Voxology

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Becoming a Teaching Pastor Without Seminary and Following Jesus with Integrity (Q+A Series #1) Mar 27, 2017

Show notes

How can someone become a wise, compelling teaching pastor without going to seminary? What does it really mean to follow Jesus—and are you truly a disciple if you're not living out his teachings? In this special Facebook Live Q+A episode, Mike Erre and Andy tackle raw, honest questions from the Voxology community. This is the first part of an ongoing series responding to listener-submitted spiritual, theological, and cultural questions.

Mike and Andy reflect on church leadership development, biblical literacy, spiritual authority, and what true discipleship looks like in practice. They also explore how the church should rightly approach sin and judgment within its own community.

Key Takeaways: • Becoming the Kind of Person Who Has Something to Say – Instead of chasing credentials, immerse yourself deeply in Scripture, pursue spiritual maturity, and find mentors whose voices resonate with Christ-centered integrity. • Following Jesus Means Actually Following – A verbal commitment to Christ is not enough without transformation and Christlike love being formed in your actual life. • Grace and Accountability in the Church – The distinction between judgment and discernment and how discipline, when done right, leads to restoration, not exclusion. • Misusing Scripture to Avoid Nonbelievers – How verses like 2 Corinthians 6 are often taken out of context to wrongly justify excluding the world rather than loving and serving it.

Guest Highlights: No special guest this time, but the conversation is powered by the vibrant Voxology community and the powerful dynamic between Mike Erre and Andy.

Resources Mentioned: • N.T. Wright – https://ntwrightonline.org • Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy • Scott McKnight – https://scottemcknight.substack.com • Ray Vander Laan series – "That The World May Know" (Focus on the Family) • Books and resources from Beth Moore, Megan Fate, and other female teachers

This is just the beginning of the Q+A Series—more honest, unfiltered conversations are on the way. Got your own questions? Send them to hello@voxpodcast.com and be part of the dialogue. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and follow us on social media to support the show and stay connected!

We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV – https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://www.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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Lucky Few: Parenting, Proximity, and the Calling to Celebrate Down Syndrome - w/ Heather Avis Mar 20, 2017

Show notes

How proximity, storytelling, community, and embracing complexity help transform cultural narratives about disability and reshape the Church's witness to those the world often overlooks. Mike and Andy welcome back Heather Avis—author, mother, advocate, and founder of the Lucky Few—for a powerful conversation in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.

Through candid storytelling, laughter, and raw honesty, Heather, Mike, and Andy reflect on their shared journeys as parents of children with Down syndrome. They explore what it means to celebrate their kids joyfully and unapologetically in a world that still often sees disability through the lens of sorrow or burden.

This episode goes far beyond advocacy—it is a reflection on God's invitation for all of us to enter into spaces of discomfort, risk, and deep love for the sake of others. It's about the beauty found in the "yes" to raising children with Down syndrome, the brokenness of systemic ableism, and the everyday wonder these kids bring into the world.

Key Takeaways: • Parenting Children with Down Syndrome – Heather, Mike, and Andy share their adoption stories, fears, joys, and the transformational impact of raising their children. • The Power of Proximity – Why relationship and authentic inclusion—not pity or distance—change culture and hearts more than social media ever could. • Confronting Ableism – Personal stories of heartbreaking exclusions and how our systems are still built for the "typical," despite efforts at inclusion. • What If There Were a Cure? – Wrestling with the ethics and theology behind conversations about eradicating Down syndrome and what that says about our values. • Joyful Non-Compliance – Advocating for our kids begins with celebrating every little victory for what it is: sacred and worthy of delight.

Guest Highlights: Heather Avis – Author of The Lucky Few, adoptive mom of three children (two with Down syndrome), and fierce advocate for inclusion, dignity, and beauty in diversity. Heather shares her heart about the importance of story-sharing, confronting cultural narratives of "normal," and using her platform to spotlight the incredible value her children carry just by being themselves.

Resources Mentioned: • The Lucky Few by Heather Avis – heatheravis.com • Heather's Instagram – @macymakesmyday • Learn more about the movement at theluckyfew.com • Changing the Face of Beauty – Link • World Down Syndrome Day – worlddownsyndromeday.org

Join us in celebrating the beauty of difference and becoming people who say a full-throated "yes" to others the world might overlook. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology wherever you listen—your support helps amplify voices that matter.

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

Power Over vs. Power Under: Rethinking Christian Influence and Resistance in a Divided World - LIVE From Monkey Business Café Mar 12, 2017

Show notes

How power dynamics shape the church, politics, and our personal witness sits at the heart of this thought-provoking live podcast episode in our Way of Resistance series. Recorded at the Monkey Business Café in Fullerton, California, Mike and Andy take a deep dive into the teachings of Jesus on power—contrasting "power over" (coercion, control, and dominance) versus "power under" (self-sacrificial love, service, and nonviolent resistance). Through Scripture, cultural analysis, audience interaction, and a healthy dose of humor, they confront how the American church has often lost its way by pursuing the wrong kind of power—political, institutional, and authoritative—at the expense of the cross.

Listeners will walk away challenged and inspired to reclaim a Jesus-like influence rooted not in dominance but in subversive servanthood, prophetic humility, and a commitment to love even the enemy, including how this shapes voting, protesting, and everyday personal relationships.

Key Takeaways: • The Danger of Power Over – A deep dive into how the church often mimics the world's structures of control and coercion, from celebrity pastors to political endorsements. • Power Under, the Way of Jesus – Why self-sacrifice, service, empathy, and love are the defining marks of kingdom power, and how Jesus modeled this in his life and death. • Keeping Two Questions Distinct – Understanding the crucial difference between "What do I believe the state should do?" and "What advances the Kingdom of God?" • Cross-Centered Protest – Tips for protesting without perpetuating division, by staying rooted in love, humility, and solidarity with the marginalized. • Confronting Spiritual Abuse with Grace and Truth – A raw discussion on how to process church leadership failures and confront power-abusing institutions with integrity. • How to Love Our Enemies (like ISIS) – Wrestling with the radical call of Jesus to bless those who persecute you, even in the face of systemic evil.

Guest Highlights: Live Q&A with an engaged audience tackled questions on military service, spiritual abuse, evangelical politics, interfaith solidarity, and more—offering raw, heartfelt insights from people navigating faith on the ground.

Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 20:25-28 – Jesus's teaching on greatness and servanthood. • Matthew 26:47–56 – Jesus's rebuke of Peter and commentary on violence. • John 18 – Jesus before Pilate and "My kingdom is not of this world." • Constantine and the shift of the church to power over culture. • Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement as examples of power under. • The practice of lament and blessing in spiritual life & trauma recovery.

Get Involved: Help us push back against toxic power structures by embodying power under through compassion, service, and self-sacrificial love. Share this episode with someone struggling with faith and politics. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media to continue these vital conversations about what it means to follow Jesus in the chaos of modern culture.

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

We're on YouTube too (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

Our Merch Store: ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Support the Podcast on Patreon

Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Rethinking Heaven, Earth, and Hell: Judgment, Restoration, and the Mission of Jesus (Exile Series) Mar 06, 2017

Show notes

How reframing hell through the lens of heaven and earth can lead us to a more restorative understanding of God's judgment and radical love. In a deeply personal and theologically rich episode, Mike Erre and Andy dive into the ongoing "Exile Series" with an intense focus on how hell is misrepresented in Christian thought, why judgment is essential to the biblical story, and how eternal consequences don't have to mean eternal torment. Blending pastoral vulnerability with scriptural insight, Mike shares his own experience with anxiety and uncertainty while simultaneously inviting listeners to rethink the nature of God's justice, redemption, and future restoration.

Key Takeaways: • Heaven and Earth, Not Heaven and Hell – The Bible tells the story of the rupture and eventual restoration of heaven and earth, instead of a dichotomy between heaven and hell. • Why Judgment Matters – God's judgment is not about arbitrary punishment, but about restoring shalom by confronting evil, telling the truth about history, and purging all that dehumanizes creation. • Hell as Exile, Not Torture – Drawing from the biblical imagery of Gehenna and exile, hell is reframed as banishment and containment rather than a cosmic torture chamber. • Surprise and Reversal – God's judgment brings unexpected outcomes. Insiders may become outsiders, self-righteousness is exposed, and humility is exalted. • Sin Carries Its Own Consequences – Many of God's judgments are intrinsic to the sin itself. Consequences are often lived out now, shaping who we are and where we're headed. • Hope Beyond Damnation – Mike offers a compelling case for conditionalism (sometimes called annihilationism), arguing that eternal conscious torment may not reflect the heart of the gospel or the nature of God's justice.

Resources Mentioned: • Book: Skeletons in God's Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler • Book: Four Views on Hell (2nd edition) edited by Preston Sprinkle • Podcast + Book: Rethinking Hell by Christopher Date • Book: Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright • Voxology Teaching Series on Hell – voxologypodcast.com • Live Show: March 9 at Monkey Business Café

This episode is a powerful blend of theology, personal struggle, and a fresh vision of the gospel that highlights Jesus's beauty, mission, and mercy in a world desperate for hope and truth.

We'd love to hear what questions or insights you have as you process this. Feel free to share this episode with someone navigating their own understanding of hell and eternity—it's a conversation starter, not a definitive close.

Don't forget to subscribe to Voxology, leave us a review on Apple or Spotify, support us on Patreon, and connect with us on social media. Your support means the world to us.

As always, reach out with your thoughts and questions: hello@voxpodcast.com

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Join the conversation. Question. Wrestle. Discover. This is Voxology.

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

Breaking Free from Lust: Healing, Shame, and Reclaiming a Beautiful Sexuality Feb 27, 2017

Show notes

How a biblical vision of sex—rooted in wholeness, beauty, and fundamental human goodness—offers hope for those struggling with pornography in a world of shame, silence, and secondhand smoke.

Mike Erre and Andy unpack a deeply personal, raw, and candid discussion on pornography addiction within modern Christian culture. This is not your typical "don't do it" sermon. Instead, the episode seeks to unmask the complex emotional, neurological, relational, and spiritual realities of living in what Mike calls a "pornified culture." Drawing from emotional honesty and extensive biblical teaching, Mike shares his lifelong struggle, the impact on his family, and the road toward healing, reformation, and freedom.

Key Takeaways: • The Pandemic of Porn and the Power of Shame – Why secrecy gives porn addiction its lasting power and how confession and truth-telling begin the path forward. • Secondhand Smoke of Lust Culture – How porn affects not just users, but society at large—objectification, shame, altered relationships, and decreased desire for healthy love. • A Theology of Sexuality – Reclaiming God's original intent for sexuality as something good, whole, and a reflection of divine intimacy, rooted in Genesis and Song of Songs. • Lust vs. Desire – Clarifying Jesus' teachings in Matthew on lust and coveting and differentiating healthy attraction from objectifying lust. • Neurological and Emotional Truth – Exploring modern brain science research that confirms Paul's teachings in Ephesians on the numbing power of lust and addiction. • Unnumbing from Addiction – Mike's personal tools for healing: confession, accountability practices, spiritual disciplines, joyful parenting, therapy, and choosing to "live up to the freedom you already have." • Sexuality and Spiritual Formation – Recognizing that lust is not simply a moral failing but a formation issue that must be addressed through new habits, new desires, and community.

Guest Highlights: Mike Erre – Teaching pastor and Voxology host shares with searing honesty his ongoing journey of struggle and growth with porn addiction, emphasizing grace over judgment and formation over fear.

Andy Laura – Contributes as a thoughtful millennial voice, reflecting on marriage, generational challenges, and the fallout of purity culture, while offering hope for a deeper, healthier view of sex and relationships.

Resources and References: • Ephesians 4:17–19 – Paul's teaching on the hardening of heart and loss of sensitivity as stages of addiction. • Genesis 1–3, Song of Songs – A foundation for understanding God's "very good" creation of sexuality and human desires. • Dallas Willard & Richard Foster – Insights on spiritual disciplines and the pursuit of formation, not perfection. • Covenant Eyes – covenanteyes.com – Tool for accountability software mentioned by Mike. • Sexual Addicts Anonymous – saa-recovery.org – Support groups based on the 12-step model. • Brain Studies Cited – Research on neuroplasticity, dopamine pathways, and addiction recovery.

Join the journey of reclaiming beauty, wholeness, and real freedom. Share this episode with a friend who might find it helpful. And help others find healing by subscribing, leaving a review, and following Voxology on social.

As always, we invite discussion as we pursue healing together. Send questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

Check out our Merch Store on ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

Listen to our curated music on Voxology Radio (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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Unpretending, Misfits, and the Movement Toward Freedom - w/ Karrie Garcia of Freedom Movement Feb 20, 2017

Show notes

How unpretending can open the door to real healing, radical grace, and renewed purpose for the misfits among us. Mike and Andy sit down with speaker and founder of Freedom Movement, Carrie Garcia, for a raw and powerful conversation about faith, addiction, ministry, mental health, and the cost of pretending in church culture. Carrie shares her heart-wrenching and hope-filled journey—from growing up as a pastor's kid in dysfunction, surviving years of drug use, trauma, and church shame, to rediscovering herself and creating a movement where authenticity and healing take center stage. This episode boldly disrupts the narrative of performance-based faith and invites listeners into something deeper, messier, and more beautiful.

Key Takeaways: • Freedom in Unpretending – How transparency and truth-telling are vital spiritual disciplines for a church obsessed with appearances. • Church Culture & Shame – Discussing the damaging effects of performative Christianity and how the pressure to "keep it together" contributes to spiritual and emotional isolation. • From Meth to Ministry – Carrie's gripping testimony of addiction, recovery, and reclaiming her identity in Jesus—without needing to hide her story. • The Gospel for the Misfits – Why Jesus chooses misfits, and how that truth is reshaping conferences, ministries, and church partnerships across the country. • Restoration After Brokenness – Exploring the difference between behaving and becoming in the aftermath of failure, and how experiencing God's love in the pit can lead to real transformation. • Women in Leadership – Carrie shares her thoughtful, bridge-building perspective on female preachers in a church culture slowly shifting from exclusion to empowerment.

Guest Highlights: Carrie Garcia – Pastor's kid turned meth addict turned founder of the Freedom Movement, Carrie is a speaker, ministry leader, and advocate for honest faith. Known for her gripping storytelling and fierce authenticity, Carrie is pioneering events and partnerships aimed at helping people—especially women—know they aren't alone and that Jesus meets them right where they are, not just where they pretend to be.

Resources Mentioned: • Freedom Movement events and info – freedommovement.us • Follow Carrie on Instagram – @carriegarcia1 • Upcoming Freedom Movement LA Event – March 24 at Rocky Peak Church • Vox Live Show – March 9 at the Monkey Business Café in Fullerton. Sign up and more info at voxpodcast.com

Join the movement and be part of something real, honest, and radically inclusive. Subscribe, rate us on iTunes, share this episode with a friend, and follow us on social media to keep the conversation going.

We'd love to hear your thoughts and questions—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Join the dialogue on Instagram and Facebook.

Catch more from the Vox community on VOXOLOGY TV and explore our merch at our Etsy Store.

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the work of Voxology on Patreon

Make sure to follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us on Facebook

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Christian Resistance, Political Allegiance, and the Call to a Kingdom Ethic (Exile Series) Feb 13, 2017

Show notes

How the church can redefine its role in a divided political climate by reclaiming allegiance to Jesus and resisting partisan captivity. Mike Erre and Andy reflect on what it means to be ambassadors of God's kingdom in an age of polarization, tribal politics, and cultural confusion. Drawing from early church history, scriptural insights, and challenging contemporary examples, this episode is an urgent call back to courage, clarity, and compassion.

Key Takeaways: • Support, Challenge, and Create – Followers of Jesus are called to support what they can, challenge what they must, and create a prophetic alternative to the prevailing culture, no matter who's in power. • Christianity Is Not Partisan – How political allegiance has distorted faith communities and why true allegiance belongs only to Jesus the King. • From Hostility to Hospitality – Exploring the radical call to love neighbors, opponents, and even enemies with compassion, listening, and presence. • Giving Up the Culture War – Why American Christians need to move from seeking cultural triumph to pursuing the common good for all, including refugees, Muslims, and political adversaries. • Real Enemies and Real Hope – Reclaiming the biblical idea that the true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers behind division and injustice.

Guest Highlights: No guest in this episode, but the dialogue between Mike and Andy creates space for vulnerability, humor, and provocative insight. From reflections on Juster's FaceTime interruptions to meaningful conversation about political Christianity, they unpack complex issues with accessibility and grace.

Resources Mentioned: • Phillip Yancey – Commentary on politics and faith. • Tim Keller – Sermons on early Christian political posture. • Cyprian of Carthage – Historical example of the church during plagues. • Bible references:

Hebrews 11 – Longing for a better country.
Philippians 3 – Citizenship in heaven.
Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan.
2 John – Warning about false teachers, addressed and challenged.
Galatians 5 – Fruit of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6 – Armor of God and powers/principalities.

Join the conversation as we reclaim the radical, non-partisan, kingdom-oriented mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media for continued perspectives rooted in biblical faith and public witness.

As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue these things together. Feel free to email your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're now on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV

Check out our merch store on ETSY

Explore more episodes at voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Support the show on Patreon

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Why Prayer Still Matters in a World of Suffering: Wrestling with Faith, Healing, and the Silence of God Feb 06, 2017

Show notes

How does prayer work in a world marked by injustice, trauma, and unanswered cries? Mike Erre and Andy tackle one of the hardest and most personal questions the Voxology community has ever wrestled with: Why do some prayers seem to be answered while others—especially those for safety and healing—go unanswered? Using an honest question from a listener as the foundation, this episode takes a deep dive into the complexities of prayer, God's sovereignty, the problem of evil, and what "answered prayer" truly means when held up against global suffering like Aleppo or the death of a child.

This isn't about quick solutions or spiritual platitudes. Mike and Andy explore why drawing straight lines between outcome and God's will often leads to distorted theology and wounded hearts. Instead, they argue for a richer, more biblically grounded approach that embraces mystery, laments with hope, and chooses trust even in the silence.

Key Takeaways: • The Role of Prayer in Partnership with God – Prayer isn't about control but influence, intimacy, and cooperation with a God who desires relationship, not puppets. • Why "It Must Be God's Will" is Harmful – Debunking this simplistic response with biblical texts that show other wills—human and demonic—are at work in the world. • Faith is Participation, Not Certainty – How the Bible presents faith as movement toward God, not psychological confidence, and why formulas around "enough faith" can be spiritually abusive. • The Power of "I Don't Know" – Why humility, not certainty, is the most Christ-like and pastoral response to suffering. • What Prayer Cultivates in Us – Prayer changes how we speak, see, and align ourselves with the heart of Jesus, even when we don't understand the outcomes.

Resources Mentioned: • The Book of Daniel, particularly Daniel 10 – Exploring the cosmic battle that interrupted answered prayer. • James 4:3 – On asking with the wrong motives. • Mark 9:24 – "I do believe; help my unbelief." • Bruce Almighty (2003) – Used for theological humor and metaphor around prayer and divine control. • The "Stages of Faith" and related previous episodes – Look for episodes around faith, doubt, and deconstruction.

Join us in embracing a deeper conversation on prayer—one that leads not to perfection or predictive theology, but to a more honest and sacred space of trust, action, and mystery. If this episode resonates with you, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform to stay part of the 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

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

Faith and Disorientation: Stages of Spiritual Growth and Worship in the Psalms (Psalm Series) Jan 30, 2017

Show notes

How the raw honesty of the Psalms offers a roadmap for navigating spiritual maturity, emotional turmoil, and the disruptive journey of faith. Mike Erre and Andy dive into Walter Brueggemann's framework for categorizing Psalms—orientation, disorientation, and reorientation—and explore how this mirrors the spiritual stages articulated by M. Scott Peck. This episode is a heartfelt journey through belief, suffering, and the surprising grace found in facing doubt and darkness head-on.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Brueggemann's Psalm Categories – Orientation celebrates settled, clear faith; disorientation confronts chaos, lament, and abandonment; reorientation emerges through surprise, hope, and restored relationship. • From Stage 2 to Stage 4 – Mapping Peck's spiritual stages onto the Psalms highlights the often messy, nonlinear progression of maturing in faith. • The Power of Lament – Why the church must rediscover the lost tradition of lament in a culture that idolizes positivity and avoids pain. • Reframing Worship – How the modern church often leans too heavily on orientation and neglects the disorientation most people are actually experiencing. • Honesty in Church Culture – What it means to make churches "the most honest places in town" and spiritually form people through suffering rather than in spite of it.

Notable Quotes: • "Prayer is not a place to be good. It's a place to be honest." • "The Bible is way more honest than Christians are about suffering." • "The goal isn't to get back to orientation—it's to move forward into a faith that has survived disorientation."

Resources Mentioned: • Walter Brueggemann's work on the Psalms • Matthew Soerens – World Relief Immigration Proposal • M. Scott Peck – Stages of Spiritual Development • Psalm 145 – Example of Orientation • Psalm 88 – Example of Disorientation • Psalm 40 – Example of Reorientation • Book of Psalms – Bible Gateway: Psalms

Join us in embracing a faith that makes room for grief, doubt, and wrestling. Share this episode with someone navigating spiritual uncertainty. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on your favorite platform or social outlet.

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 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

Navigating Spiritual Growth: Understanding the Four Stages of Faith Development Jan 23, 2017

Show notes

How the Four Stages of Faith, as outlined by M. Scott Peck, can help you better understand your own spiritual journey and engage more graciously with people at all stages of Christian development. Mike and Andy take a deep dive into Peck's psychological and spiritual framework—introducing the stages of Chaotic/Antisocial, Formal/Institutional, Skeptic/Individual, and Mystic/Communal—and reflect on how these stages intersect with church life, leadership, and what it means to follow Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Peck's Four Stages of Faith – A journey from chaotic self-interest to mystic communion, and how these psychological insights mirror major spiritual milestones. • Stage-Specific Challenges and Temptations – Why each stage brings unique struggles, comforts, and moments of crisis that often catalyze deeper growth. • The Painful Beauty of Transition – How breakdowns in belief systems, routines, or institutions can lead to more authentic spiritual engagement when embraced with humility. • Why Forms Aren't the Goal – Differentiating between the external structures (forms) of religion and the deeper truths they represent. • Lessons for Leaders and Churches – How teaching, community engagement, and discipleship can better serve multistage faith communities—and avoid alienating those in transition. • Jesus Across All Stages – How Christ graciously interacts with people at each stage, offering transformation without demanding conformity.

Helpful Insight: Peck's provocative assertion that many people turn to religion in Stage 2 to escape mystery, while those at Stage 4 are drawn to it because of mystery, becomes a powerful lens for reshaping how we view spiritual maturity.

Resources Mentioned: • M. Scott Peck – "The Road Less Traveled" and "People of the Lie" • Romans 14 – "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?" • Mike Erre – "Astonished" (book) • Vox Podcast Archive – Deep dive conversations on deconstruction, doubt, and discipleship

Join the conversation and reflect on where you are in your spiritual growth. Which stage resonates with you the most right now? How can your community create space for people wrestling with different stages? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected with us online.

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.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

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