Recovering from the Death of a Child and Navigating Success in Ministry: Levi Lusko
Apr 17, 2025
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Levi Lusko, founder of Fresh Life Church and bestselling author, shares his profound journey through grief after losing his daughter, Lenya. He candidly discusses how personal loss shaped his ministry and community engagement. The conversation flows from navigating public success in ministry to the emotional challenges of balancing family life with a demanding speaking schedule. Levi emphasizes the transformative power of prayer and mentorship while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.
Levi Lusko candidly shared the deep emotional journey of grieving the loss of his daughter Linnea and how community support aided their healing process.
The rapid growth of Fresh Life Church highlighted Levi's emphasis on authentic community engagement and the transformative power of faith in building a congregation.
In his latest book, Levi explores midlife identity challenges, advocating for vulnerability and personal growth as essential aspects of effective ministry and life.
Deep dives
Navigating Grief and Loss
The conversation delves into the profound impact of losing a child, a tragedy experienced by Levi Lesko, who reflected on the painful circumstances surrounding his daughter Linnea's death. He recounted the harrowing experience of desperately performing CPR until paramedics arrived, juxtaposed with the heart-wrenching task of planning her funeral shortly after a mass tragedy involving children. This experience transformed Levi and his wife's faith journey as they struggled with feelings of anger, grief, and the search for solace. Ultimately, Levi emphasized that despite the horror of their loss, their faith was bolstered by the love and support they received from their community, which helped them find healing over time.
The Growth of Fresh Life Church
Levi discussed the unexpected success of Fresh Life Church, which he founded with his wife in Montana. Starting with just 14 attendees above a bar, the church quickly expanded, reaching over a hundred attendees by Easter and continuing to grow substantially over the years. He attributed this growth to an authentic church experience that resonated with attendees, combined with a commitment to community engagement. Levi shared how the church’s growth was a testament to God's provision and the importance of being rooted in one's community while navigating the challenges and joys of church planting.
The Pressure of Public Life
The episode explored the complexities and pressures associated with leading a rapidly growing church, particularly how it can affect personal and spiritual life. Levi candidly shared his experiences navigating the intense visibility and expectations that come with church leadership, including the challenges of maintaining authenticity amid widespread attention. He emphasized the need for deep-rooted spiritual formation to withstand public scrutiny and how a gradual rise to prominence allowed him to process these challenges more effectively. The conversation highlighted the balance required to sustain ministry and personal well-being in an increasingly demanding environment.
Confronting Midlife Crisis
Levi's latest book, 'Blessed Are the Spiraling', addresses his experiences during a period of midlife crisis, offering insights into how one can confront shifting seasons of life. He shared that as he neared 40, he grappled with identity challenges, reflecting on his transition from being the young pastor to embracing the complexities of aging and leadership. This period of introspection led him to reassess his approach to ministry and life, ultimately finding peace in the lessons learned from vulnerability and change. Through this journey, Levi emphasized the beauty found in vulnerability, allowing his experiences to contribute to personal growth and renewed purpose.
Passions Beyond Ministry
Outside of pastoring and writing, Levi engaged in discussions about his personal hobbies and active lifestyle, which contribute to his overall well-being. His love for outdoor activities, such as hiking, snowboarding, and fly fishing, reflects his deep appreciation for nature and the joy it brings. He also highlighted the importance of family time, mentioning how he integrates his kids into his travels and enjoys quality moments with them. Levi's enthusiasm for cold water therapy and the thrill of challenging physical endeavors showcases his commitment to a balanced life, emphasizing that ministry goes hand in hand with personal growth and leisure.
Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church located in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, I Declare War, The Last Supper on the Moon, and Roar Like a Lion, the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award winner for young people's literature. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven. Levi’s latest book is Blessed Are The Spiraling: How the Chaotic Search for Significance Can Lead to Joy through Life’s Shifting Seasons
