The Lisa and Cheree Podcast

Hearing the Call: Kristina Miller’s Journey into MissionsToday we sat down with Kristina Miller to hear her story of responding to God's call to missions. Kristina shared what it was like to first sense God's leading, the steps of faith that followed, and the journey that ultimately led her to serve in Southeast Asia.Throughout the conversation, she reflected on the joys, challenges, and lessons learned from cross-cultural ministry, offering insight into what it means to trust God through seasons of uncertainty and transition. Her story is a powerful reminder that God continues to call ordinary people to extraordinary obedience, and that saying "yes" to Him often leads to places and opportunities we could never have imagined.Whether you are sensing a call yourself, supporting someone in missions, or simply curious about how God works through His people around the world, Kristina's testimony will encourage and inspire you.

Living missionally as a family starts with recognizing where God has placed you and being intentional in those everyday spaces. Whether it is running errands, attending playdates, sitting at sports practices, or connecting with neighbors, each moment becomes an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ to others. What if we began each day asking God for divine appointments and open hearts to the people around us?How can we model integrating our values and faith by demonstrating practical ways to serve, give, and engage in the needs in our community? As we live this way, we’re also modeling faith for our children. They’re watching us learn what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just on Sundays, but in the everyday rhythms of life. Living missionally doesn’t require grand gestures; it simply takes hearts that are willing to be intentional, obedient, and led by the Holy Spirit right where God has placed us.Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast-The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson-The Hidding Place by Corrie Ten Boom-God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew-Gifted Hands by Ben Carson-George Meuller the Guardian of Bristol's Orphans

Episode SummaryParenting begins with connection. In this episode, we talk about helping our kids grow in emotional regulation, character, and personal responsibility—without getting pulled into power struggles.  In this episode, Lisa and Cheree talk about helping kids grow in emotional regulation, character, and personal responsibility—without getting pulled into power struggles. You’ll learn practical strategies to protect connection, disengage from conflict, and stay grounded when your child isn’t.We explore the tension of stepping back instead of stepping in: When we rescue our kids from struggle, we rob them of growth—and send the message that they aren’t capable. Can we be okay when our kids are not okay?We also talk about the role of self-care—running an errand alone, taking a night away, building community with other moms—and why deciding your family values ahead of time (screen time, sports, family rhythms) keeps culture from making those decisions for you.Books Links:Habits of the HouseholdGift of Failure

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the difference between parenting from a place of rules, fear, punishment, and outward conformity versus parenting from a place of love, heart connection, and internal responsibility. Fear may teach self-preservation, but love builds transformation. When we move from control on the outside to connection on the inside, we begin parenting heart to heart. That looks different at every age—understanding our kids’ needs, their love languages, and the power of bonding and healthy attachment, making sure both their physical and emotional needs are met. Our goal is to reflect the Father’s heart—to love our children the way He loves us—becoming a safe place they can run to, especially when they’ve messed up. When kids know nothing can separate them from our love, they begin to care how their choices affect the relationship. We’ll also talk about how our own upbringing and our view of God shape the way we parent, and how giving children age-appropriate choices teaches them they are powerful and responsible—while still guiding them in understanding obedience and authority. 

Lisa and Cheree are back in the studio after a long holiday break! Join in as they catch you up on what God has been speaking to their hearts and the exciting things unfolding in this new season.In this episode, they dive into what it truly means to live in authentic community and grow in spiritual maturity in our walk with the Lord. They explore the powerful shift from simply gaining head knowledge to experiencing life-changing heart transformation—and how that kind of growth impacts our parenting, our relationships, and the way we show up for one another.Tune in for an encouraging and honest conversation about faith, community, and becoming more like Christ together.Empowered Parenting registration link

In this episode, we dive into the promise of Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I will do a new thing.”Lisa and Cheree share what they’ve been sensing and hearing from the Lord in this season, opening up about the ways God speaks to them and how they personally process the journey of being led into new things.Together, they explore how to recognize internal resistance, release expectations and old mindsets that keep us stuck, and what it truly looks like to loosen our grip and hold our lives with an open hand.Join us as we unpack how God clearly leads us into new seasons—and discover practical ways to posture your heart to recognize, receive, and respond to the new thing He’s doing.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore what it means to recognize, process, and heal from unprocessed emotions. Lisa shares her personal journey of how God gently led her through the process of dealing with buried emotions from her childhood — and how that experience brought lasting healing and freedom. We’ll also talk about what healthy emotional processing looks like in partnership with the Lord and how you can invite Him into your own emotional healing journey.

In this episode, we dive deep into the subject of remaining in God's grace through the moments when our faith in God is tested. Rather than running from pain, we’re called to lean into the grace God offers, allowing Him to refine and strengthen us. This is where true growth happens — where spiritual muscles are built, character is developed, and our walk with the Lord is deeply rooted. This is an honest conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the power of responding rightly to the refining seasons God allows. Because He doesn’t just want us to scrape by — He wants us firmly established and living life to the fullest in Christ.

Who we surround ourselves with has the power to influence our faith — not just in theory, but in how we live it out daily. In this episode, we unpack what it means to see grace modeled in community, to be stretched in our thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyle, and to grow through trust.We ask: What does it really mean to be equipped as a believer? How do we continue to pour out without running dry — and where do Sabbath rest and hardship fit into that journey?We explore three key areas of trust:— Trusting in God’s grace— Trusting that His grace will meet us as we step out— Trusting the grace God has given others — even when it feels vulnerableIf you’ve ever sensed a unique grace on your life and wondered what it looks like to develop and walk it out intentionally, this conversation is for you.

Have you ever faced overwhelming spiritual, emotional, or mental battles—or felt stuck when you needed a breakthrough? You’re not alone. In those moments, praying in tongues can be a powerful lifeline. When we don’t know how to pray, we can trust the Holy Spirit to intercede through us, praying in alignment with God’s will—even when it bypasses our own understanding.In this episode, we dive into the nature of faith—not as a passive belief, but as an active, ongoing process. Faith is a lifestyle of listening to God with intention, staying attentive to His voice, and responding with obedience. It’s about consistently aligning our lives with His direction.We also unpack a critical tension in today’s spiritual landscape: when grace is watered down, it often leads to shallow faith—faith shaped more by culture and emotion than by truth. But true spiritual growth comes from holding grace and truth together. Grace invites us into God’s presence; truth calls us to take responsibility. It requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to be transformed. Join the podcast conversation as we discuss the topic of growing in grace. Resources Mentioned in Today's PodcastBook Study link HERE

 In this episode, we unpack the life-changing truth that the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit are accessible to all believers, not through merit, but by grace.We’ll explore how being filled with the Holy Spirit positions us to receive and walk in divine grace, why a lack of faith can restrict its flow, and how remembering God’s faithfulness builds the boldness we need to move forward. As faith grows, so does our capacity to receive more grace—even when times get tough.What does it look like to actually live this out in your daily life? Join us as we ask the hard questions and step deeper into the supernatural walk of faith.Resources: Book Resource Great Grace Join a life group study of Great Grace at Newport Church

In this episode, Pastor Matt shares a practical story that brings the grace of God into real, everyday life. Grace isn't just for spiritual moments—it’s a constant, empowering force like being plugged into a never-ending power source. It doesn’t remove us from life’s challenges, but meets us in them—sometimes as strength, sometimes as provision, or even just an encouraging word. Unlike the fairy-tale rescue we often imagine, grace empowers us to walk through difficulty, not escape it. Without this active grace, the Christian life can easily become a burden of duty and striving, instead of a life marked by joy and fruitfulness.. Faith is not just belief—it’s a place we live from. Join us as we dive deep into what it means to live empowered by grace every single day.Resources:Book Resource: Great Grace book Newport Church life group information

In this episode, Pastor David shares a personal story that highlights what it means to stop leaning on our own understanding and fully surrender to God's transforming power. Baptism represents more than a symbolic act—it marks a complete life change, where we step into modeling the Kingdom and living out the gospel. We’ll unpack how Satan’s original lie in the Garden painted God as controlling and restrictive, and how the New Covenant calls us away from self-rule into the freedom of God’s reign. Jesus demonstrated the fullness of the gospel through His life, showing us what it means to live empowered by grace. Through the process of transformation and the renewing of our minds, as seen in John 17:17–19, we’re sanctified by truth and made ready to live lives that reflect God’s glory.Resources: Book Resouce: Great GraceFind a life group at Newport Church

In this episode, we unpack the powerful difference between mercy and grace—mercy is not getting what we deserve, while grace is receiving what we never could earn. Grace is God’s goodness on full display, freely given without the need for performance or striving. We'll explore how to shift our mindset from focusing on problems to recognizing God’s constant provision, and why our feelings don’t get the final say in what’s true. Resources: Book Resource: Great Grace by Merle ShenkSmall Groups at Newport Church

Great GraceWith Special Guests David Barnett & Matt ShenkGrace is not passive—it’s divine empowerment, a living provision precisely tailored for every moment and season. It activates purpose, awakens potential, and brings people into alignment with who they were created to be. In this kickoff episode of our Great Grace Series, we’re joined by our Associate Pastors, David Barnett and Matt Shenk, for a powerful conversation on how grace equips, and transforms. Don’t miss this deep dive into the grace that doesn’t just cover—but empowers.Grab a copy of the Great Grace book and follow along with the podcast. To go deeper, join a small group—each group has access to unique video content that complements the book. Let’s dive deeply into God’s Word and discover how His grace empowers us to abound.

In this episode, Lisa and Cheree dive into Ephesians 2 and unpack the difference between performing for God’s approval and living from the secure foundation of His love. God isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for connection. Our walk with Him flows from intimacy, not image. We don’t live for approval — we live from it, grounded in the love and grace we’ve already received.

Today Lisa shares key breakthroughs on the topic of Identity. -Who you are as a son or daughter of God.-What you bring. -How God sees you.Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece, uniquely crafted in Christ Jesus to walk in the purpose He prepared for us long ago. As sons and daughters of God, our identity is rooted in His love, not our performance. You carry the essence of God's design—gifts, passion, and a reflection of His heart. He sees you not through the lens of your flaws, but through the grace of Christ, full of potential and purpose. Know who you are. Step into what you bring. Live as the beloved child He created you to be.

In today’s episode, Lisa and Cheree dive into the rising “trad wife” trend and how cultural narratives around motherhood and womanhood can subtly shape the way we see ourselves. Are we viewing our roles through a biblical lens—or through performance and pressure? They unpack how easy it is to lose sight of God's calling when we define ourselves only by what we do, rather than who we are in Him. Whether you're in a season of raising littles, leading a ministry, or both, this conversation will encourage you to ground your identity in Christ and respond to His voice above all.

Have you ever had a God-given dream that didn’t unfold the way you expected? Join Lisa and Cheree as they explore how God shapes us through intentional formation processes. Discover the different types of formation we experience, the purpose behind them, and how to avoid getting stuck along the way. Tune in as they share honest stories from their own journeys and the powerful lessons they've learned through seasons of growth and surrender.

In Part 2 of Parenting Trends, Lisa and Cheree explore the importance of nurturing a child's imagination through reading and play. Discover the essential "work" happening in a child's brain during these activities and why they are crucial for healthy development.Resources from Today's Podcast:Reset your child's brainBalanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable ChildrenFree to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for LifeHow Children LearnHow to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with NatureHow to teach your child during play: The Three R's by Ruth BeechickCheree's List of Chapter Book Bedtime Read Alouds for Elementary & Middle School age children:-Tales of the Kingdom-Little Pilgrim's Progress-God's Smuggler-George Muller-Prince Warrior series -The Cross and the Switchblade

In today’s episode, Lisa and Cheree dive into the evolving journey of parenting as our children step into their teen years. They explore how to shift from being the constant instructor to becoming an active listener, fostering deeper heart connections with our teens. You’ll hear personal stories and honest reflections on the challenges and joys they've encountered as their own kids navigate adolescence. Together, they unpack the importance of letting go, trusting God in the process, and staying intentional in this new season. May this conversation inspire you to approach these teenage years with hope, grace, and excitement.

Top Parenting Trends 2025: Part 1 – The Importance of Discipleship in the HomeAs we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of parenting, it’s clear that trends come and go—some helpful, others more misleading than we realize. But amidst all the noise, there's one foundational truth that never changes: the call to disciple our children in the ways of the Lord.Many of us are familiar with what discipleship looks like within the church walls or among adult believers. But how does that translate to our homes? What does it really mean to disciple our children in the day-to-day rhythms of family life?In this conversation, Cheree and Lisa dive deep into the conversation on the heart of family discipleship. Together, they’ll unpack what it means to cultivate a Christ-centered home and explore practical ways to weave faith into the fabric of everyday life. Through personal stories and life experiences, they’ll share how discipleship isn’t just another task on the parenting checklist—it’s the heartbeat of raising children who know and follow Jesus.Join us for Part 1 of this series as we speak into the nuances of modern parenting and rediscover the timeless importance of discipling the next generation, starting right in our own homes.

Creating Community & A Place of Belonging: Most of us at some point in our lives have felt lonely, or long for a place to belong. Today Cheree and Lisa take a closer look at community and creating belonging within the body of Christ.  What does it mean to be committed to what God has called us to, that even in the midst of conflict and struggle we choose to show up using our gifts and service as worship to the Lord. Choosing not to engage in offense but to loving and staying in relationship with each other. Listen in as they discuss biblical principles of engaging in a community of believers. 

Today we discuss building Biblical foundations around faith and finances, generosity and giving, and how to build that into our family culture. Today we break down the concepts of knowing God is our provider, God being the provider of More Than Enough, and how to build a legacy of financial breakthrough in the family setting. 

On prep for the holidays, self care, and keeping Christ the Center of the Holidays. Today Lisa and Cheree get a jump start in preparation for the holidays and talk about how to create a Christ centered home during the Holiday season.  How do we prioritize worship in our home and in practical family rhythms. Lisa and Cheree take time to explore these questions and share thoughts and insights from their own families and experiences. Join in to learn about how to be intentional in how God has called each family to minister to others as we celebrate the Holidays. 

Prayer and intercession are a vital part of our relationship with Jesus. As we position ourselves for what God wants to do in this next season, Cheree and Lisa take a look at how we can move from praying prayer requests to partnering with the Holy Spirit to pray and declare what is on God's heart for our circumstances, our families, our church and our communities. Listen in to hear personal stories of what this looks like from their lives and to be encouraged and challenged to g...

Send us a textWhat does that Bible say about loving one another and how does this directly connect to creating a sense of belonging within the body of Christ? Join us to today to find out. Loving one another is an important part of building relationships. Today Lisa and Cheree dig into the Word of God to evaluate and shine a light on how we show up in our relationships. The Word of God will challenge us to continue to go after becoming like Jesus in all areas of our life. Don't for...

Send us a textThe statistics on loneliness in the world today are not a pretty picture. We have all been created for community and connection. Today Lisa and Cheree continue the conversation around Friendship. They delve into the importance of having friendships that spiritually refine us, challenge our thinking, and the friendships where the person doesn't always agree to everything we say. We discuss the value of relationships that intentionally build us up to grow spiritually and encourage...

Send us a textToday Lisa and Cheree discuss the ongoing process of what God’s been working out in their lives over the past season. They continue to talk about intentional personal growth and how they see this intentional growth as a bigger part of what God is doing in building the Kingdom. Listen in to the learn how to identify when spiritual warfare is at play and how to continue to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit through the process of going through hard things. Don't forg...

Send us a textToday Lisa and Cheree discuss Christian responses to the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games, and whether our reactions stem from culture or compromise. Cheree and Lisa discuss the responsibility of being the salt of the earth, modeling responses in order to have personal conversations with people who aren't yet followers of Jesus, and how to check your own heart. Join in as they process through these questions, and hear our own experiences with these tensions. Don...

Send us a textcoming soon! Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or follow button and subscribe! This indicates to the algorithm that this is valuable content and enables us to reach more people with our message. Thank you!ResourcesNewport ChurchCredits:https://newportchurch.netIntro/Exit Music Source Credit: https://www.bensound.com

Send us a textToday more people are experiencing loneliness than ever before. In today's podcast Lisa and Cheree take a look at the importance of adult friendships, especially as women, and the need for community and connection. They discuss the different types of friendships, how they are important and what they have to offer. How do you navigate those close friendships you had with friends in your teen years into adulthood and create space for new friendship? Ho...

Send us a textCheree and Lisa continue to share their journey as they process all the God has been revealing in the past months. Asking the questions: Do I try to avoid my own problems or am I taking on other peoples problems. Learning how to take responsibility for things that we personally need to work on versus blaming others for our responses and feelings. The challenge is to not only do the hard work on ourselves but to learn how to walk in the fruit of the spirit during the ...

Send us a textJoin Lisa & Cheree as we catch you up on our personal journey these past few weeks and the thread of the Lord in this season in our lives. It's been an incredible journey as we wrap up the Freedom Study, and move into one of the most dynamic times of the year via the DOVE International Leadership Conference. (Newport Church is a partner church with over 1,000 churches and ministries around the world in the DOVE International movement.)Today we discuss our conference speaker,...

Send us a textToday we have a special friend and guest, Samantha Okkers, in the studio. Samantha and her husband Nigel, pastor House of Praise church in Cape Town, South Africa. Samantha shares her story of rebuilding after significant memory loss from a seizure and years of mis-diagnosed pain. Her story is one of hope for anyone who has walked through pain & trauma.Join us as she shares her journey with God through the challenging seasons of life. Samantha shares practical s...

Send us a textOn today's podcast we cover what is coming up next in our Leadership Perspectives and Life Skills group. Check out the dates, and we would love to see you participating in this next round of development!We also give an update on the Freedom curriculum, and vision cast for the Freedom event happening on April 7th where we will be going after personal deliverance and the baptism of Holy Spirit in our lives. We also share the visionary focus for our leadership small gro...

Send us a textToday Lisa and Cheree continue their conversation on Family Culture and Rhythms. They discuss the importance of routines that build safety. Learn about the importance and how to have ongoing conversations sex and sexuality. Join ins as the take some deep dives into online safety, social media and technology. Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or follow button and subscribe! This indicates to the algorithm that this is valuable content and enables us to reach m...

Send us a textToday we are welcoming Lisa Hurst to the team at Newport Church. Lisa recently joined staff at Newport as the children's ministry director and we are excited to have her part of the team. Today Lisa shares a bit of her own backstory and testimony, her heart for our families at Newport, and the journey that God has brought her to bring her skills and vision to this new role. Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or follow button and subscribe! This indicates to th...

Send us a textMany of us have routines we do that form culture within our family. Today we share priorities from our own lives that build healthy relationships, keep connection, and develop positive parent child relationships. We share personal experiences from our own family lives, what we have learned along the way, to inspire creativity and intentional thinking as you build your own healthy family culture. Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or fol...

Send us a textToday Lisa and Cheree discuss how the lens of shame can affect our freedom in Christ. Learn how shame can hide behind other thoughts and emotions. How it can twist the message of something we have heard. Learn steps to take to walk in freedom from shame and experience truth. They hope this podcast will encourage you to fall deeper in love with Jesus, as you gain a deeper understanding of how much Jesus loves you just for being his child. Referenced in Today's P...

Send us a textThis podcast has us sharing our insights into what the Lord has been doing for the past year in our own lives and how that impacts as we look ahead for 2024. Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or follow button and subscribe! This indicates to the algorithm that this is valuable content and enables us to reach more people with our message. Thank you!ResourcesNewport ChurchCredits:https://newportchurch.netIntro/Exit Music Source Credit: https://www.bensound.com

Send us a textConflict is something that we all deal with in our relationship. Learning how to do it well takes intentional skill building. Join us today as we talk about how to handle conflict in a way that builds connection with others, learn to identify the issue, and know what we want to achieve. How do we have positive disagreements and what do we do when others come to us with criticism? Learn healthy responses and practical steps that you can take to strengthen your relationships...

Send us a textToday on the Culture of Empowerment Series, Lisa and Cheree talk about how we relate to different cultures and how to be an empowering listener in relationships. Learn how to connect by focusing on the similarities between us, and why is it important to be flexible, ask questions and listen well. Listening is also one of the most important skills to cultivate when we look to empower others. Poor listening skills can hinder relationships and negatively impact our...

Send us a textToday Cheree and Lisa discuss the importance of the words we use, and how the language we use can create a culture around us. Learn why being intentional about what we say and the words we use to communicate are so important. They take a look at examples of disempowering language versus empowering language. They share what it's been like to have to stop and slow down and take a deep look at the language they are speaking and going after personal growth of dealin...

Send us a textThis weeks convo: becoming a magnet for empowerment and tools to increase in favor & empowerment with others out of the book, Culture of Empowerment.This week Lisa and Cheree continue the discussion on the Culture of Empowerment discussing Chapters six and seven. They talk about how to increase the likelihood of being empowered, and how to respond to hurtful relationships. What are some empowering magnets and how do we deal with disappointments in relationships? Listen in to...

Send us a textToday Lisa and Cheree share big take-aways from this past season, and from the Culture of Empowerment book study. If you are following along, check out Chapter three in the book, and grab your Bible and notes to participate in the discussion.We take a deep dive in how we can become empowering people. Discuss how what we think about ourselves and others, what we say, and how we communicate is critical in every area of influence that we have. How do we 'speak life' in ...

Send us a textOn todays podcast Lisa and Cheree dive into how leaders can create an empowering culture within their areas of influence. They break down what empowerment is and what it looks like when leaders are intentionally encouraging and inspiring those around them. They also discuss what may be holding us back from creating an empowering culture. What we believe can empower or disempower those around us, and also limit our own leadership. Learn why what we believe is so ...

Send us a textLisa and Cheree are back in the studio again! The ladies share what God has been doing over the summer in their lives and the vision they have moving forward. A new course is starting up at Newport Church in their Leadership Perspectives and Life Skills small group, click HERE for more details. They share the vision they have for this next study and how the content has already impacted their lives. Don't forget to rate this episode, hit the like or follow...

Send us a textThe Prophetic ministry is a powerful gift that can be used to connect others to Jesus. Today we explore how this gifting operates and equips the church, and practical ways to stretch yourself to grow in the prophetic to uplift and encourage others. We also dialogue how it is so important to learn how to steward genuine prophetic words we receive, and how to respond and process prophetic words. This dialogue will encourage you in your own prophetic journey as you...

Send us a textAt Newport Church you will hear us talk about apostles and apostolic ministry. Today Cheree and Lisa discuss, what an apostle is and what this gifting adds to the body of Christ. We take a look at how apostolic ministry works and operates. We discuss why the apostolic is so important to bringing heaven's reality to earth. And about the fivefold ministry gifts and how the gift of the apostle is important to see all of these giftings released within t...