Come.Union Podcast

Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Come.Union is all about relationships over religion. Our relationship with Christ, ourself and with others. In a culture that seems so divisive, we are cultivating a community of truth-seekers from all walks of life. So whether you have faith, no faith or have walked away from faith, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. We are ready to understand, heal, have tough conversations and re-build bridges. So let's get started! Let the reconciliation begin!

  1. FEB 17

    What Is Discipleship, Really?

    In this episode, we dive into the heart of what it truly means to follow Jesus. Too often, modern Christianity focuses on raising hands, saying a prayer, or “joining the club,” but discipleship goes far deeper. Erin and Ramonita unpack the difference between being a convert and being a disciple, explore the relational nature of spiritual growth, and challenge the idea that the Church exists to grow crowds rather than cultivate life-changing faith. They also reflect on Jesus’ model of discipleship — small, intentional, and deeply relational — and offer practical ways to live it out today. 5 Key Takeaways: Discipleship is about following Jesus, not just believing in Him.True spiritual growth requires relational investment — you become like who you spend time with.Modern Christianity often emphasizes converts over disciples, but depth matters more than width.Discipleship happens best in small, intentional communities where people can be fully known.Building tables (relationships) matters more than building brands (numbers or programs). Don’t miss an episode — subscribe to our Substack to get every conversation delivered straight to your inbox.

    52 min

  2. FEB 3

    What is the Role of the Church?

    In this episode we dive into a big question: What is the role of the church… really? We will take a look at how the church has evolved over time, how the early church prioritized community over structure, and the ways different expressions of church—house churches, small gatherings, and traditional settings—can all be meaningful. We talk honestly about the tension between structure and Spirit, the pressures of modern church culture, and why intimacy with God is always central. Our relationship with Him isn’t defined by church attendance—church can help cultivate our faith, but it isn’t the measure of it. Going to church is not the same as living in faith. This conversation invites listeners to rethink church beyond attendance, embrace curiosity and questions in their faith, and reflect on their own role in the body of Christ. Key Takeaways: The church was never meant to be something we attend, but something we participate in.Intimacy with Jesus should come before church involvement or activity.Different expressions of church—traditional, house churches, and small gatherings—can all be faithful and meaningful.The early church prioritized shared life, community, and presence over performance and structure.Asking questions and staying curious are essential for a healthy, growing faith and church community. Want to keep the conversation going? Join us on Substack for reflections, resources, and community: https://substack.com/@comeunion

    1h 7m

  3. JAN 20

    Who is the Holy Spirit?

    A lot of us have heard about the Holy Spirit, but still feel unsure about who the Holy Spirit actually is—or how the Spirit shows up in real life. In this episode, Erin and Ramonita talk honestly about the shift from thinking of the Holy Spirit as a vague idea or spiritual add-on to recognizing the Spirit as a who—someone personal, present, and deeply involved in our everyday lives. They reflect on how the Holy Spirit comforts, guides, and empowers us, often in quiet ways we don’t always notice at first. They also explore how understanding the Holy Spirit changes the way we relate to God altogether. Rather than focusing only on spiritual gifts or dramatic moments, this conversation centers on relationship—how the Holy Spirit walks with us, shapes our faith over time, and has often been present long before we had language for it. This episode is for anyone who has felt curious, confused, or hesitant about the Holy Spirit—and for anyone longing for a faith that feels more connected, grounded, and alive. Key Takeaways: * The Holy Spirit is a who, not a what, and desires relationship with us. * The Holy Spirit offers comfort and guidance in everyday life. * Understanding the Holy Spirit can shift faith from information to connection. * The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in alignment with God’s will. * The Holy Spirit has been present and active, even before we recognize it. Want to keep the conversation going? Join us on Substack for reflections, resources, and community: https://substack.com/@comeunion

    1h 5m

  4. JAN 6

    What is Repentance?

    What does repentance actually mean—and why does it matter so much in our faith journey? In this episode, Erin and Ramonita sit down together to explore repentance in relation to sin, shame, and the deep kindness of God. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and Scripture, they unpack how repentance is often misunderstood—and how God uses it not to punish us, but to restore us. They discuss how shame keeps us hiding, why awareness of sin is the first step toward freedom, and how confession can become a doorway to healing. Anchored in the story of the Prodigal Son, this episode reframes repentance as an invitation back into relationship with a God whose love is unconditional. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, distant from God, or unsure how to move forward spiritually—and is longing for freedom. Key Takeaways: * Repentance is not about punishment, but about turning back to God and being restored to relationship with Him. * Shame keeps us hiding, but God’s kindness is what invites us back into the light. * Awareness of sin is the first step toward freedom, not condemnation. * Confession opens the door to healing by breaking our agreements with sin and shame. * True repentance includes receiving God’s forgiveness and learning to forgive ourselves. Want the full episode? Subscribe to our Substack to unlock the complete conversation. https://substack.com/@comeunion

    17 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    A Christmas Pause: God With Us

    In this heartfelt Christmas episode, Erin and Ramonita slow things down and reflect on the true joy and meaning of the season. Together, they talk about what Christmas has looked like in their own lives, how expectations can quietly steal our joy, and why presence—not perfection or presents—is what actually transforms us. At the center of the conversation is Emmanuel: God with us. Not distant. Not abstract. But present—right in the middle of our joy, our grief, our chaos, and our hope. This episode is an invitation to notice where God is already near and to let the light of Christ meet us, even in dark or weary places. Takeaways: * Christmas invites both joy and honest reflection. * The meaning of Christmas goes far beyond traditions and routines. * Presence with God and others matters more than presents. * Emmanuel reminds us that God is with us in every season. * The light of Christ brings real hope, even in darkness. Whether this season feels full and beautiful or heavy and complicated, this conversation is a gentle reminder: you don’t have to manufacture meaning—God has already come near. Don' forget to subscribe to our SubStack to stay in the loop! https://substack.com/@comeunion

    28 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    What is Sin?

    In this episode, Erin and Ramonita take a fresh, honest look at a topic many of us grew up fearing or misunderstanding: sin. Instead of treating it like a checklist of wrong behaviors, we explore what’s happening beneath the surface—our desires, our doubts, our identity, and the God who moves toward us in love. They dig into the deeper roots of sin, how it often distorts who we really are, why free will matters in understanding God’s heart, and how repentance becomes a daily posture rather than a single moment. Ultimately, this conversation points us toward hope, healing, and the restoring work of Jesus.  Key Takeaways* Sin is deeper than behavior—it’s often rooted in desire, doubt, and heart-level issues. * Identity matters: sin distorts our sense of who we are and who we belong to. * Free will plays a crucial role in why sin exists and how we respond to it. * Repentance is a daily choice, inviting us back to alignment with God and our true identity. * God’s heart is always restoration, offering hope, healing, and wholeness through Jesus. Want the full episode? Subscribe to our Substack to unlock the complete conversation. https://substack.com/@comeunion

    21 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Is the Bible Absolute Truth?

    How do we engage with the Bible in a way that’s both honest and faithful? In this episode, Erin and Ramonita dive into the complexities of interpreting scripture. They explore the tension between absolute and subjective truths, the challenges of understanding God’s Word, and why personal exploration is essential in your faith journey. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or simply curious, this conversation invites you to wrestle with questions about the Bible’s authority, interpretation, and the ongoing discovery of God’s truth.  Key Takeaways: The Bible speaks truths that are universal, and truths that we discover personally through reflection and context.Understanding scripture grows through exploration, context, and curiosity.Recognizing literary styles and historical context deepens comprehension.Faith is a journey—discovering God’s truth unfolds over time.Asking questions and discussing scripture with others enhances understanding. Want the full episode? Subscribe to our Substack to unlock the complete conversation. https://substack.com/@comeunion

    14 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    S3E9: Is Jesus Really the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

    In this conversation, we dive deep into what it really means when Jesus says He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Together, we explore faith, reconciliation, and the bold claims of Jesus—how they challenge us, comfort us, and invite us into something deeper. We talk about what it looks like to feel God’s presence, to walk the ongoing journey of reconciliation with ourselves and others, and to wrestle with questions that strengthen, not weaken, our faith. We also unpack why context matters when interpreting scripture and how to hold both grace and truth in tension. Ultimately, this episode reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about religion—it’s about relationship. It’s an invitation to stay curious, keep asking questions, and live anchored in His love. Takeaways: Jesus’ words are an invitation into relationship, not exclusion.Truth is personal—it’s embodied in who Jesus is.Following the Way means walking with humility, not certainty.The life Jesus offers starts now, in the everyday moments.Holding truth and love together is the heart of reconciliation. To listen to the FULL episode, subscribe to our Substack and it will unlock the full episode here!

    17 min
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About

Come.Union is all about relationships over religion. Our relationship with Christ, ourself and with others. In a culture that seems so divisive, we are cultivating a community of truth-seekers from all walks of life. So whether you have faith, no faith or have walked away from faith, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. We are ready to understand, heal, have tough conversations and re-build bridges. So let's get started! Let the reconciliation begin!

Information

  • Creator
    Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Come.Union Podcast