You're invited to hang out on Lisa Harper's back porch and enjoy conversations about all things Jesus, theological anthropology, biblical orthodoxy, Spanx, the merits of Tex-Mex and more!
We believe this podcast will help you dive deeper into God's word, understand that the gospel is great news for everyday life, not just when viewed in the light of eternity, and that God is for us, that He's always been in the process of redeeming our inherent value as imago Dei and restoring us into a vibrant, intimate relationship with Him.
And rest assured, this won't be a one-sided conversation because, throughout the podcast, Lisa will be inviting friends, including some brilliant theologians and academics to join her in substantive but decidedly unstuffy segments. So come on, y'all grab some coffee or sweet tea and join us on the back porch!
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On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard invite us to see Leviticus through a surprising and grace-filled lens, not as a punitive list of rules, but as a profound love story. Together, they explore how Leviticus was designed to draw God’s people into relationship, highlighting the Day of Atonement, the heart of the Mosaic Law, and how these themes echo forward into the New Testament. It’s a thoughtful, hope-filled reminder that God’s heart has always been about dw...
On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison continue their journey through Exodus in part two, diving into themes of leadership, Scripture, and the steady kindness of God’s guidance, reminding us that God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our perfection but on His character. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and join us on the porch!
On today’s episode of Back Porch Theology, Lisa and Allison take us back into the book of Exodus, one of the most pivotal stories in the Old Testament. Together, they unpack themes of deliverance and bondage, spotlighting the courageous midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the dramatic plagues, and the awe-filled moment at Mount Sinai when God’s glory descended in a cloud. Their conversation reminds us that the God who brought His people out of slavery is still bringing freedom and deliverance to His chi...
Lisa Harper and Allison Allen unpack the biblical narrative of Abraham, highlighting God's sovereign choice of an ordinary, moon-worshipping man to initiate His redemptive plan. They discuss the profound Abrahamic blessing, its connection to the Great Commission, and the significance of the blood covenant in Genesis 15 as a precursor to Jesus's sacrifice. The hosts also draw parallels to personal stories of feeling seen by God and offer practical warnings about the consequences of our choices, as seen in Lot's story, while emphasizing gratitude and God's compassionate guidance for all.
Lisa and Allison delve into Genesis, revealing its central theme: God's unwavering commitment to restoring dignity where it has been lost. They discuss creation ex nihilo, the Imago Dei concept as a radical redefinition of worth for former slaves, and the Sabbath as an act of divine kindness. The episode contrasts human rebellion, like the Tower of Babel, with God's redemptive reversals, such as the miracle of Pentecost, underscoring His persistent love and desire for relationship.
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 wi...
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!
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...
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 Chri...
Today on the Back Porch, Rabbi Jason sits with Lisa and Allison to journey through identity, covenant, and the God who brings life from barren ground ~ through the pages of Scripture and the pages of their lives. Grab a blanket, pour a warm cup, and come sit with us.
Today on the Back Porch, we welcome Rabbi Jason Sobel for a porch-side chat about how the threads of Scripture ~ Old and New ~ braid into one story pointing to Jesus’s divine identity and mission. We sit with His self-emptying love (kenosis), where humility becomes strength, and find ourselves drawn into shalom - the wholeness, peace, and restoration secured by the cross and resurrection. Pull up a chair and join us on the porch!
Today on the Back Porch, we’re trading ham for turkey, dressing for stuffing debates, and canned jelly for fresh cranberries as we talk all things Thanksgiving ~ and the deeper gratitude that outlasts the leftovers. We’ll name some hard seasons and the surprising ways God’s goodness has met us there, reminding us that gratitude isn’t denial ~ it’s defiant hope. Take a breather from the Thanksgiving prep, pull up a chair, and join us as we count kernels of kindness from a faithful God.
Today on the Back Porch, as we wrap Mountains & Valleys, Lisa, Allison & Dr. Howard linger on one last ridgeline: Solomon’s story. We watch the golden king step off the path, small compromises becoming idols, until a fractured heart splinters a nation. We consider why sound theology must interpret culture and how Ecclesiastes summons us to fear God and keep His commands. Press pause on the Thanksgiving hustle, pour a warm coffee, and join us on the porch.
Today on the Back Porch, buckle up for a soulful road trip. Lisa and Allison explore Psalm 84 with the sons of Korah, tracing the Valley of Baca—the valley of tears—as a map for our own hard stretches where God meets us in grief, teaches us contentment, and invites us to be fully present right where our feet are. Fill your cup with coffee or cider, wrap up in a blanket, and wander out to the leaf-strewn porch.
Today on the Back Porch, we’re visiting the Jezreel Valley, the Plain of Armageddon, where battles were fought, prophets spoke, and God proved faithful. At this fertile, strategic crossroads of history, Scripture’s conflicts ultimately point us to hope in Jesus. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or cider, settle into a blanket, and meet us on the fall-kissed porch.
Today on the Back Porch (Part 3 of our Mountain & Valley series), Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Jim Howard walk through the theology of peaks and valleys, from Elijah’s bold stand on Mount Carmel to his post-victory crash in 1 Kings 19. Along the way, we explore how God meets our fatigue and grief with rest, renewal, and the gift of community. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and join us on the porch!
Today on Back Porch, Lisa and Allison continue part two of their six-part series, Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life ~ reminding us that challenges aren’t detours but part of the journey, and that God’s promises are never dead, only fulfilled in His perfect timing. So pour yourself a cup of coffee or spiced tea, settle in, and join us on the porch!
Today on Back Porch, Lisa & Allison kick off a new six-part series Mountains & Valleys, exploring how God meets us in both the highs and lows of life. From Lisa’s 50-mile Appalachian Trail hike to Moses’ burning bush encounter, they remind us that God’s presence is steady, His covenant sure, and our journeys best walked with persistence and community. So grab a pumpkin flavored latte, pull up a chair, we’re so glad you joined us!
Today on the Back Porch, we have a special treat for you as we’re sharing a session from Kerygma this past year. Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin, Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today and founder of Soulfire International Ministries, unpacks “God’s inconvenient promises.” Through the Shunammite woman’s story, she shows how God’s unexpected healing brings shalom and how trusting His presence leads to lasting peace and restoration. You won’t want to miss this message, so grab your favorite b...
During today’s conversation on the porch, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Brian Litfin unpack the Nicene Creed, emphasizing the Trinity’s unity, the power of the resurrection, and the role of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Litfin contrasts the gospel’s hope with pagan despair, giving historical and cultural insight into Christ’s victory over sin, death, and Satan. You might be asking - How does this all apply to us today? Listen in as we discuss – right here on the porch!
Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is one of the best we’ve had in a while because it’s basically a dissertation on why play and celebration should be a part of every Christ-follower’s spiritual formation plan! While there’s no single verse proving that our Savior laughed and played during His earthly life and ministry, there are a plethora of passages that imply it like the literary. The Bible proves over and over again that Christoformity – being shaped like Jesus – isn’t always suppo...
During today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are tip-toeing carefully into foreign territory because we’re talking about the massive benefit of having moments when we’re not talking! C.S. Lewis wrote extensively about the value of solitary moments and considered silence to be a powerful force for spiritual transformation – he described it as a strategic way to get closer to God. It’s going to be a good day on the porch, y’all – whether you’re a saint of few words or a gabber li...
Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology we’re talking about the spiritual discipline of fasting – the willingness to forgo food, or social media, or some other physical or emotional comfort in order to focus more of our attention and affection on God. One of my favorite ancient theologians, Thomas A’Kempis, wrote this in his classic book “The Imitation of Christ”: True peace of heart therefore is found by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. Our Savior is the only One who can master ...
Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is the first in a 4-part series exploring the biblical foundations of “Spiritual Formation.” There are lots of strong opinions regarding which practices in particular should be included in a classic spiritual formation plan, but we’re only going to cover a couple here on BPT, beginning with table fellowship. Have you ever noticed how often Jesus gathered around a table with His friends and disciples and shared a meal? The Gospels include as many depict...
Today’s conversation on the porch is a highlight reel of the theological topics that have garnered the most response from y’all. Things like how the gap between our formal theology and our functional becomes a seedbed of hypocrisy. We’re also going to talk about how the Bible is much more about “we” than “me” and how community is the most effective hermeneutic of the Gospel – in other words, we formulate our understanding of who our Creator Redeemer is largely through the lens of community. Whic...
Today’s conversation is a first on Back Porch Theology because we’ve chosen three highlights from the entire library of our previous 188 podcasts and put them together in a special Best-Views-From-the-Porch episode that we hope not only puts a smile on your fact but helps you lean more fully into the unconditional love of our Creator Redeemer. And spoiler alert: we’re covering a wide swath of biblical territory today - from Ezer Kenegdo in Genesis to synergos in Romans - so you might want to bri...
Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is a sequel because Alli and I got to hang out with one of our dear friends, Professor Kristi McLelland. This snippet from Kristi’s new book, Feasting on God’s Word, will give you a glimpse of the adventure we’re diving into today: “Life is both long and short. It has high and low moments. The promise of the Bible is that God is with us in and through it all. He has never been afraid of entering into the dust and ruin; restoration renewal, and repair a...
During today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli and I have the distinct privilege of diving deep into this divine love letter we call the Bible with one of our very dear friends who just so happens to be a world-renowned Bible scholar, Professor Kristi McLelland. Kristi spent over a year living in Egypt and Israel so that she could study Scripture in its original socio-historical context, and the fruits of her labor will leave you gob-smacked with wonder over the accessible, redemptive t...
Today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology is with some of the world’s most renowned Bible scholars and theologians who were with us for Kerygma ‘25 including: Dr. Lynn Cohick, Dr. Craig Blomberg, Dr. Craig Keener, Dr. Dorian Coover Cox, Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Jim Howard, Dr. Nicole Massey Martin, Dr. Eva Bleeker, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle. Here’s a sample of just a few of the questions they answer: What’s the significance of the numerous “in Christ” references throughout Paul’s New Testament epi...
During today’s conversation on Back Porch Theology, Alli and I are hanging out with one of my dear friends, DawnCheré Wilkerson, who’s really gifted at something I really struggle with, which is waiting. The first time I met DawnCheré – about ten years ago – she and her husband, Pastor Rich Wilkerson, were in the midst of a very long season of infertility. And yet she was somehow pregnant with hope. When I asked her how she held onto genuine hope and joy after so many years of heartbreak and dis...
