Lisa Harper | |
|---|---|
 Harper in 2023 | |
| Born | 1963 (age 61–62) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Covenant Seminary (MTS) |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Christian women’s conferences |
| Children | 1 |
Lisa Harper (born 1963) is a Christian author, bible educator, and speaker. She has written books and bible education study curricula, organized Christian women's conferences, and since 2022 hosted the podcast Back Porch Theology.
Harper is a native of Central Florida. [1] She earned a Master of Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary [1] and has completed doctoral studies at Denver Seminary, and as of 2025 was working on her thesis. [2]
Harper served six years as the director of Women's Outreach at Focus on the Family, where she developed the "Renewing the Heart" conferences attended by 150,000-200,000 women in the late 1990s. [1] [3] She speaks at large multi-denominational events and at churches all over the world. [4] Through biblical teachings and workshops, she reassures women that they are not alone and provides a safe space for them to be open about their struggles balancing their daily and spiritual lives. [5]
For ten years, she toured with "Women of Faith," sharing messages of God's unconditional love with over a million women. Throughout her ministry, she recognized the need for women of all ages to be encouraged, strengthened in their faith, and to receive a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [3] She was executive producer on Renewing the Heart Live Albums which generated several No. 1 Christian radio singles [3] and has made appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. [6]
She has produced Bible study video curriculums which provide historical background and utilize pop-culture references to help people connect with biblical stories and figures. [7] Examples of these include ones for Hebrews, Old Testament Minor Prophets, the Song of Solomon and Job. [7] [8] She has also authored books which have been described as spiritually introspective life-lessons, [9] using humor, personal anecdotes, and her storytelling ability to encourage readers to seek an intimate connection with God. [1] [9] Her podcast ‘’Back Porch Theology’’ was nominated for three consecutive years for the K-Love Podcast of the Year Fan Award. [10] Harper hosts the podcast with actress and author Allison Allen and Denver Seminary Professor Jim Howard. [11]
Harper spent much of her adult life struggling with the shame stemming from her abusive childhood. In her forties, as a single woman, she felt a strong desire to become a mother and began exploring adoption. [12] However, a fellow church member discouraged her, suggesting that her past experiences might negatively impact her ability to parent. As a result, she postponed the adoption process for seven years. In her late forties, she resumed her efforts, and after two unsuccessful adoption attempts, she learned about a two-and-a-half-year-old girl in Haiti named Missy who was diagnosed with HIV, cholera, tuberculosis, and severe malnutrition. [8] [12] She began adoption proceedings, visiting her daughter in Haiti until she was able to bring her home to Nashville in April 2014. [12]