Harbor Talks

What if the goal of life isn't to avoid hardship, but to be shaped through it? In this episode, we wrestle with our natural desire for comfort and control, contrasted with the perspective of James 1:2–4, where trials are not obstacles but instruments of growth. With insights from Jonathan Haidt, we examine how overprotecting ourselves from discomfort can actually limit the depth God wants to form in us. As we reflect on real-life moments of pain, challenge, and uncertainty, we're invited to shift from an avoidance mindset to one of formation—choosing to stay present, seek God, and allow perseverance to take root. This conversation helps us see that difficulty is not wasted when placed in God's hands. Because in the end, God's aim isn't to make the road easier—it's to prepare us to walk it with faith, resilience, and trust in Him.

In this second installment of the two-part conversation we started earlier this year, we turn to the other side of discernment: not just what we carry forward, but what God is inviting us to lay down. Anchored in Hebrews 12:1, this episode explores how many of us move into a new season weighed down by expectations, fear, pressure, and old narratives we were never meant to keep carrying. Through honest reflection and practical insight, we begin to name the things that have hindered us and discover the difference between simply resting and truly releasing. As we let go of what was never meant to define us, we create space to trust God more deeply, walk lighter, and step into what's next with greater freedom.

In this episode, Pastor Joel sits down with Sahar Kamrani Lankhaar, Director of One Heart in Athens, for an honest and deeply moving conversation. Together, they explore the lived realities of refugees navigating displacement, trauma, and uncertainty, while also addressing the current state of affairs in Iran and how global events impact everyday lives. Sahar shares personal stories of loss, resilience, and hope, offering a rare, firsthand perspective on suffering that is often reduced to headlines. Listener discretion is advised: this episode includes adult themes, including intense struggle, personal loss, and descriptions of graphic death, which may be difficult for some listeners.

As we step into a new year, this episode launches a two-part conversation by inviting us to slow down and reflect on what God has been forming in us—rather than rushing to leave the past behind. Drawing from Philippians 1:3–6 and the opening line from U2's Walk On, we explore the truth that not everything from last year was meant to be discarded; some things were meant to be carried forward. In Part One, we name the lessons, practices, and deeper trust God shaped through difficulty, and consider how remembering His faithfulness anchors us with confidence. This episode sets the foundation for how we'll step forward in Part Two, walking on with discernment, gratitude, and hope, trusting that God is not finished yet.

Some of the most meaningful reminders of God's faithfulness don't look significant at first glance. In this episode, we reflect on Joshua 4 and the power of Ebenezers—markers that tell the story of where God carried us through uncertainty and struggle. By remembering His faithfulness then, we grow in trust for what He is doing now and what He will do next.

In this episode, we explore the names Isaiah gave to the Messiah—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—and how each name confronts, comforts, and forms us. These aren't just Christmas titles… they're invitations into a deeper life with Jesus. Check out the following Christmas resources from Harbor Church: He Will Be Called by Harbor Music - https://shorturl.at/26CN9 2025 Advent Readings - https://shorturl.at/u0aJv

Have your boundaries ever started feeling less like guardrails and more like walls? This episode explores how good limits can subtly shift from serving Jesus to serving our comfort, using Mark 6 as a guide to rediscover His pace. You'll be challenged to re-evaluate your boundaries, listen for the Spirit's leading, and step into a life that's responsive, compassionate, and courageously open to God's call.

Insecurity can quietly erode a leader's influence, shifting focus from serving others to protecting oneself. In this episode, we look at how Jesus' confidence in His identity enabled Him to lead with humility and give power away rather than grasp for it. Discover how secure leadership builds bridges of trust—starting with knowing who you are, where you came from, and where you're going.

Peace doesn't happen by accident—it's practiced. In this episode, we unpack four simple rules for peacemaking that can strengthen any relationship and transform families, teams, and communities.

What does it really mean to be a peacemaker in today's divided world? In this episode, we explore Jesus' call in Matthew 5:9 and the ministry of reconciliation, unpacking how God's peace transforms us internally and compels us to live as bridges, not barriers.

What if time travel was real?!? In today's episode, we talk and review Nolan's latest thriller Tenet, explore the possibility of time travel, and walk through how the Kingdom of Heaven expands when we accept the invitation to pray for others. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We began a brand new series over the weekend called The Invitation and this series is all about prayer! Join the guys as they sit down to discuss week one of the series, among many other topics, and why prayer is so important in our everyday lives. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

On today's show, we're wrapping up our deep dive into the messages from our current vision series, A Beautiful Mess. We also talk about the movie Arrival and the spiritual overtones found in the writing of one of the most interesting scripts from 2016. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Here we go! We're looking at week three of our current series called A Beautiful Mess as Ryan talks to us about his message from the weekend, Equip And Launch The Called! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen to it. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We're back again with another week of the Harbor Church Sunday Sequel as we take a deeper look at week two of our current series called A Beautiful Mess. This week, we're unpacking a message called "Welcome Home the Hurting" that Pastor Joel gave over the weekend. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We kicked off a brand new series over the weekend called A Beautiful Mess and in this episode, Joel gives us a series overview and also breaks down his opening message titled Embrace The Mess! We also discuss the highs and lows of week one of the 2020 NFL season. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Who's ready for some "End Times" talk? This week we're diving into Pastor Ryan's standalone message called When The World Falls Apart from this past Sunday! Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We're wrapping up our Personal Verses series this week with a foundational verse in our Christian faith. During this series, we've been looking at passages of scripture that have been impactful and formative in our lives and walks of faith. For our final verse, we're talking about John 3:16. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

In this episode, we're in week three of the Personal Verses series where we've been looking at passages of scripture that have been impactful and formative in our lives and walks of faith. Next up, Isaiah 6:8. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Week two of Personal Verses is here! In this series, we're looking at passages of scripture that have been impactful and formative in our lives and walks of faith. This week we're talking about James 1:22. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We're starting a new series this week called Personal Verses. During this series, we'll look at passages of scripture that have been impactful and formative in our lives and walks of faith. First up, 1 John 5:11-13. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

It's been over two months but we are stoked to be back! We'll be here every week again bringing you only the best content from Harbor Church. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dee Dee Woodman, a licensed professional counselor, and ask her a few questions about how this current crisis is impacting parents and children. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We recently recorded a live show on Facebook and YouTube and decided to post the audio from it for this episode! Enjoy! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this show wherever you listen to it! Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

What do Star Wars, The Matrix, and Lord of the Rings all have in common? Find out in this episode as we take a look at some of the movies that shaped our childhoods. Also, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast wherever you're listening to it! Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Happy Cinco de Mayo! In today's episode, we talk some yard work, backyard pools, breaking and entering, and so much more. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast wherever you find yourself listening to it. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

In this episode, we continue looking at some of the side effects of sheltering in place during this pandemic and how being open and honest about this new reality can help us strengthen our minds and bodies to get us through to the other side. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

We had the opportunity last week to interview Westminster Chief of Police, Tim Carlson. Tim sat down with us via video chat to talk through a variety of topics as well as discuss the changing needs of the current Covid-19 situation in our local community. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be looking at some of the side effects of sheltering in place during this pandemic and how being open and honest about this new reality can help us strengthen our minds and bodies to get us through to the other side. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

What is the greatest miracle of all? In today's episode, we recap our latest message from the weekend in our new series called We Will Believe. Be sure to check out the links below for resources and more great content from Harbor Church. Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://bit.ly/2yxqfJf | https://harborchurch.life/give

Will life ever get back to normal? What might our lives look like moving forward with all that has changed around us? On today's show, we discuss the new normal we're all facing and how to navigate maintaining relationships and keeping connected to the ones we love.   Links: Web - https://harborchurch.life/FB - https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/ Sheridan Album - https://bit.ly/2XKCEEe

Happy Easter from Harbor Church! We change things up a bit on today's show with a shorter episode celebrating our Easter At Home service over the weekend and taking a closer look at what Easter really means for us as believers. 

On today's show, we cover everything from our Meals For Heroes event this last week to Joel's Will Smith experience at the GRAMMYs. Trust us, this is a good one.  Social Links: https://harborchurch.life/ | https://www.facebook.com/harborchurch.life/ | https://www.instagram.com/harborchurch.life/

In today's episode, we talk about the power of celebration in our lives and how in the face of evil, pain, fear, and uncertainty, we can use it to help us rise up and get through difficult times. 

How are you processing everything that has been going on in the last few weeks? On today's show, the guys sit down to talk about how to learn and grow in this new season of life we find ourselves in. 

In today's episode, we recap the final message from our Set Free series and look at a few practical ways we can remind ourselves of the real hope we have in Jesus. 

Physical distance does not equal social distance. Now, more than ever, is the time to stay connected and close to the people we love and normally do life with. In today's episode, we talk through the importance of social connectivity and reaching out to show love and compassion toward one another. 

In today's episode, we sit down with our special guest, Julie Thomas, and recap the message from the weekend! 

In this episode, the guys talk about the incredible opportunity we have as believers to lean into the challenging season in front of us by being the hands and feet of Jesus to a world desperately in need of hope.

Joel, Ryan, and Jordan sit down to talk through and process the unprecedented time we find ourselves living in and discuss what our response as believers should be in the midst of confusion and fear. 

In this episode, Jordan and Ryan catch up and sit down to talk through and recap the first two weeks of our new series, Set Free. 

In this episode, we recap the weekend and all the events we had going on as well as take a closer look at some of Joel's message points from our final week in our latest series called Distorted.

In today's episode, we catch up with Joel and talk about his trip to Estonia and dive a little deeper into his message called Keep Your Options Open from week three of our current series, Distorted.

In today's episode, we sit down with our new Associate Pastor, Ryan Ingram, and hear a bit of his story and how he came to Harbor. We also take a deeper look into his message he shared over the weekend called "Follow The Crowd" from our current series, "Distorted."

In this episode, we chat about the impact that the act of kindness has on those around us and how our witness can be affected by the words we choose to say...or not say.

There is an inherent "wrongness" to death that every one of us feels. The profound feeling of "this is wrong" is a marker in our lives reminding us that this was never the way it was supposed to be. In this episode, we talk about death, the way it affects us, and how it was never the plan from the beginning. 

As Christ-followers, we are called to reproduce our faith in the next generation. But what does that look like in today's culture and how do we normalize living out our faith for younger generations to see? All this and more in this week's episode of Harbor Talks. 

Happy New Year! 2020 is here and we're hitting the ground running with an all-new episode of Harbor Talks. In this episode, we catch up a bit from the holiday break and also talk about what the Bible says the "work of God" is.

Each week during the month of December, we'll unpack a classic Christmas hymn and explore the origins and deeper meanings of the traditional songs we all know and love. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is our song this week.

Each week during the month of December, we'll unpack a classic Christmas hymn and explore the origins and deeper meanings of the traditional songs we all know and love. This week we're taking a look at Joy To The World.