What do Play-Doh, a He-Man alarm clock, a giant living-room fan, and disappointing leaders have in common? Somehow, they all make it into Episode 20.

Ben and Lynley kick things off with a new game called “Come to Your Senses,” sharing childhood memories connected to sights, sounds, and smells—including one confession about Ben’s unusual love for the smell (and apparently the texture) of Play-Doh.

Then the conversation turns a little deeper. They talk about what happens when leaders let us down, why someone’s failure doesn’t necessarily erase everything good that came before it, and the danger of both putting people on pedestals and becoming cynical when they fall.

They also share some of what Bellevue’s Life Group leaders are saying about the church right now—from an encouraging culture of transparency to the need for greater commitment, serving, and opportunities for people to genuinely connect.

Plus, Ben and Lynley recap a recent staff retreat, talk about making space for people to linger, and reflect on what they learned about emotions, anger, and healthy responses.

And somehow, through all of that, this will probably still be remembered as the Play-Doh episode.

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What’s the difference between gossip, flattery, and genuine encouragement? Ben and Lynley talk about saying what we mean, offering an apology, and making sure our words are both kind and true.

In Episode 19 of Behind the Scenes, they also reflect on Ehud and the book of Judges, the gift of growing older, and the discipline of growing in godliness. This week’s high notes include a thoughtful surprise, a proud parenting moment, and Lynley’s plans to listen and learn as she helps develop Bellevue’s widows ministry.

Join Ben and Lynley for an honest conversation about faith, family, and life at Bellevue.

Ben turns 50 and tells a few stories he’s still embarrassed about—including why he wore glasses he didn’t need. Then he and Lynley talk about loving kids who’ve walked away from faith, knowing when to offer grace or say something hard, and being honest about what’s going on in your family. They also settle whether they’re really polar opposites, with some evidence involving missing socks and leftover tacos.

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After taking a week off, Ben and Lynley are back and talking about a lot of what’s been going on lately. They look back at Sunday’s message on thankfulness and a small moment in a Chick-fil-A parking lot that came at just the right time.

Lynley also talks about why she feels drawn to widows ministry and what she hopes that could look like at Bellevue.Ben answers a question he’s been getting a lot lately about why the 9:30 and 11:00 services are now the same, and they talk about music preferences, church unity, and learning to disagree without letting it divide us.

They also share a couple of high notes from the week—including a trip back to Lifeway that reminded them how good it feels to know they’re where they’re supposed to be.

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Ben and Lynley address a rumor head-on: Bellevue is not killing the Singing Christmas Tree. They explain why the beloved tradition is being refreshed for a new season—and why preserving what matters sometimes means making thoughtful changes.

They also look back on their college years—the fun, the friendships, and the hard moments that shaped them—and talk about sharing the gospel through real relationships. Plus, meet Bellevue’s Golden Coyote and hear this week’s high notes from choir and the Mandrell family.

One year into life at Bellevue, Ben and Lynley look back at the moments they’ve “dog-eared”—building relationships, walking through loss, and navigating changes on staff. They also talk about why Ben usually remains on the platform during the invitation, seasons of depression and transition, and what 25 years of marriage has taught them about growth and change.

This one starts with a few funny money questions—Honey Nut Cheerios, Heinz ketchup, hair clippers, and how Finn unexpectedly became part of the family. From there, Ben and Lynley talk about why money can feel like such a touchy subject, why Ben didn’t want to skip over a hard passage in James, and the acts of generosity they still remember years later.

They also explain more about bringing first through third graders into the worship service and share some of the ways they taught their own kids to sit, listen, and be part of worship. Then they talk about what their morning prayer walks actually look like. Nothing fancy—just walking, talking, and making sure they stop talking long enough to pray.

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Episode 13 covers a little bit of everything: unanswered prayer, the quiet ways sin can sneak into our lives, and the tension between isolating ourselves from the world and becoming too much like it.Ben and Lynley also settle a family debate over a lost Barnes & Noble gift card, talk about what makes them happy and sad, and look back at a couple of ordinary family moments they wish they could freeze forever. They end on a high note with what we’re looking forward to at Bellevue and how people are using their gifts to serve the church.

Ben and Lynley are back after a week off with no real plan—which turns into a little bit of everything. They talk honestly about a rough couple of days in their marriage, what the sermon on wisdom brought up for both of them, and the difference between keeping the peace and actually making peace.

They also look back on one year at Bellevue, talk about preaching and their devotional habits, and let the crew ask whatever they want—from summer camp memories and praying together to pineapple on pizza and who should play them in a movie.

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This week, Ben and Lynley talk through James, temptation, pride, money, and what it looks like to trust God when things don’t go the way you thought they would. They also get into Larry Crabb’s Shattered Dreams, moments when God closed doors in Ben’s life, and how those hard things ended up mattering later.

And then it takes a turn into birthday paintings, a hummingbird mask, tiny heads, nursery volunteers, and peanut butter balls. So… a little bit of everything.

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