Ep. 37: Wake Up, Church

Ep. 37: Wake Up, Church

There are moments in Scripture when the call is simple: Wake up. Stay watchful. Be ready. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warn the Church to remain awake, endure to the end, guard against deception, and keep our lamps full of oil. In this episode, CJ and Leana share the heart behind Housefires Movement, a burden that has shaped their ministry from the very beginning: preparing the Bride for the return of Christ. From the parable of the ten virgins to the rise of progressive Christianity, this conversation explores what it means to remain faithful in an age of compromise, to know Jesus rather than simply know about Him, and to cultivate a life of holiness, discernment, and unwavering devotion. This conversation isn't meant to stir fear, it's meant to stir faithfulness. Jesus warned His Church because He loves His Church. As CJ asks at the close of this episode: "If Jesus returned today, would He find you awake or asleep?" May that question lead each of us back to the secret place, deeper devotion, and a renewed longing for Christ.   If this episode encouraged or challenged you, consider sharing it with someone who desires to stay awake, endure faithfully, and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.

Ep. 36: Unity in a Divided Age

What does biblical unity actually look like in a culture shaped by isolation, convenience, and individualism? In this episode, Nick and CJ sit down with Tyler Schenzel to explore the challenges facing the modern Church and the invitation to something deeper. Together they discuss devotion, discipleship, spiritual maturity, and the kind of unity that is forged not through agreement alone, but through commitment, humility, and a shared pursuit of Christ. The conversation also turns toward legacy and what it means to model a burning faith for the next generation... to build something that outlives us. Whether you're leading a church, discipling others, or simply longing for authentic Christian community, this episode offers a compelling vision for what it looks like to be devoted to Christ and to one another.

Ep. 35: Hope for the Postpartum Mother

In this episode of the HouseFires Movement Podcast, CJ, Leana, and Kayla have an honest conversation about the realities of postpartum...the struggles many mothers silently carry, the spiritual and emotional weight that can come with motherhood, and the hope found in Christ through it all. From postpartum anxiety and overwhelm to community, healing, and learning to receive grace in difficult seasons, this episode is a reminder that mothers are not alone and there is hope even in the hardest moments.

Ep. 34: Familiarity: Friend or Foe?

Familiarity isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it’s what draws us closer to people, and it builds trust, connection, and intimacy. The longer you walk with someone, the more comfortable and known you become. But what happens when that same familiarity starts to work against you? In this episode, CJ and Nick unpack how familiarity with God, people, and even spiritual environments can slowly turn from something healthy into something dangerous. They challenge the idea that faith is automatic or passive, emphasizing instead that finishing the race requires intentionality, daily devotion, and community. More than anything, this episode is a wake-up call to examine your heart: Are you growing closer to God… or are you just more used to Him?

Ep. 33: Go and Make Disciples (Not Converts)

Jesus didn’t say “Go and make converts.” He said, “Go and make disciples.” Somewhere along the way, we started settling for decisions instead of transformation and for moments instead of lives that are actually formed. In this conversation, we get honest about what discipleship really is and why so many of us have missed it. Not because we don’t care, but because we’ve overcomplicated it, outsourced it, or expected it to look different than it actually does. We also wrestle with something that isn’t talked about enough: discipleship isn’t about chasing people down. Jesus invited people to follow but He didn’t force them. And not everyone stayed. So what does it look like to actually make disciples? Who do you pour into? And what do you do when people say they want it… but don’t stay? This isn’t a formula. It’s a call back to something simple, relational, and costly.