Bridging the Gap: Justice in the Church. This episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Sarah Pechan Driver to discuss personal experiences and the profound journey of understanding justice from a biblical perspective. Sarah shares her journey from youth group (with a young Mike Erre as youth pastor) to a consultant for equity in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of justice as restoration of Shalom. The discussion explores the biblical foundations of justice, practical applications in everyday life, and the gaps in understanding justice within the church community. Further, the conversation looks at the effectiveness of USAID programs, the role of the church in health initiatives, and the importance of equity in business practices. They discuss practical steps for promoting equity, biblical perspectives on justice, and the transformative power of community practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for the church to engage in social justice and the restoration of Shalom as a core element of faith.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Connections 07:15 - Journey to Understanding Justice 17:37 - Biblical Foundations of Justice 21:31 -  Bridging the Gap in Understanding Justice 23:49 - Practical Applications of Justice 27:59 - Evaluating Program Effectiveness 28:50 - The Role of USAID in Global Health 29:20 - Church Involvement in Health Initiatives 31:31 - Equity in Business Practices 32:34 - Practical Steps for Equity in Hiring 35:04 - Biblical Perspectives on Business and Equity 37:41 - Justice as a Core Element of Faith 39:32 - Transformative Practices in Community 41:13 - Defining Justice Through a Biblical Lens 43:17 - Restoration of Shalom as Justice 46:16 - Economic Practices for Justice 49:10 - The Beatitudes and Economic Justice 54:29 - Community Practices for Justice 01:00:34 - Being the Church in the World

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Understanding Grace as a Social Dynamic. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the implications of Christian nationalism, the importance of mental health in the face of societal issues, and the transformative power of grace within community dynamics. They explore how grace can reorder relationships and emphasize the need for a new humanity as described in Ephesians, while also addressing the challenges of navigating anger and outrage in today's world.

Further, Mike and Tim explore the transformative power of grace within the context of the new humanity as described in the New Testament. They discuss how grace flattens social hierarchies, reverses corrupt evaluations of status, and fosters a sense of siblingship among believers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community practices that restore Shalom, address racial dynamics, and promote generosity towards the marginalized. Ultimately, they highlight the need for the church to embody a radical reconfiguration of social values that celebrates diversity and humanity

00:00 - Introduction to Voxology Podcast 00:59 - Christian Nationalism and Its Appeal 07:32 - Navigating Anger and Mental Health 12:04 - The Role of Grace in Community 15:15 - Ephesians and the New Humanity 32:12 - Grace as a Social Dynamic 33:10 - Dynamics of Grace in the New Humanity 36:06 - The Flattening Effect of Grace 38:30 - Reversing Social Status through Grace 41:51 - The Role of Community in Siblingship 44:56 - The Great Reversal of Status 48:26 - Addressing Racial Dynamics in the Church 52:48 - Practices for Restoring Shalom 56:48 - Generosity and the Poor 01:00:06 - Reconciliation and Social Practices 01:04:51 - Celebrating Humanity and Diversity

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Social Justice as a Core Aspect of the Gospel. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking discussion about a new book on the concept of empathy, particularly in the context of the church and its role in social justice. They confront the idea of empathy as a sin, explore the church's responsibility in addressing justice issues, and emphasize the importance of community and discernment in navigating these complex topics. The conversation also delves into the early church's practices regarding social justice and the significance of communion as a reflection of social dynamics within the church. Further, Mike and Tim the significance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of community and unity within the church. They explore the implications of social justice as a core aspect of the gospel, highlighting how divisions within the church can lead to judgment. The discussion transitions into the concept of shalom, emphasizing that true peace involves restoration and active engagement in addressing societal disparities. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the need for transformation in understanding and practicing these principles.

00:00 - Confronting the Sin of Empathy

03:00 - The Role of the Church in Justice

05:48 - Isolation vs. Transformation in the Church

09:05 - The Importance of Community and Discernment

11:58 - Social Justice in the Early Church 1

5:07 - Understanding Communion and Social Dynamics

32:59 - Examining the Lord's Supper

41:00 - Social Justice and the Gospel

52:09 - Understanding Shalom and Transformation

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Exploring how to keep hope alive in overwhelming times and the church's role in restoring Shalom and unity amidst despair. Unpacking Ephesians 2, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss practical ways to overcome feelings of helplessness by engaging in community action and embracing a holistic understanding of sin and salvation.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding Hope Through Action – How engaging in local community efforts can alleviate feelings of despair and helplessness.
• Restoring Shalom – Understanding the church's role in reconciling divided groups and promoting unity, as illustrated in Ephesians 2.
• Holistic Redemption – Embracing a comprehensive view of sin and salvation that includes individual, communal, and systemic restoration.
• Navigating Despair – Strategies to avoid becoming overwhelmed by news cycles and societal issues, focusing on being informed rather than inflamed.

Resources Mentioned:

• Scandalous Witness by Lee Camp – [Link]
• Ephesians 2 – [Link]
• Vox Podcast Non-ference Details – [Link]

Join the conversation and share your experiences in finding hope during these challenging times. 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 [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Exploring how reframing sin and salvation as communal realities can transform our understanding of justice, community, and the mission of the church in today's world, Mike and Tim dive deep into the implications of being a community of justice and shalom while continuing their Exile Series.

Key Takeaways: • Sin and Salvation as Communal Concepts – Understanding the importance of viewing sin and salvation beyond individualism, emphasizing the corporate dimensions within the church. • The Role of the Church as New Humanity – Discussing Paul's metaphor of the body of Christ and how it calls us to eradicate hierarchies and promote justice within our communities. • Reevaluating Missions and the Great Commission – Critiquing traditional approaches to evangelism and missions, focusing on the communal nature of the gospel and the importance of healthy, mutual relationships. • Current Events and the Church's Response – Analyzing recent developments like anti-Christian bias task forces and Bible reading mandates, and how they align or conflict with Jesus' teachings on the church and state. • Upcoming Opportunities for Spiritual Community – Announcing the upcoming "Non-Ference" in Nashville for those feeling spiritually homeless, and "Pastoring as an Act of Resistance," a monthly gathering for ministry leaders.

Resources Mentioned: • Alan Kreider – The Patient Ferment of the Early Church • Tim Gombis – Faith Improvised podcast • Sky Jethani – Upcoming book on justice

Join us as we journey together in questioning and rediscovering the true mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us 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 [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Explore how recognizing sin and salvation as communal realities empowers the church to become a beacon of justice and shalom in a divided world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the deep-seated issues within modern Christianity, examining the dichotomy between individualistic and communal understandings of faith. They discuss how embracing a communal approach to sin and salvation calls us to prioritize justice, mercy, and empathy as core elements of following Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• The Communal Nature of Sin – Understanding how sin disrupts not only our relationship with God but also fractures community and societal structures.

• Salvation as Corporate Restoration – Exploring how salvation restores communities, calling the church to embody justice and shalom as integral to the gospel.

• Embracing Justice and Mercy – Discussing the role of the church in advocating for the marginalized, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, and how mercy and empathy should guide our actions.

• The Church as an Alternative Community – How the church can resist political ideologies and focus on being a community shaped by the cross, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and goats, highlighting the importance of mercy and justice.

• Books of Genesis and Leviticus – Insights into the communal aspects of sin and law in the Old Testament.

• Lee Camp's Writings – Perspectives on the church's role in society and resisting political power structures.

• Matthew Soerens and World Relief – Thoughts on immigration and welcoming the stranger.

Call to Action:

Join the conversation and help us build a community that embodies justice and shalom. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

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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

Explore how Christians can resist the allure of political power, understand the biblical call to live as exiles, and rediscover the transformative impact of being the church in a polarized society.

Key Takeaways: • Resisting Political Idolatry – Understanding the dangers of aligning Christianity with political parties and leaders. • Embracing Exile – How the biblical concept of exile shapes the church's posture in today's world. • Living the One Another Commands – The importance of internal transformation and community practices outlined in the New Testament. • Prophetic Witness – How the church can influence society by embodying justice, love, and humility without relying on political means.

Resources Mentioned: • The 59 "One Another" Commands – A compilation of New Testament directives for Christian community. • "Exiles" by Preston Sprinkle – Insights on the church's role in society. • "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon – Discussing the church as a counter-cultural community.

Join us as we delve into the heart of what it means to be the church in a divided world. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Mike and Tim unveil the revolutionary ways Jesus navigated oppressive systems by balancing submission and subversion, and how this approach empowers us to confront modern challenges with wisdom and courage.

Key Takeaways: • The Submissive-Subversive Tension – Understanding how Jesus embodied both submission to authority and subversion of oppressive power structures, providing a model for us today. • Deep Dive into the Herod Family – Exploring the complex dynamics between Jesus and the Herod dynasty, including Herod the Great and his sons Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip. • Parables with Political Undertones – Analyzing how Jesus's parables served as subtle critiques of the political landscape and the rulers of his time. • Joyful Non-Compliance – Discussing Dallas Willard's concept and how it reflects Jesus's approach to authority and societal norms. • Modern Application – Reflecting on how to apply Jesus's example of balancing submission and subversion in our own lives amidst current societal and political challenges.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Makes a surprise musical appearance, adding a personal and heartfelt moment to the episode.

Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard's Teachings • Ray Vanderlaan's Insights • 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' by Idles • Scripture References: Matthew 2, Luke 13, Obadiah, Malachi

Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on social media to stay updated on future episodes.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

An insightful exploration of how Christians can navigate political engagement in a democratic society while embracing their identity as exiles. Mike and Tim dive deep into the church's role in politics, discussing whether Christians should seek to transform society through laws and policies or focus on embodying the kingdom of God within their communities. They respond to Sky Jethani's thoughtful critiques, bringing fresh perspectives to the conversation about power, politics, and faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Exile Identity – Understanding how the biblical concept of exile redefines Christian political identity, allegiance, and hope.
• Prayer and Action – Examining the relationship between prayer and practical action in responding to disasters and societal issues.
• Political Power – Analyzing the tension between using political power to influence societal change and the call to live as exiles embodying the kingdom of God.
• Engaging Critiques – Responding to Sky Jethani's questions about Christian political engagement in a democracy where believers hold voting power.

Guest Highlights: Sky Jethani – Author, speaker, and co-host of The Holy Post Podcast. Sky offers thought-provoking critiques that challenge conventional views on Christian political involvement.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Holy Post Podcast – holypost.com
• Caitlin's Curiosities – A podcast by Caitlin Schess exploring big theological questions with kids.
• The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider – A book discussing how early Christians transformed society through patient faithfulness.

Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following Voxology on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Explore how embracing an exile identity reshapes Christian allegiance, hope, and posture toward government. Mike and Tim delve into lessons from the Book of Acts on how redefining our political identity as exiles can help us navigate the partisan landscape with a focus on the Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways: • Redefining Political Allegiance – Understanding how adopting an exile identity shifts our primary allegiance from partisan politics to the Kingdom of God. • Reconfiguring Hope – Discussing how our hope is not rooted in political outcomes but in Jesus and His mission. • Submission and Subversion – Exploring the tension between submitting to governing authorities and subverting the powers through a Kingdom-focused life. • Insights from Acts – Learning from early Christians on navigating political powers and maintaining faithfulness. • Practical Exile Living – Practical ways to live out the exile identity in today's politicized world.

Resources Mentioned: • The Book of Acts – Bible Gateway – Acts • Shane Claiborne's Teachings – shaneclaiborne.com • Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr's Teachings) – cac.org

Join us in exploring what it means to live as exiles today. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others seeking to navigate faith in a politicized world.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy