The beginning of a new year is a sacred opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew. In this Covenant Renewal Service, we remember the faithfulness of God and respond by recommitting ourselves to live as His people. Drawing from Scripture, historic prayers, the Apostles’ Creed, and the celebration of Communion, this service centers on the new covenant we live under in Christ—a covenant marked by grace, transformation, and belonging. This episode invites you into a time of worship, confession, prayer, and renewal as we acknowledge God’s goodness and offer ourselves fully to His will in the year ahead. Whether you’re listening at the start of the year or revisiting this moment later, may this service help ground your heart in God’s promises and remind you that His covenant still stands.

Episode 239 The 167 Podcast - Advent Miniseries - The Weary World Rejoices - part 3 by The Porch Community Church

We live in a world of extremes. Everything feels like it has to be one way or the other—even when it comes to love. Is love all grace—“be nice, don’t rock the boat”? Or all truth—“facts don’t care about your feelings”? In this message, we look at how Jesus refuses the false choice between grace or truth. Scripture tells us that Jesus is full of grace and full of truth—not a balance, not a blend, but the fullness of both. Rooted in John 1, this sermon explores: How Jesus is the Word made flesh Why grace and truth arrive together in Christ What it looks like when Jesus embodies both (John 8, Luke 23) How the cross tells the full story of God’s love What it means to live this out in our relationships and as a church At Christmas, we don’t just celebrate a baby in a manger—we celebrate that grace and truth stepped into the world. Whether you lean more toward grace or truth, this message invites us to follow Jesus into a better way: loving well, speaking truth with kindness, and becoming a community that reflects His heart. 📍 The Porch Community Church 📖 Scriptures: John 1, John 8, Luke 23

Episode 238 The 167 Podcast - Advent Miniseries - Part 2 When Joy Feels Fake by The Porch Community Church

Joy. We talk about it. We chase it. We mistake it for happiness. But Scripture tells us something radically different—joy isn’t something you create… it’s something you receive. In this message, Pastor Shannon unpacks the real difference between happiness (situational) and joy (relational)—and how Joy isn’t found in better circumstances, but in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether this season brings celebration or deep grief… Joy meets you right where you are. 🔥 In this message you’ll learn: • Why happiness is momentary but joy is supernatural • How Paul could write about joy from inside a prison cell • Why joy is a gift you cannot produce on your own • How to experience joy even in seasons of loss • Why “Joy has a name — and His name is Jesus” 📖 Key Scriptures: Philippians 4:4 (NLT) Philippians 2:18 (NLT) Luke 2:10–11 (NLT) Acts 4:12 (NLT)

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”… but for many of us, they aren’t. In fact, studies show that nearly two-thirds of adults experience increased stress and declining mental health during the Christmas season. Between family dynamics, financial pressure, end-of-year deadlines, and the weight of unspoken grief, December can feel more like survival than celebration. In Part 1 of our Advent Miniseries — The Tension of the Season — we step into that reality honestly. Because Advent was never meant to gloss over our pain. It was designed to name it, hold it, and remind us that hope rises in the waiting. We explore the tension between what we long for and what actually is — between joy and exhaustion, celebration and sorrow, expectation and unmet reality. Through Romans 8:22–25, we look at the “groaning” Scripture says all creation experiences… and why that longing is a sign of our hope, not the loss of it. And we revisit the first Christmas — messy, chaotic, and anything but picture-perfect — to remember that Jesus doesn’t wait for the world to be tidy or our hearts to be steady. He comes right into the middle of it. Into the noise, the fatigue, the ache, the silence. Into your reality. If this season feels heavy, complicated, or different than you hoped, you’re not behind — you’re right where Advent meets us: waiting, longing, hoping. In this episode, you’ll be invited to slow down, breathe, and bring your honest heart before God. Because Emmanuel — God with us — is still drawing near. Not when we feel festive… but when we simply make room. Listen now as we begin the journey toward Christmas by acknowledging the tension — and discovering the hope that grows right there in the middle of it.

Hope Has A Name by The Porch Community Church

Can I really make a difference? That’s the question we’re asking this week in our Asking for a Friend series — and the answer is YES. In this message, Pastor Shannon shares the heart behind what it means to be the church — not just attend it. Drawing from Acts 3, where Peter and John encounter a man outside the temple gates, we’re reminded that miracles, transformation, and real faith often happen outside the walls — on “the porch.” At The Porch Community Church, we believe life change happens where Jesus meets real life — in the grocery store, at the ball field, in your workplace, and around your neighborhood. You were made to make a difference. 📖 Scripture References: Acts 3:1–11 Acts 4:13 Ephesians 2:10 1 Peter 4:10 Galatians 6:9–10 💬 Key Takeaway: You don’t need to be extraordinary — just available. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Episode 236 The 167 Podcast - Lightning Round Part 2 by The Porch Community Church

We’ve all asked it — Is it even worth praying for healing? Especially when the miracle doesn’t come… when the diagnosis doesn’t change… or when the grief still lingers. In this week’s message, Pastor Shannon Patterson shares biblical truth and real hope about how God heals — in three ways: • Through Salvation, when He restores our souls • Through Ultimate Healing, when all things are made new in eternity • Through Temporary Healing, when He brings breakthrough here and now Two out of three are guaranteed — and that changes everything about how we pray, hope, and trust God in our brokenness. 💬 “It’s worth praying for healing — not because we get everything we ask for, but because we trust the One we’re asking.” Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24, Revelation 21:4, Mark 2:10–11, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Do We Have An Enemy? - Asking For A Friend Week 12 by The Porch Community Church

Q&A-Asking For A Friend Week 10 by The Porch Community Church

Episode 235 The 167 Podcast - AI and the Christian by The Porch Community Church

Asking For A Friend – Why Church? Which Church? This week’s Asking For A Friend question is two-fold: Why Church? and Which Church? Do we really need the church to follow Jesus, or can we do it on our own? And if we do need it, how do we know which church is right? Pastor Shannon Patterson walks through Scripture to reveal why the Church is God’s divine plan for His people through Jesus Christ—and what kind of church helps you grow in love for Him. Learn how to: • Recognize what makes a church truly centered on Jesus • Understand the difference between essentials and non-essentials of faith • See your vital role within the body of Christ Whether you’ve been part of a church your whole life or are just beginning to explore faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to see the Church in a whole new way.

This week in our Asking For A Friend series, we ask: Is there a seat for me at the Father’s table? Through Luke 15, we explore Jesus’ story of the prodigal son—mud, mess, repentance, and the Father who runs toward us with open arms. Repentance isn’t about guilt or trying harder; it’s about turning home to grace. No matter how stuck or broken you feel, there’s a seat for you at God’s table.

Why Does God Allow Suffering - Asking For A Friend Night Edition by The Porch Community Church

Many of us wonder if faith can just stay between “me and God.” But as Pastor Shannon reminds us, the gospel has always been an invitation meant to be shared. Drawing from Jesus’ parables and the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we see that God’s design is for our faith to transform not just us—but the people around us. Listen in as we talk about: Why faith can’t remain hidden How invitations open the door to transformation The importance of bold witness in a world full of struggle and pain Whether you’re exploring faith, recommitting, or simply wrestling with the question yourself, this conversation is for you.

A viral rumor is spreading online that the rapture will happen September 23–24, 2025—fueled by TikTok videos, YouTube pastors, and bold predictions tied to the Feast of Trumpets. But what does Scripture actually say? In this episode, we explore the history of failed end-times predictions, examine why date-setting contradicts Jesus’s own words, and unpack the hope and calling Christians have while we wait for His return. Rather than panic or speculation, we’ll focus on what’s clear: living holy lives, sharing the gospel, and being ready to welcome Christ whenever He comes.

This week in Asking For A Friend, we tackle the question: Why does the church talk about money? Jesus says we can’t serve both God and Mammon—and nothing competes for our hearts like money. Discover two biblical strategies to break free from money’s grip and learn how generosity transforms our lives for eternity.

Promises get broken all the time. Maybe by a parent, a friend, or someone who said “forever” but didn’t mean it. No wonder so many people question whether God is any different. But here’s the good news: God always keeps His promises. And one of His greatest promises is this—when you cry out for help, He hears your voice. In this week’s message, Pastor Shannon shows us from Psalm 18 why prayer matters and gives us five reasons we can trust God when we pray: God hears. God responds. God rescues. God strengthens. God turns our cries into praise. As we continue through 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, let this message encourage you to lean into God’s promise that prayer makes a difference.