary Marking – Why Vox refuses to take an official “stance” on LGBTQ inclusion and instead invites people from all perspectives to the same table. • Can True Safety Be Assured? – Wrestling with the illusion of safety in online classifications versus the lived experiences of hospitality and harm in real church communities. Resources Mentioned: • ChurchClarity.org – https://www.churchclarity.org • RNS Article by Barbara Wheeler – Progressive critique of Church Clarity’s effectiveness • Nashville Statement – https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement/ • Preston Sprinkle – https://twitter.com/PrestonSprinkle • 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 – Paul’s posture of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel Join the conversation as we explore how the church can move beyond rigid categories to embody the radical hospitality of Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more discussions that hold space for tension, faith, and transformation. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some gear from our Merch Store Explore the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow us socially: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 can Christians effectively reengage today’s divided public square with truth and love, especially when labeled as “fanatics” or shut out of mainstream conversation? Communication expert and Biola professor Tim Muehlhoff joins Mike and Andy to explore practical tools and postures for reclaiming the church’s voice through compassion, credibility, and cognitive complexity. Drawing from his latest book, Winsome Persuasion, Tim shares how Christians can act as a “counterpublic”—a minority voice that influences culture—not by rage or retreat, but through relationship, neighborly love, and civil dialogue. Key Takeaways: • What Is a Counterpublic? – Understanding the church’s cultural shift from majority to minority voice and how this posture reshapes engagement. • Cognitive Complexity in Practice – Learning to see people and events through a multi-layered lens that goes beyond simplistic labels and judgments. • Winsome Communication Tactics – How Christians can avoid the “argument culture,” instead cultivating conversations marked by empathy and humility. • Prophetic vs. Persuasive Voices – When to speak plainly with truth and when to engage others gently through understanding and relational equity. • Loose Connections and Civic Partnerships – Why churches should collaborate with unlikely allies on shared social concerns and community initiatives. Guest Highlights: Tim Muehlhoff – Author, tenured professor at Biola University, and passionate communicator about faith, culture, and compassion. Tim’s insights from Winsome Persuasion and his own life experiences (tenure jokes, martial arts metaphors, and Detroit Tigers games included) bring both depth and laughter to vital conversations. Resources Mentioned: • Winsome Persuasion by Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer – IVP Book Link • The Art of Relationships Podcast – Biola CMR Podcast • Talking to People Who Hate Me – Podcast about humanizing hostile disagreement. • Book: The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher • Francis Schaeffer’s Writings – Reflection on America's cultural shifts • Other Books: “I Beg to Differ” by Tim Muehlhoff Let’s reimagine how we speak into a noisy world with clarity, grace, and compassion. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow along on socials to join our mission of rediscovering Jesus’s voice for today’s culture. 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