Voxology

Toward a Theology of Disability - with Alex Wolf

Today, Mike and Tim talk with Alex Wolf, director and content developer at Hope Heals, about her journey from pastor’s kid and missionary to one of the key theological voices shaping Hope Heals’ work. The conversation centers on how proximity to disability reorients faith, why disability is not a niche category but a universal human story, and what the church misses when it treats accessibility as a program instead of a posture.How does something like Hope Heals embody a kind of disruption to normal church life? How does belonging differ from hospitality, and how does co-creation matter more than merely making room for people?Timestamps:00:00 - Intro07:30 - Introducing Alex Wolf and her connection to Hope Heals12:00 - Growing up in a pastor’s home and early faith formation13:00 - Missionary work overseas and the questions that started to surface14:00 - Family, trusted guides, and the freedom to question15:35 - Intellectual and existential wrestling in her 20s17:33 - How Alex first said yes to Hope Heals20:46 - Space to doubt inside a faith-centered parachurch organization20:46 - Space to doubt inside a faith-centered parachurch organization23:00 - Proximity to disability and a new understanding of the Beatitudes25:00 - Why Alex began writing theology of disability31:36 - Invisible wheelchairs and the many forms of hidden limitation39:00 - Why disability should not be treated as a program49:35 - Alex names the lack of ego as the secret ingredient at Hope Heals54:00 - Closing gratitude and final remarksPraxis Thesis: Valuing People With Disabilities as a Gift to SocietyHope Heals WebsiteHope Heals on Instagram: @hopehealsHope Heals Camp WebsiteThe GoodHard Story Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyTreasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf and Alex WolfAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Difference Between Spiritual Abuse and Normal Church Conflict

Imagine a church where spiritual abuse is not just an exception but a pattern rooted deep in its culture... It’s a heartbreaking reality revealed when both pastors and congregation members unconsciously enable destructive behaviors. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into how systemic cultures within churches can foster coercion, manipulation, and spiritual trauma—even when no one intends harm. How does spiritual abuse differ from healthy conflict, and what are the subtle ways it manifests through control, secrecy, and elitism? The role of church culture in either enabling or resisting abuse—plus practical elements that cultivate a healthier, “Tov” (good) environment Why trusting cultures matter more than trusting individual leaders, and how to discern whether a church’s environment fosters righteousness or ripples with bad fruit The importance of humility, repentance, and transparency in confronting and preventing systemic failures - Real-world examples of how power, wealth, and even well-meaning teachings become tools for harm when uncheckedCHAPTERS: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction: Navigating summer, beards, and the heat 02:00 - Vacation reflections: Gulf of America and political symbolism 03:40 - The contrast between dry and humid heat; Florida’s atmosphere 05:00 - Cultural perceptions of patriotism and national identity 06:00 - Current polls: Millennials, Gen Z, and the influence of political support on church attendance 07:57 - The surprising data: Atheists and agnostics rejecting support for Trump and church09:20 - The decline and revival of religious interest among young adults 11:00 - Worship, justice, and genuine spiritual longing amidst cultural confusion 13:00 - The influence of church history, state power, and religious movements 15:00 - The importance of uncharged (free) prophetic ministry and systemic patterns of abuse 17:00 - Recognizing authentic love and discipline versus toxic authority 19:00 - The nature of spiritual abuse: coercion, manipulation, secrecy, and power distortion 22:00 - Differentiating dispute and conflict from abusive patterns 25:30 - The importance of culture, habits, language, and collective identity 27:00 - Routine issues: church discipline, transparency, accountability, and systemic healing 30:00 - Recognizing and addressing spiritual trauma and systemic failure 33:00 - How unintentional actions contribute to harm; the need for awareness 36:00 - The role of leaders, nepotism, wealth, and power in perpetuating abuse 38:00 - What authentic love and humility look like in church leadership 41:00 - The importance of healthy cultures and the influence of external societal pressures 43:30 - Practical discernment: when disagreement becomes spiritual abuse 47:00 - The challenge of repentance, truth-telling, and confronting church complicity 50:00 - The importance of humility in leadership, ongoing learning, and personal growth 53:00 - The influence of church culture on shaping trust and accountability 55:30 - Defining "Tov" and how cultivating goodness counters bad fruit 58:00 - Recognizing and nurturing good fruit in church and community life 60:00 - The metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ: fighting for health and justice 62:00 - Practical final thoughts: loving well, confessing honestly, and cultivating healthy culture 63:00 - Wrap-up and closing blessingsAs 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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Salvation is the Restoration of our Humanity, Not Evacuation From it

Spoiler: Stick around to the end to hear Seth do a Justin Bieber/Shema mashup... What if salvation isn't about escaping our humanity but restoring it? This episode unpacks a revolutionary view: human beings are inherently divine images—nouns and verbs—created to reflect God's character and creativity into the world. But somewhere along the way, that sacred image is fractured, leading to spiritual abuse, dehumanization, and disconnection from ourselves and others. In this episode, we explore the biblical concept of being fully human as God originally intended—images and likenesses of God, called to image and "verb" humanity into the world. We discuss how understanding our created purpose impacts our view of spirituality, identity, and the fight against spiritual abuse.The biblical foundation of human dignity: imagery and likeness in GenesisThe significance of image-bearing as verb and noun: (re)imagining God into the worldHumanity's role in creation: exercise of sovereignty, rule, and subduing with purposeThe concept of glory and honor: humans crowned when acting as God's imageThe impact of idolatry: exchanging God's glory for created things, resulting in dehumanizationThe recovery of humanity through Christ: becoming conformed to Jesus' image in ongoing transformation Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: rediscovering what it means to be fully human 02:08 - Parental stories and everyday life as reflections of human image-bearers 03:19 - Introducing the series: spiritual abuse and the importance of being fully human 06:06 - How bad religion binds us and takes us away from our true humanity 06:54 - Humanity's broad scope: body, spirit, and all aspects of life as God's image 07:25 - Genesis 1: Making humans in our image and likeness—temple language 08:47 - Image as physical representation of divine power: statues of gods and kings 09:47 - Humanity as living idols: embodying God's character and purposes 10:45 - Humanity’s role to rule, subdue, and create potential in creation 12:10 - Purposeful rule: exercising sovereignty and cultivating the world 14:37 - The divine breath and humanity: dirt plus divine spirit 15:32 - Material and immaterial unity: embodying God's spirit and image 16:14 - Humanity’s role in worship through work and loving care of creation 17:10 - Names and authority: humans mirroring God's naming as image bearers 19:07 - The human's shared authority with God: law, naming, and rule 20:18 - Doing what God does: image as noun and verb—reflecting and enacting God's character 21:55 - The importance of language: naming and imitating God's creative acts 22:56 - The impact of the fall: losing the image and glory, and the rupture in relationships 24:34 - The shift from image as noun to image as verb: imaging the serpent’s wisdom 27:17 - Psalm 8: Humanity crowned with glory when fulfilling divine purposes 29:49 - Romans 1 and 3: Exchanging God's glory for images of creation, resulting in dehumanization and corruption 32:34 - The fall and the wave of idolatry: suffering in bodies and communities 35:09 - Jesus as the perfect human: revealing the true image of God 37:42 - Christ's image as the ultimate image bearer: revealing God's character fully 40:50 - The power of the Gospel: recovering the image and glorifying God in our restored humanity 44:13 - Salvation as the recovery of true humanity, not escape from bodies 45:39 - Practical implications: recovering sexuality, emotion, and purpose in God's image 47:37 - Jesus' ministry as the full embodiment of human image-verbing 50:11 - Community and shame: reclaiming sacredness and dignity 52:30 - The challenges of shame and the path towards wholeness in Christ 55:26 - The importance of seeing ourselves as image bearers: our identity and calling 56:33 - Systems of dehumanization and the collapsing of societal structures 58:29 - Celebrating community and the gift of joyful service in God's image

Why Communion Should be Open to Everyone

Rethinking Communion: Social Dynamics and Inclusive PracticeIn this episode, we explore the social and communal dimensions of communion, examining how historical practices, theological interpretations, and contemporary church culture influence our understanding and celebration of this sacred act. Join us for a biblically grounded, socially aware perspective that challenges traditional boundaries and invites an inclusive approach to the Lord's Supper.Key TopicsThe original context of early Christian meals and their social significanceHow Roman social hierarchy influenced the Corinthian church's practice of communionThe distinction between private morality and social morality in communionThe metaphor of the body of Christ as a symbol of unity and equalityThe importance of discerning the body, both Christ in the elements and the church communityCritique of common practices that divide or shame participantsThe cultural transformation of communion from a shared meal to a ritualistic, individual-focused eventPractical ideas for more inclusive and community-focused communion celebrationsCHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction and the significance of social dynamics in communion02:10 - The context of early Christian meals and Roman influence05:55 - The division of social status and its impact on the Lord's Supper09:45 - Interpreting 1 Corinthians 11: the meaning of unworthy manner14:50 - Community examination and practicing worthy participation20:06 - The biblical symbolism of the body of Christ and social equality26:40 - How divisions undermine the purpose of communion32:43 - Practical implications for church practice and inclusive communion36:36 - The role of non-believers and open invitation45:12 - The church as a gathering place that reflects social hierarchies47:33 - The importance of authentic community and simplification of practices51:50 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for a more inclusive approachAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Hope Heals: Cultivating Belonging and Belovedness

Today, Mike and Tim unpack the transformative experience the Erre's had at Hope Heals Camp, where faith, community, and a commitment to dignity intersect to create a sanctuary for families and individuals experiencing disabilities. Join us as we unpack the theology behind embodied hope, mutuality, and the sacredness of every person.The origin and purpose of Hope Heals Camp, inspired by Katherine and Jay Wolf's storyThe camp’s four postures: incarnation, mutuality, disability, and image bearersHow Jesus’ incarnation exemplifies dignity in limitationsThe social model of disability and creating welcoming environmentsThe significance of sacred spaces of belonging and hopeThe theological reasoning behind disability as a reflection of the divine imageThe importance of community, proximity, and shared limitations as spiritual practicesThe challenge to societal structures that dehumanize or excludeThe impact of this model on church and culture, emphasizing inclusivity over exclusivityCHAPTERS:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Seth and Mike’s camp experiences01:25 - Reflections on camp activities and community spirit03:36 - The profound personal impact of Hope Heals05:39 - Framework of the camp’s origins and purpose09:02 - Volunteer roles and the structure of camp days11:45 - The parade and joyful welcomes for families13:11 - The emotional power of the entrance moment15:38 - Programming for campers and families, including special events20:25 - The significance of the talent show and stories of remarkable individuals22:15 - Poetry readings capturing the hope and embodied life24:33 - Celebrating Christmas in July and the Luke 14 banquet27:40 - The symbolism of the meal and oil blessing31:22 - The theological postures: Jesus’ embodiment and dignity36:32 - The theological foundations: from incarnation to imagery of God41:53 - Disabout mutuality, respect, and person-first language in community44:16 - The divine worth of every person as image bearers48:09 - The societal realities of disability and exclusion50:22 - Reflection on hope, culture, and the kingdom of God54:19 - The contrast between exclusive and inclusive communities57:17 - The concept of thin places and sacred spaces of proximity60:34 - Worship and community as embodied, participatory acts61:10 - Final reflections: embodying God's love through dignity and kinshipHope Heals WebsiteGrace's PoetryAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy