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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.

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

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. 

The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode-full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together.

You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN

Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm

Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com

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

0:01:07 - New Year's as a "holy day" and old-school traditions

0:03:38 - 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones

0:08:34 - Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem

0:13:07 - Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones)

0:15:07 - Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs

0:26:35 - What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan

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.

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 merry-and-brightly honest episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen, Lisa Harper, and Doc H swap stories from their Christmas tour aka their very first bus tour, complete with equal parts joy, Jesus, and questionable sleep schedules.  They unpack a few favorite Christmas myths ~ including the real story behind Santa ~ and trace them back to the faith-filled roots of Saint Nicholas, the wise men, and other traditions woven through the season. Grab something warm to sip, ignore the Christmas to-do list for a minute, and pull up a chair, there's room for you on the porch.

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.

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!

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.

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

The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode-full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together.

You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms.

Connect with us on social!

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN

Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm

Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com

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

0:01:07 - New Year's as a "holy day" and old-school traditions

0:03:38 - 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones

0:08:34 - Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem

0:13:07 - Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones)

0:15:07 - Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs

0:26:35 - What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan

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.

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.