Trending

In this episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen and Lisa Harper kick off the first episode of 2026 and an exciting new series, No Wasted Words, as we begin walking through the whole Bible together this year. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about Scripture and share our passion for exploring its overarching themes with curiosity, joy, and reverence. Pull up a chair and join us as we step into a new year and a yearlong journey through God's Word, opening Scripture together with honesty, curiosity, and hopeful expectation.

Hi, friend. Happy New Year! 

If you're resolving to pray more this year - and shouldn't we all? - this episode is for you. 

There is a remarkable story in Joshua chapter 10. While in battle, the Hebrews needed more daylight. Joshua asks God to stop the sun from setting, and God does. Verse 14 says, "God took orders from a human voice." How's that for a reminder that God listens to our prayers? 

On today's episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year's Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God's faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating "Ebenezer" stones to mark God's work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we're so glad you're here!

Happy New Year, friends. Here's a special message for you as you step into the New Year.

Every day we choose who and what to listen to. There are hundreds of channels on our televisions, millions of people sharing their opinions online. But only one voice will guide you to the Promised Land. Choose to trust the voice of God. 

As 2025 comes to an end, Ruth takes time to answer listener questions in this special Q&A episode.

Scripture referenced:
Genesis 3

Resources mentioned:
Lamplighter Rare Collector's Series
Foundations by Ruth and Troy Simons

In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.

Jonathan Pokluda sits down with Levi and Jennie for a conversation that's equal parts laugh-out-loud and deeply grounding. JP unpacks his 16-day hospital saga-how it started with a leg not working right, turned into a diagnosis of transverse myelitis, and somehow included an unforgettable "marriage moment" that belongs in the Hall of Fame.

From spiritual warfare to being aware without being afraid, and what JP learned while researching Your Story Has a Villain-including the country club moment in Aspen that made everything feel painfully real. Plus: Halloween, discernment, and even the surprisingly practical question of how to use AI as a tool without letting it use you-followed by a closing story about a cold plunge that... never actually happened.

Connect with us on social!

JP: @jpokluda

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Your Story Has a Villain: https://bit.ly/4ai2rsH 

Becoming Something Podcast: https://bit.ly/4rZROB6 

Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY 

Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY 

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe 

Time Stamps

0:01:43 - Six-toed cats and the weird grace of being "different"

0:03:24 - JP's 16-day hospital scare and the symptoms that changed everything

0:16:54 - Real marriage: praying fire for a bowel movement

0:23:20 - Why JP wrote Your Story Has a Villain

0:28:49 - The Aspen Country Club story that made spiritual warfare unmistakable

0:44:06 - Loving God "on purpose," AI guardrails, and using tools wisely

"I've always just wanted to be accepted". I think many of us can relate to that sentiment. Max Lucado certainly could. Much of his life was spent feeling "on the outside" and wanting to be accepted, which led to a series of unhealthy behaviors just to try and find acceptance. Today, he vulnerably unpacks where this belief system started in his childhood, how it led him down a very unhealthy path, and how it still creeps into his life, even though he's been walking with Jesus for so many years. This is one of my favorite on-air sessions, with one of my favorite people. I know it will challenge and change you.   

The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:

Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!

DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.

Merry Christmas, friend! I pray this season brings you joy and peace and the hope that Christ, who came as a baby, is coming again. 

In this episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen and Lisa Harper kick off the first episode of 2026 and an exciting new series, No Wasted Words, as we begin walking through the whole Bible together this year. Along the way, we address common misconceptions about Scripture and share our passion for exploring its overarching themes with curiosity, joy, and reverence. Pull up a chair and join us as we step into a new year and a yearlong journey through God's Word, opening Scripture together with honesty, curiosity, and hopeful expectation.

What happens when you face death and come back with a deeper purpose?

In this deeply moving episode of The High Note, Tauren sits down with Grammy Award-winning artist Travis Greene. Travis shares the powerful story of how he narrowly escaped death at a young age and how that miraculous survival marked the beginning of a life filled with purpose. He opens up about his journey with fame, and how God's grace turned his struggles into a message of faithfulness and redemption. This conversation is a raw and powerful reminder that God can turn even the hardest moments into something beautiful.

On today's episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year's Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God's faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating "Ebenezer" stones to mark God's work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we're so glad you're here!

From his days growing up in rural Indiana, to teaching middle school English, to meeting Gloria and writing the songs we're all still singing, Bill Gaither put his stamp on gospel music. And at 89 he's not done yet!

Leadership will stretch you-but it doesn't have to break you. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with powerhouse author and leader Lisa Bevere for a raw and hope-filled conversation about resilience, identity, and longevity in leadership. Lisa opens up about decades of ministry - the highs, heartbreaks, and hard-won wisdom - that shaped her into a woman who still leads with fire and tenderness. If you've ever wondered how to keep showing up when you feel unseen or worn out, this episode will give you courage to stay the course and lead with your whole heart.

 SHOW NOTES:

Leading Through Longevity

 Lisa shares how decades of saying "yes" to God through changing seasons has forged her character, deepened her faith, and built a legacy that lasts.

 

Boldness and Brokenness Can Coexist

 Lisa and Christine talk about how courage doesn't mean pretending everything is fine-and why vulnerability is essential for healthy leadership.

 

Battling Comparison and Insecurity

 Lisa reveals how she overcame comparison in the early years of ministry and learned to fully embrace her unique voice and assignment.

 

Staying Tender While Staying Strong

 They unpack how to stay soft toward people and sensitive to the Holy Spirit, even when leadership requires tough calls and deep sacrifice.

 

The Secret to Longevity in Leadership

 Christine and Lisa reflect on how intimacy with Jesus-not platform, production, or pressure-is the only sustainable source of strength.

 

Follow Lisa Bevere on Instagram at @lisabevere

Find her books and resources at lisabevere.com

Too many people are trying to live the Christian life without a healthy fear of God, but without that ingredient your faith will be stunted. 

John Bevere and his wife Lisa are the founders of Messenger International a ministry committed to developing uncompromising followers of Christ. His heart to strengthen the local church has led to over 60 million translated resources being given away in developing nations. He shares how the awe of God is not a topic you hear much about these days, but if you want a faith that stands strong through troubled times, you cannot afford to ignore this biblical call. 

Get John's new book "The Awe of God".

Pick up Matt's book "Truth Plus Love".

For more from Matt Brown, and to receive our free gift "5 Keys to Find Fulfillment in God" go to: Thinke.org

In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.

Part two of a conversation talking with our friend and colleague Jonathan Wilson about all things longevity. He has been in ministry for 40 years and has experienced numerous highs and lows, transitions, and more. This is a rich conversation for any leader looking to be in the game for the long haul! Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!

Pastor Wayne has returned from his first ever sabbatical! In this episode, we talk about it. What did he do? What did he learn? We also talk in depth about what a sabbatical is and what it is not and how we have started to implement a sabbatical culture in our church. Follow us on Instagram for more great leadership content: Pastor John (@johnsiebeling), Pastor Wayne (@waynefrancis), Podcast (@leadershipinblackandwhite). Leave a rating and review to give us your feedback and help the show continue to grow!

At the end of the day, every pastor wants their church to grow - not just to have a big church - but to reach the people in their community, to serve a city, to do something significant for God. And while there is no exact formula for growing a church, there are certainly things that may be hindering your growth that you might be missing. In this episode, Pastors John and Wayne discuss 10 reasons your church might not be growing right now. Follow the show on Instagram here: @leadershipinblackandwhite. The background check service referenced in this episode is called Protect My Ministry.