Voxology

How specific feedback, honest critique, and cultural engagement can help reimagine the Church’s role in a changing world. In this open and deeply introspective episode, Mike Erre and Andy unbox some recent listener feedback with striking vulnerability—addressing head-on the accusations of church-bashing, ambiguity around biblical truth, and the challenge of speaking tough topics in a way that honors both grace and truth. Using a listener email as a springboard, the conversation unfolds around topics like how Jesus critiqued the religious elite, why the Church can be both deeply flawed and deeply beloved, and how Vox embodies hospitality and lifelong learning through the value of feedback. Through stories about Apple’s internal culture to training for a Spartan Race (yes, seriously), the episode opens conversation about past hurt, responsibility, and the tension between evangelism and truth-telling. Key Takeaways: • How and why Vox separates the podcast from the church—legally and missiologically—to allow space for honest political and cultural conversations. • A breakdown of the four types of feedback and why specific feedback is essential for personal and organizational growth. • Why critiquing the Church isn’t a declaration of abandonment, but an invitation to reform grounded in love and prophetic tradition. • How Jesus models grace-first engagement with outsiders—and why leading with truth doesn’t always reflect his method. • Building a culture where correction, humility, and vulnerability are spiritual disciplines, even in digital spaces. Resources Mentioned: • Vox Community feedback email: feedback@voxoc.com • Support the show on Patreon – patreon.com/voxology • Vox Merchandise – VOXOLOGY on Etsy • Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Join us as we talk candidly about criticism, humility, and the mission of being the Church in a divided world. Your insights matter—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the ongoing conversation on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe, leave a review, and help us rethink the church from the inside out. — We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Follow on Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/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

What if the path to knowing God is wider, richer, and more mysterious than we've assumed? This episode of Voxology takes a deep dive into the controversial question: is Jesus really the only way to God? Prompted by a listener email and a candid conversation between two brothers, Mike Erre and Andy dismantle simplistic formulas of salvation and exclusivism—offering a vision of God's redemptive work that is bigger than Christian categories. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and real-life stories, this thoughtful reflection explores religious pluralism, God's relationship to the nations, how salvation may extend beyond formal religion, and the surprising way Jesus includes outsiders in the Kingdom. From Paul's teachings in Acts and Romans to Jesus's healing of the Roman centurion, the episode offers a deeply biblical, hopeful, and theologically generous framework for understanding who gets “in.” Key Takeaways: • Reimagining Religious Exclusivism – Understanding how truth claims and pluralism can coexist without abandoning the uniqueness of Jesus. • Salvation and the Nations – Exploring God's global redemptive mission throughout Scripture and how Israel’s calling always pointed toward universal blessing. • Jesus Beyond Christianity – Why God does not require Christianity or human institutions to reveal himself; insights from Cornelius, Acts 17, and other examples. • The Surprise of Judgment – Jesus’s teachings reveal that many who seem “outside” will be included, and those who assume they’re “in” may be left out. • The Heart Over Doctrine – God is searching for a certain kind of heart, regardless of cultural or religious labels, and will relentlessly pursue those open to him. Notable Quotes: • “The surprise of judgment in Jesus’s parables is that those you think are in may be out, and those you think are out may be ‘in.’” • “Christianity is not the only vehicle through which Jesus reveals himself.” • “Love of neighbor is the first rule in any theology of pluralism.” • “We're not in the position to know how God applies Jesus to the world—but we trust he is always good, just, and merciful.” Resources Mentioned: • Acts 10 & 17 • Romans 2 • Dallas Willard – on discipleship and epistemology • N.T. Wright – theological insights on salvation and the nations • Revelation 21 – the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations Call to Action: This episode invites you to hold your convictions with humility and curiosity. If it stirred questions for you or sparked meaningful conversations, join in by emailing hello@voxpodcast.com or engaging on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast as we continue to explore the complexities of faith, Jesus, and modern culture. We’re on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: Etsy Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast by becoming a partner on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – also @GoneTimothy on social.  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 navigate LGBTQ conversations without reducing them to binary stances? Mike and Andy break down one of Voxology’s most foundational and pressing topics—what it means to be a faith community that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually transformative. Drawing from years of wrestling in both the podcast and the local Vox community, they respond to a prominent article that challenges the idea of “agreeing to disagree” on homosexuality within the church. Mike shares personal insights from leading a church that makes space for affirming and non-affirming people to walk alongside each other with empathy, honesty, and grace. This vulnerable and unfiltered episode confronts the complexities of LGBTQ affirmation, biblical authority, spiritual leadership, and the dangers of boiling nuanced conversations into political or doctrinal litmus tests. Whether you're well into your spiritual journey or still discerning what you believe about LGBTQ issues in the church, this episode invites deeper reflection on what unconditional welcome, true discipleship, and shared transformation really look like. Key Takeaways: • Examples of how affirming and non-affirming Christians can coexist in authentic, Jesus-centered community—without sacrificing conviction or compassion. • Why the “agree to disagree” model often misses the deeper discipleship that happens when diverse stories and honest dialogue are prioritized. • The problem with reducing LGBTQ issues to binary positions and how mutually transformative community offers a richer, more faithful alternative. • Powerful critiques of how the church treats sexual sin inconsistently, especially when comparing LGBTQ inclusion to the treatment of divorce, remarriage, and greed. • A call to rethink church litmus tests and public pronouncements that may hinder mission, discipleship, and the gospel witness to LGBTQ individuals. Resources Mentioned: • David Fitch – Writer and theologian offering the term “welcoming and mutually transforming” • Breakpoint / Chuck Colson Article – Critiqued in the episode as promoting a rigid stance on LGBTQ inclusion • David Gushee – Changing Our Mind (book on evolving Christian ethic around sexuality) • Nicholas Wolterstorff – Cited among Christian scholars questioning traditional readings • Matthew Vines – God and the Gay Christian Join us as we continue to question, examine, and rediscover the mission and ways of Jesus in complex theological spaces. Share this episode with someone wrestling through these conversations, and remember to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected with the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue these topics together. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Grab your Voxology merchandise on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Official website: https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast “Like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeerre Music 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

Unpacking the theological and cultural roots of why many Christians have ignored or resisted environmental issues, Mike and Andy answer a listener's question from a post-Thanksgiving Facebook group that's diving into faith, science, and the planet. Drawing on the Genesis creation narrative and the biblical theme of heaven and earth, they explore why the church should lead the charge in caring for creation, and what’s at stake when we don’t. This episode takes a deep dive into the biblical framework that supports environmental stewardship, challenges the theology that says “the Earth doesn’t matter because it’s all going to burn,” and offers hope that strikes at the heart of climate apathy. Key Takeaways: •  Biblical Mandate to Steward the Earth – Genesis 1 positions humanity as image-bearers of God tasked with ruling and caring for creation as co-regents and priests. •  Why We’ve Failed – How bad theology, political polarization, and capitalism have led many Christians to ignore or oppose environmental movements, wrongly labeling them "liberal." •  The Real Endgame – The true biblical narrative isn’t about escaping earth for heaven, but heaven and earth being reunited through a purification and renewal of creation. •  Climate Justice as a Discipleship Issue – Taking care of the planet isn’t just a trendy concern; it’s central to following Jesus and participating in God’s redemptive mission. •  Jesus and the Scope of Salvation – Jesus didn’t talk about “souls going to heaven.” Instead, he announced the arrival of God’s kingdom and invited people to align with it now—which includes caring for creation. Resources Mentioned: •  Genesis 1 & 2 – For foundational theology on humans as image-bearers. •  Romans 8 – Creation groaning and awaiting redemption. •  Revelation 21 – Vision of a New Heaven and New Earth. •  2 Peter 3 – Understanding “purified by fire” as renewal rather than annihilation. •  Teaching on Heaven and Earth from Vox Community – November 27 •  Visual Diagrams of Heaven and Earth (via show notes) Join the conversation and challenge the narrative. Let’s be the church that reflects Jesus’s love—not just for people, but for all of God’s good creation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and take part in this mission of restoration. 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 church can resist political captivity and rediscover its core mission of peacemaking, reconciliation, and countercultural witness in a divided and fearful post-election landscape. In this cornerstone conversation between Mike Erre and Andy Bear, the spotlight turns to white evangelical support of Donald Trump, Christian identity in modern America, and how Jesus followers can truly live into their call as agents of peace—not partisanship. Taking a candid look at the tension between culture, faith, and politics in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, Mike and Andy break down where many evangelicals have misplaced their allegiance, and how the gospel calls for something radically different. They also unpack their controversial launch of the Voxology Patreon community, offering listeners new opportunities for deeper engagement, discipleship, and Bible-centered podcast series—beginning with the Book of Revelation. Key Takeaways: • Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping – The difference between avoiding conflict and stepping into hard conversations with a redemptive posture. • Evangelical Identity Crisis – Why equating victory in politics with triumph for Christianity is a dangerous narrative, and how it distorts the view of Jesus for outsiders. • Post-Election Disillusionment – Exploring the real fears of marginalized and minority communities following Trump's election and the church’s responsibility to stand with the oppressed. • Forming a Gospel-Centered Community – Updates on Voxology’s new Patreon initiative, tiers, and what to expect from future content like an entire podcast series on the Book of Revelation. • Practicing Peace at the Table – How Thanksgiving dinners and family dialogue can become sacred opportunities for peacemaking, empathy, and real-world spiritual formation. Resources Mentioned: • Support Voxology on Patreon • More on Voxology's Mission and Podcasts • Daniel K. Williams – Historian on Evangelical Politics • Study on Canvassing and Reducing Bias Take this conversation further: What does real peacemaking look like in your everyday life? Whether around the family table or navigating tough conversations online, let us be the community that refuses to be divided by fear. Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Join the conversation by emailing us at hello@voxpodcast.com and following us on Instagram @voxologypodcast & Facebook Watch full episodes and bonus content on VOXOLOGY TV Support the show and get exclusive merch at our Etsy Store 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 Jesus followers respond meaningfully and compassionately in the wake of a deeply polarizing presidential election? Mike Erre and Andy reflect on the day after the 2016 U.S. election—just hours after Donald Trump was elected president—to offer a timely pastoral conversation about what it means to be peacemakers when the nation feels fractured. With powerful insights grounded in the teachings of Jesus, they discuss how grief, empathy, repentance, and prophetic witness must shape our response as Christians, regardless of political allegiance. Key Takeaways: • Grieving With Those Who Grieve – Empathizing with marginalized communities who feel threatened post-election and choosing to listen without defensiveness. • The Peacemaker’s Role – Asking how Jesus followers can rise above divisiveness and embody hope, humility, and justice in a politically charged environment. • Evangelical Identity in Crisis – Exploring the Church’s alignment with political power and the witness it communicates to the watching world, especially among white evangelicals. • The Danger of Demonizing – Rejecting the “us vs. them” narrative by remembering our real enemy is not flesh and blood, but the powers that divide and distort love. • Practicing Political Discipleship – Calling all Christians to evaluate their allegiance: Are we reflecting American nationalism or the Kingdom of God in our public engagement? Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 5 – “Blessed are the peacemakers…” • Ephesians 6:12 – “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” • James 1:19 – “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” • St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer – A call to be instruments of peace. Join us in embracing the path of peacemaking and rediscovering what it means to be the Church in divided times. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and help us bring Jesus-shaped love and truth into America’s cultural chaos. 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 candid, wide-ranging conversation with Mike Erre and Andy as they tackle a grab bag of honest and often unspoken questions from listeners about sex, marriage, singleness, divorce, and gender identity. With humor, vulnerability, and a deep reverence for both Scripture and lived experience, this Q&A episode pulls back the curtain on real Christian struggles in today's complicated cultural landscape. Drawing from listener-submitted questions, Mike and Andy unpack how to talk to your kids about sex, how the church mishandles singleness, why married Christians often struggle with sexual shame, what to do when your spouse transitions genders—and what it looks like to reflect Jesus in all of these tough spaces. Key Takeaways: • Sexuality and the Church – Why the church's emphasis on abstinence and purity culture often fails to prepare people for healthy sexual relationships within marriage. • Being Single in a Married Church – The overlooked spiritual and emotional needs of single adults and why the modern church often alienates them. • Transgender Identity and Marriage – When one partner transitions gender identity, what does Christian faithfulness look like? A deeply human reflection on grace, betrayal, and discernment. • Teaching Kids About Sex – How Mike is raising his kids with an open, age-appropriate, and body-positive approach to sexuality grounded in wonder rather than shame. • Holy Frustrations – How polarized reactions on social media—like the recent backlash against Jen Hatmaker—show the urgent need for gracious, Christ-centered disagreement within the body of Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Learn more and support at Vox Podcast Patreon • Visit the Vox Church Plant Podcast: Vox Community Podcast • Vox Podcast Website – voxpodcast.com • Vox Community Website – voxoc.com Be part of the conversation—send us your questions for future Q&A episodes and help shape a more honest and inclusive Christian dialogue. If this episode sparked something in you, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on Instagram and Facebook. We’re also on YouTube if you’d rather watch us ramble: VOXOLOGY TV Merch available at our Etsy Store Support the show on Patreon Full episodes on Spotify and iTunes Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Engage with our community 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 can Christians approach elections without compromising the way of Jesus? Live from Villain Studios, Mike Erre and Andy unpack how Jesus invites his followers to engage politically—not as loyalists to political platforms, but as citizens of a radically different kingdom. In this fifth installment of the “Jesus & Politics” series, they challenge the fusion of faith and nationalism, explore how kingdom allegiance transcends party lines, and ask the tough question: what if how we carry ourselves after an election matters more than how we vote? Listeners will walk away with a renewed vision of what faithful political engagement can look like in a polarized age—one rooted not in fear, but in love, humility, and the cruciform example of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Distinguishing Between Faith and Political Platforms – Why pairing Jesus with a party diminishes the power of the gospel and alienates those outside the church. • How You Vote vs. How You Live – Why showing up November 8 isn’t as important as how you embody kingdom values all year long. • Political Idolatry in the American Church – How evangelical Christianity has obscured the beauty of Jesus by anointing political candidates as messiahs. • Reimagining the Church as a Post-Election Witness – What it means to take communion with people who voted differently and embody unity above partisanship. • Understanding Different Views on Church-State Relations – Exploring four theological perspectives that shape how Christians engage with politics and government. Resources Mentioned: • "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne – A resource on rethinking political discipleship. • "Romans 13" – Insight into the biblical role of government and civil obedience. • Scott Sauls, Sky Jethani, and Alan Kreider – Authors and theologians referenced for their work on the church, politics, and peacemaking. • Revelation as Subversive Literature – A fresh reading of Revelation that challenges empire and nationalism. • Book of Matthew – Teachings like “love your enemies” as political acts. Don’t miss this compelling conversation about navigating the chaos of American elections while staying anchored in the example of Jesus. Subscribe to stay tuned for the next installment in the Jesus & Politics series, leave a review to support thoughtful dialogue, and follow Voxology on social media for more content and community. 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 honest is too honest when it comes to faith, mental illness, and ministry? In this revealing conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Joey Svenson—pastor, podcaster (Bad Christian, Pastor With No Answers), and author of the raw and unflinching memoir “Fundamentalist”—to explore how extreme fundamentalism and OCD collided in his early faith journey, how he found healing, and why he believes radical vulnerability is essential to authentic Christianity. Mike and Tim reflect on their own experiences with mental health, church trauma, and spiritual deconstruction, sharing laughs, cringes, and powerful insights as Joey opens up about his struggles and hopes for the church. This is a permission-granting episode—for those wrestling with faith or mental health, for those bearing secrets under the pressure to perform holiness, and for anyone hungering for a church that welcomes honest questions and raw humanity. Key Takeaways: • Mental Illness in the Church – Joey unpacks his journey with OCD and anxiety in the context of rigid, legalistic doctrine that turned prayer into a panic-inducing obligation. • The Cost of Pretending – Why the performance of "clean and holy" leadership does spiritual harm and how honesty about struggle builds real community and healing. • Parenting with Permission – How Joey’s evolving faith has reshaped his approach to parenting, focusing on humility, honesty, and theological curiosity. • The Role of Vulnerability in Public Ministry – Why Joey chooses transparency—even when it could cost him—and how his church leadership surprisingly embraced it. • Disrupting the Christian Status Quo – How Joey's podcasts and book challenge evangelical norms while creating safe spaces for those wounded by the system. Guest Highlight: Joey Svenson – Co-host of Bad Christian and Pastor With No Answers, Joey brings humor, grit, and honesty as he shares his personal experience of wrestling with mental illness, fundamentalism, and ministry expectations—all laid bare in his bold new book. Resources Mentioned: • Joey Svenson’s Book – Fundamentalist – A brutally honest memoir about OCD, fundamentalism, and faith. Preorder now at fundamentalistpastor.com • Bad Christian Podcast – badchristian.com • Pastor With No Answers Podcast – pwnapodcast.com • BC Words Publishing – DIY publishing platform for disruptive voices in Christian spaces Join the conversation with us as we challenge the norms, share our stories, and rediscover Jesus in places we least expect. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to continue the journey. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch more content on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube. Grab some Vox merch at our ETSY STORE. Discover more at voxologypodcast.com. Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify. Support us on Patreon. Stream music and more at Voxology Radio on Spotify. Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook. Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode 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 forgiveness transforms, heals, and awakens us to the radical grace of Jesus—even when reconciliation seems impossible. In this milestone 50th episode, Mike and Andy reflect on the podcast’s evolution, exciting upcoming changes, and dive into one of the most nuanced and powerful teachings of Jesus: forgiveness. Whether you’ve been wounded by the church, suffered spiritual trauma, or wrestled with resentment, this conversation offers a deeply honest look at what forgiveness is—and what it isn’t. Through personal stories, unpacked theology, and quotes from RT Kendall’s “Total Forgiveness,” Mike and Andy examine why forgiveness isn't about glossing over pain or forgetting offenses, but about yielding our right to vengeance and finding healing through honest confrontation and grace. Key Takeaways: • Forgiveness is personal, not institutional – You can’t forgive "the church" as a vague entity; real forgiveness requires naming the individuals who caused harm. • Dispelling the “forgive and forget” myth – True forgiveness does not require forgetting; it requires remembering rightly and responding with grace and boundaries. • Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation – Forgiveness can happen without reconciliation, especially when the other party is unsafe, unavailable, or unwilling to participate. • The spiritual roots of bitterness – Holding on to resentment impacts not just our relationships but our connection to God and self. • Practical pathways to forgiveness – From praying for God’s blessing over the one who hurt you to small internal shifts like saying their name without anger, forgiveness is often a quiet, powerful process. • Forgiving God and Self – Wrestling with our own anger toward God or ourselves is part of learning to trust and release, even when answers never come. Guest Highlights: None this episode—but keep an ear out for Episode 51, featuring Joey Svensson from Bad Christian and The Pastor With No Answers podcasts. Resources Mentioned: • RT Kendall – “Total Forgiveness” • Matthew 18 – Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant • The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:12 • Subversive Kingdom Archive – formerly subversivekingdom.com (now forwarding to the new Vox website!) This episode also includes some big announcements: • The podcast is officially transitioning away from SubversiveKingdom.com to VoxPodcast.com. • You can now listen via SoundCloud and subscribe directly through RSS. • Support options and recurring contributions are coming soon—stay tuned! Join the global Vox family in embodying Jesus’ subversive grace. If this conversation sparked something in you—or you have your own story of forgiveness—reach out. We’d love to hear from you. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on social to continue the journey. — Email feedback or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Subscribe directly on SoundCloud Visit the new website: voxpodcast.com And check out Vox Community teaching podcast at voxoc.com YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch store: Etsy Shop Support on Patreon Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Grace and peace to you—see you soon for Season 2!  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