Uncommon Connections

Loneliness & Community

Our culture glorifies independence with expressions of, "I got this," "I don't need anyone."
But The Gospel calls us into dependence - on God and on each other. Community isn't optional, it's biblical.
Takeaways:
-God designed us for relationship (Genesis 2:18)
-Isolation is the enemy's playground (1 Peter 5:8-9)
-Real community brings healing (James 5:16)
-Community fuels purpose (Hebrews 10:24-25)
 
You can't follow Jesus and avoid people, His plan for your growth includes them.

Anxiety & Depression

Depression doesn't mean you're faithless and anxiety doesn't mean you're helpless. God meets you in the middle of the struggle. And you don't have to fix yourself to come to Him, His healing starts with your honesty.
 
Takeaways:
-Psalm 42:11
-Psalm 34:18
-The battle is spiritual and mental (2 Corinthians 10:5)
-The Gospel gives hope that doesn't fade (John 16:33)
-Healing happens in community (Galatians 6:2)
 
While the Lord could absolutely remove depression or anxiety from your life, it doesn't mean He will. Jesus doesn't promise a painless life, He promises victory through Him.

Why Am I Here?

What’s my purpose? Why am I here?These are the questions every young adult eventually asks — and in this episode of Uncommon Connections from The Porch, we talk about what purpose really means from a biblical perspective, not a cultural one.
Your purpose isn’t something you chase.It’s something God designed, revealed, and invites you into.
In this episode, we break down:✨ Why your purpose starts with God, not your career🔥 How calling flows from identity, not achievement💬 Why obedience reveals direction🙌 How to stop drifting and start walking in the purpose God already prepared for you
Verses Mentioned:Colossians 1:16Romans 8:29Proverbs 3:5-6Ephesians 2:102 Timothy 1:9
If you feel stuck, directionless, or unsure of what God is doing in your life — this episode is for you.You were created on purpose, for a purpose.

You’re Not Lazy You’re Distracted

We’ve all said “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But when it comes to faith, later can quietly become never. In this episode of Uncommon Connections from The Porch, Michael and Braden (with guest Logan) talk about procrastination—doom-scrolling, distraction, and the difference between rest and delay—and how the Holy Spirit’s nudge calls us to obedience today.
We ask:
Are you giving authority to distraction or to Jesus?
Is your “I’m just relaxing” actually procrastination?
How do anxiety/depression intersect with delay—and how can community help?
What does it look like to redeem the time (Eph. 5:15–17)?
Verses referenced (ESV):James 4:17 · Luke 10:40–42 · Hebrews 3:15 · Romans 6:16 · Ephesians 5:15–17 · Matthew 25:1–13 · Psalm 34:18 · Psalm 42:11 · John 16:33 · Galatians 6:2
Join the conversation: DM us topics you want covered on Instagram @theporchscottsdale.Gather with us: Tuesdays · 7:30 PM · Highlands Church (AZ)
We’ve all said “I’ll do it tomorrow.” But when it comes to faith, later can quietly become never. In this episode of Uncommon Connections from The Porch, Michael and Braden (with guest Logan) talk about procrastination—doom-scrolling, distraction, and the difference between rest and delay—and how the Holy Spirit’s nudge calls us to obedience today.
We ask:
Are you giving authority to distraction or to Jesus?
Is your “I’m just relaxing” actually procrastination?
How do anxiety/depression intersect with delay—and how can community help?
What does it look like to redeem the time (Eph. 5:15–17)?
Verses referenced (ESV):James 4:17 · Luke 10:40–42 · Hebrews 3:15 · Romans 6:16 · Ephesians 5:15–17 · Matthew 25:1–13 · Psalm 34:18 · Psalm 42:11 · John 16:33 · Galatians 6:2
Join the conversation: DM us topics you want covered on Instagram @theporchscottsdale.Gather with us: Tuesdays · 7:30 PM · Highlands Church (AZ)

How to Pray

In this first episode of Uncommon Connections, we’re talking about how to pray — what it really means to talk to God, why it matters, and how to make prayer part of everyday life.We’re not giving you a formula — we’re helping you find a relationship.
Whether you’re new to faith, struggling to stay consistent, or just wondering if prayer even works — this conversation is for you.
Verses Mentioned:Ephesians 6:18–20Matthew 21:22Matthew 6:6Romans 8:26Philippians 4:6James 5:16
Subscribe for more real conversations about life and faith from The Porch — because following Jesus isn’t always simple, but it’s always worth it.
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