Voxology

Latest Episodes:

Grace and Abortion: Personal Stories and Rethinking Theology (Image Series) May 16, 2022

Show notes

Delving into the challenging intersection of abortion, grace, and theology, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford share heartfelt discussions on personal stories, the church's response, and how to navigate these complex issues with compassion and Christ-centered perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

Personal Stories and the Complexity of Abortion – A listener bravely shares her experience with abortion, prompting a nuanced conversation about compassionate, Christ-centered abortion policies and the church's approach to such sensitive issues.
Reframing Grace and Theology – Exploring how understanding grace as transformative and reciprocal impacts our perspectives on faith, works, and addressing complex moral dilemmas like abortion.
The Church's Role and Response – Reflecting on how the church can better support individuals facing difficult decisions, moving beyond black-and-white thinking to embody empathy and support.
Engaging with Listener Questions – Addressing topics such as the potential future targets of the religious right, struggles with Bible reading due to shame and bad theology, and finding supportive community within seminary.
Understanding Grace and Works – Introducing John Barclay's insights on grace, its different dimensions, and the implications for faith and works in the Christian life.

Resources Mentioned:

"Paul and the Gift" by John Barclay – [Link]
"Paul and the Power of Grace" by John Barclay – [Link]
"Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien – [Link]

Join the conversation as we navigate these complex topics together. Don't forget to 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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Grieving the Fallout: Roe v. Wade, Culture War Christianity, and the Way of Jesus May 09, 2022

Show notes

How should Christians respond when long-sought political victories come with emotional and spiritual turmoil? As part of the ongoing Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford process the leaked Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, diving into the complex relationship between faith, justice, and power. Rather than celebrating or condemning in simplistic terms, the episode explores why this moment calls for grief, humility, and a reexamination of what it means to walk the way of Jesus in a culture obsessed with winning.

Mike and Tim also dissect the theology of culture war Christianity and how it contradicts the upside-down kingdom Jesus proclaimed. They contrast coercive, legislated morality with the patient, radical hospitality of community that values every image-bearer – from unborn children to vulnerable mothers, immigrants, the poor, and beyond. The episode concludes with a reflective time of worship and a liturgical prayer of the people, inviting the listener into a posture of mercy and compassion.

Key Takeaways: • Jesus vs. Culture War Christianity – Why the church's pursuit of power often undermines its witness and contradicts the gospel of self-sacrificial love. • Redefining "Pro-Life" – Expanding the term beyond abortion to include systemic justice for women, immigrants, the incarcerated, and the poor. • Partisan Faith and Its Pitfalls – How aligning with political platforms at all costs distorts discipleship and devalues compassion. • Who Really Wins in Culture Wars? – Grieving the relational, communal, and societal harm that's been done in the name of "victory." • Kingdom Living as Culture Resistance – Embracing the Sermon on the Mount and cruciform love as our countercultural strategy in an age of hostility.

Guest Highlights: No guest this week – but Mike and Tim bring their deep theological insight, personal vulnerability, and pastoral wisdom to unpack this cultural moment with care.

Resources Mentioned: • "The Cross Contradicts Our Culture War" – Article by Russell Moore • Jonathan Haidt on Social Media and Polarization – Read it here • Skye Jethani Abortion Reform Video – Holy Post YouTube Channel • YoungLives by Young Life – Ministry serving teenage mothers: younglife.org

Join our community of curiosity and compassion. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook to stay connected. Invite others to listen as we seek the way of Jesus together – in love, humility, and justice.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Gotta Have Faith, Faith, Faith: Transforming Belief into Enacted Loyalty (Image Series) May 02, 2022

Show notes

Discover how redefining faith as enacted loyalty can revolutionize your understanding of Christianity and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack common misconceptions about faith, exploring how viewing faith as allegiance to Jesus as King leads to a more authentic and active spiritual life.

Key Takeaways:

Faith Beyond Mental Agreement – Challenging the idea that faith is merely believing certain truths without action.
Enacted Loyalty to Jesus – Understanding faith as lived allegiance, demonstrated through actions and lifestyle.
Debunking Misconceptions – Addressing misunderstandings of faith being the opposite of reason, a leap in the dark, or mere profession.
The Marriage Analogy – Exploring how marriage serves as a powerful metaphor for faith as a covenantal and relational commitment.
Embracing Doubt Within Faith – Discussing how doubt is a natural part of faith and does not undermine genuine allegiance.

Resources Mentioned:

"Salvation by Allegiance Alone" by Matthew Bates – [Link]
"The King Jesus Gospel" by Scot McKnight – [Link]
"How God Became King" by N.T. Wright – [Link]
Teachings of Greg Boyd – [Link]
Insights from Dallas Willard – [Link]

Join the conversation and explore how this fresh perspective on faith can enrich your spiritual journey. Don't forget to 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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Reconstructing Faith and Sharing Hope: Communicating the Gospel Amidst Deconstruction Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

Explore how rethinking deconstruction and understanding the full narrative of the Gospel can empower you to share hope and faith effectively, especially in life's most challenging moments. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into what it truly means to deconstruct faith—not as a departure but as a deeper commitment to Jesus—and discuss how to compassionately articulate the good news to those in crisis.

Key Takeaways:

Reframing Deconstruction – Recognizing deconstruction as an opportunity to deepen faith and embrace a fuller understanding of the Bible's narrative.
Articulating the Gospel in Difficult Times – Ways to communicate the good news in a meaningful, compassionate manner to friends facing suffering or end-of-life situations.
Responding to Critiques with Grace – Approaching criticism and differing theological views with openness and respect, fostering healthy faith conversations.
Rethinking Traditional Evangelism – Challenging methods that focus on guilt and judgment, and instead emphasizing God's love and the broader story of redemption.

Resources Mentioned:

John 3:16 – Exploring the depth beyond the familiar verse.
Romans Road – Discussing traditional methods of sharing the Gospel.

Join the conversation and engage with us as we navigate the complexities of faith, deconstruction, and sharing hope. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Understanding Salvation as the Intersection of Ages: Embracing the 'Now and Not Yet' Kingdom (Image Series) Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford conclude their deep dive into the concept of 'saved' by exploring how salvation is a story about time and space. They unpack the Jewish understanding of the present age and the age to come, discuss the 'already but not yet' nature of the Kingdom of God, and explain how living in the intersection of these ages affects our understanding of salvation and Christian life. They also address listener feedback on previous episodes and reflect on the practical implications of viewing salvation as the intersection of the ages.

Key Takeaways:

Salvation as a Story of Time and Space – Understanding how 'saved' involves the overlap of the present age and the age to come.
The 'Already but Not Yet' Kingdom – Exploring the paradox of the Kingdom of God being both present and future, and how this shapes our Christian experience.
Living in the Intersection of Ages – Discussing how the overlap of the ages explains conflicting experiences in Christian life and informs our participation in God's mission.
Practical Implications – Addressing how this understanding helps us navigate triumphalism and defeatism, and encourages us to live as new creation people.

Resources Mentioned:

Mark 1:15 – "The time has come... The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news."
Galatians 4:4-5 – "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son..."
Zechariah 14, Joel 2, Ezekiel 36 – Old Testament prophecies about the Day of the Lord and the age to come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 – "These things happened... on whom the culmination of the ages has come."
Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 11:20, Luke 17:20-21 – Jesus's teachings on the present and future Kingdom.

Join us as we conclude our series on 'saved' and explore what it means to live between the ages. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and be part of 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 can be found here: Voxology Radio

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Beauty of Belonging, Redefining Church, and Learning to Love Yourself - w/ Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

What does it mean to truly belong in a church community—and how do we get there when Sunday morning isn't an option? In this special midweek episode, guest Bethany Shea joins Mike and Tim to explore the essence of church beyond the traditional structure. They dive into rich conversations about spiritual loneliness, self-worth, deconstruction, marriage, inclusive theology, and how our past affects our faith journey.

Bethany brings deep insight from her experience as a church planter, United Methodist pastor, adoptive mom, and author of Stepping Into Advent and Stepping Into Lent. With wisdom, vulnerability, and humor, the team addresses questions from listeners navigating complex spiritual and relational terrain—from finding church community outside of Sunday mornings to helping others wrestle with bounded theology, and living with the heavy weight of spiritual unworthiness.

Key Takeaways: • Church Beyond Sunday – Why your weekly worship experience doesn't have to be limited to Sunday services and how to cultivate community in new ways. • Redefining Leadership & Gender Roles – Bethany shares her journey from 'just sharing' to fully stepping into her call as a teaching pastor. • Deconstruction in Marriage – How faith evolution within a couple can mirror larger spiritual transformation and require healing, collaboration, and counseling. • From Shame to Belovedness – How we confront internal narratives of unworthiness and the spiritual tools to begin healing through community, therapy, and remembering our baptism. • Igniting Curiosity in Conservative Spaces – Tips for gently encouraging open questions and deeper exploration among those steeped in bounded theology. • The Still Small Voice – Rethinking how God shows up when emotional experiences fall short or never come at all.

Guest Highlights: Bethany Nass Cseh – Co-pastor at Catalyst Church in Humboldt County, California, and United Methodist Church. Bethany shares her insights on navigating leadership as a woman in ministry, parenting neurodivergent children, self-publishing spiritual reflections, and learning to embrace both personal and communal transformation.

Resources Mentioned: • Catalyst Church Humboldt (YouTube Sermons) – Catalyst YouTube Channel • Bethany's Instagram – @bethany.nass.cseh • Stepping Into Advent and Stepping Into Lent by Bethany Shea • N.T. Wright Bible Studies – NT Wright Online • Justin McRoberts (Author/Mentor) – justinmcroberts.com • The Story of Elijah (1 Kings 19), Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3), and the example of corporate identity in church • Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller • John Coe's teachings on emotional and spiritual formation – Institute for Spiritual Formation (Biola)

Rediscover the beauty of belonging—even when it's messy. We invite you to embrace a faith community that doesn't require theological rigidity, but cultivates grace, presence, and honest conversation.

Let's continue to explore healing, belonging, and love together. Have questions or reflections of your own? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the ongoing discussion on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: ETSY Learn more and find past episodes at: voxologypodcast.com Support us on Patreon: voxology on Patreon Follow us: Instagram – @voxologypodcast Facebook – facebook.com/voxologypodcast Mike on Twitter – @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram and Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with someone who might need some encouragement on their spiritual journey.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Reframing Salvation and Wrath: Exploring Paul's Cosmic Theology in Romans (Image Series) Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Understanding how Paul's insights in Romans about sin, wrath, and cosmic powers reshape our view of salvation and what it means for living in the Kingdom today, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into deep theological concepts of what we are truly saved from and how this impacts our embodied lives.

Key Takeaways:

The Cosmic Powers of Sin and Wrath – How sin and wrath are active forces that enslave humanity, not just individual moral failings.
Paul's Theology in Romans – Unpacking how Paul's writings provide a deeper understanding of salvation, moving beyond traditional interpretations.
New Creation Space – Exploring the concept of purified temple space through Jesus and how believers inhabit this space to live out the Kingdom.

Resources Mentioned:

When Helping Hurts by Corbett and Fickert – [Link]
Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions by Corbett and Fickert – [Link]
Tim Gombis' Podcast and Writings on Romans – [Link]
The Letter to the Romans by N.T. Wright – [Link]

Join the conversation as we challenge traditional notions of salvation and embrace a fuller understanding of our role in the Kingdom. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Saved from Chaos: How the Biblical Story Reframes Sin, Space, and Salvation (Image Series) Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

How the story of salvation is far more expansive than sin management—unraveling the Old Testament's narrative of chaos, pollution, and broken image-bearing, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into what we're truly saved from. Continuing their deep-dive Salvation Series, this episode explores new creation space, the cosmic pollution of sin, and how Israel's tabernacle points to God's larger rescue plan.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Sin as Cosmic Disorder – Instead of personal moral trip-ups, sin is described as chaos invading God's ordered creation, disrupting divine image-bearing. • Temple as New Creation Space – How Eden, the tabernacle, and later the temple represent God's ordered space in a chaotic world, and why that matters for understanding salvation. • Humankind's Vocational Failure – What it means that humans stopped imaging God and instead bore the image of creation, upending their priestly and kingly roles. • Sin as Pollution – Ancient Israel's purification rituals show that sin was seen as contaminating space, not just breaking a rule, and why this changes our view of atonement. • A Bigger Picture of "Saved From" – Not just hell or wrath, but from the power of chaos, disorder, and idolatry that fractured creation.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Makes another delightful cameo bringing brightness, humor, and a big 'good morning' to listeners.

Resources Mentioned: • John Walton – Works on Genesis and Ancient Near Eastern Cosmology • Gregory Beale – "The Temple and the Church's Mission" • Christopher Wright – Theological insights on Old Testament narrative • John Sailhamer – "The Pentateuch as Narrative" • Tim Gombis – Perspectives on Romans and cosmic framing of sin • Michael Heiser – Insights on the spiritual realm and Genesis 6 • Leviticus 16 and Numbers 35 – Old Testament passages on pollution and atonement

Continue wrestling with the bigger picture of what salvation truly means and how it connects to your everyday vocation as a Jesus follower. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite podcast platform to stay connected as we keep exploring the beauty of this grand rescue story.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Saved for Restoration: Rethinking the Image of God in Embodied Faith (Image Series) Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

How our distorted image-bearing has led to a shallow understanding of salvation—and why recovering a body-centered gospel transforms everything. Mike and Tim take a sweeping journey through Genesis, Romans, and Revelation to reframe what it really means to be "saved." Shifting away from a soul-only rescue plan for the afterlife, they highlight Paul's central argument: that sin is a symptom, not the root. The true gospel is a call to reclaim our purpose as image-bearers of the Creator—bodily, communally, and holistically. This episode in the Salvation Series continues unpacking the disconnect between misguided missions and the true mission of Jesus, pressing into what it means to be human in the Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways: • Salvation as Restored Vocation – Moving away from "heaven or hell" narratives, salvation is reframed as the restoration of our Genesis calling to image God in every area of embodied life. • From Idolatry to Worship – Paul's diagnosis in Romans isn't just that we sin, but that we've exchanged the glory of God for false images, which disrupts everything—especially how we relate to others and to creation. • Sin as Symptom, Not the Disease – Human rebellion flows from forfeiting our image-bearing identity; sin is what happens downstream, not the root condition. • Faith, Bodies, and Real Life – Being "saved" isn't just about abstract belief or doctrinal agreement—it's about embodying the values of the Kingdom in your real, physical, daily life. • Questioning Modern Missions – Tim reflects on how mission trips often center the privileged instead of the poor, calling for a reimagined posture of service that reflects true gospel embodiment.

Resources Mentioned: • "Reading Romans Backwards" by Scot McKnight – [Link] • "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas & William Willimon – [Link] • "Romans" series by Tim Gombis on the Faith Improvised Podcast – [Link] • Genesis 1–3, Romans 1–12, Revelation 21–22 – YouVersion Bible • Voxology Episodes on Hell and Heaven – Voxology Podcast Archive

Join us as we reconstruct a gospel big enough to include your whole life—and your whole self—in the story of God's redemption. Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology 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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

When Centered Set Church Meets Real Life: Navigating Power, Belonging, and Boundaries - w/ Dr. Mark D. Baker Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

How do we live out a centered-set model of church when real people, power structures, and theological questions get messy? In this midweek bonus episode of the Unity Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome theologian and author Mark Baker, whose book Centered Set Church has been the foundation of recent Voxology conversations. Together they unpack a wave of thoughtful listener questions that push the centered-set model beyond theory and into lived reality.

From gender-based leadership exclusion to navigating "soccer players" who claim Jesus but distort his ethic, Mark dives deep into the tensions between theory and practice. He emphasizes that the centered-set model isn't a quick fix—it's a posture, a community effort, and a call to define our center as the Jesus of the Gospels, rather than culturally constructed versions.

If you've loved the Unity Series and wrestled with the practical implications of centered-set thinking on church membership, theological boundaries, power dynamics, and finding belonging in spiritual community, this conversation will both challenge and encourage you.

Key Takeaways: • Defining the Center Together – Why a shared understanding of Jesus as the center is essential in a centered-set model. • Boundaries vs. Boundedness – How orthodoxy, membership, and even creeds can be practiced in a centered (versus exclusionary) way. • Loving Intervention – Why curious, compassionate engagement—not judgment—is the hallmark of centered pastoral leadership. • Church and Cultural Power – How practices like male-only leadership and racial homogeneity can reveal bounded dynamics, even in churches claiming to be centered. • Navigating Displacement – Encouragement for those who feel disconnected from church culture in their geographic context and are discerning how to find or help shape spiritual community. • Letting Legacy Go – Why perhaps the most faithful move is passing along a centered mindset, rather than preserving institutional structures.

Guest Highlights: Mark Baker – Professor of theology and author of Centered Set Church, Mark brings decades of scholarship, cross-cultural ministry, and practical insight into what it takes to nurture communities shaped by Jesus rather than rigid doctrine or loose inclusivity. His work calls for continuous re-centering on the person and way of Jesus.

Resources Mentioned: • Centered Set Church by Mark Baker – centeredsetchurch.com • Five-Video Discussion Guide for Churches and Small Groups – centeredsetchurch.com • The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce Longenecker – https://amzn.to/3Rf7nK6 • Galatians 5 (on love fulfilling the law) – Bible Gateway link • Matthew 25 (The Sheep and the Goats) – Bible Gateway link

Join us in this deeper exploration of what it takes to embody the way of Jesus in your context. Share this episode, start a conversation in your community, and help foster churches that define belonging not by conformity, but by Christ at the center.

As always, we welcome your questions and dialogue as we pursue a more faithful expression of church. Write to us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the Voxology community on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube – @voxology Explore the Merch Store – Etsy Visit the website – voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon

Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – timothyjohnstafford.com | @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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy