HouseFires Movement Podcast

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.

Ep. 32: From the Strip Club to a Life Surrendered to Jesus

In this episode, Halie sits down with CJ and Leana to share her powerful testimony. What began as a life marked by anxiety, addiction, broken relationships, and the adult entertainment industry became a story of radical transformation through an encounter with Christ. Halie opens up about the reality behind that lifestyle, the pull of identity and money, and the tension of walking out conviction when God began calling her out. This isn’t just a story about where she came from, it’s about what surrender actually looks like. Through it all, her story points to a God who still rescues, restores, and completely transforms lives. If you’ve ever wondered whether real change is possible, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus still sets people free...and no one is too far gone for Him to reach. Follow Halie and hear more of what God is doing through her: https://linktr.ee/halieasmus [https://linktr.ee/halieasmus]

Ep. 31: Do Hard Things: The Call for Men to Lead Well

Nick and CJ sit down with John Duncan to talk about men, discipleship, and the call to biblical responsibility. They unpack why many men feel disengaged in the Church today, how fatherlessness and culture play a role, and why discipleship and spiritual fatherhood are essential for the next generation. This conversation isn’t meant to condemn men, but to encourage and equip them. Together, they point toward a deeper understanding of identity in Christ and the responsibility men are called to carry in their homes, churches, and communities.

Ep. 30: Practical Wisdom for Those Who Feel Called to Lead

In this episode of the House Fires Movement Podcast, we respond to questions from people who feel called to start gatherings, ministries, or new expressions of church. Rather than offering a formula, we share lessons we’ve learned about heart posture, preparation, and obedience when stepping into something God may be leading. We talk about the importance of examining motives, letting God prepare you in hidden seasons, and surrounding yourself with healthy accountability and community. We also discuss why character and discipleship must come before gifting, how to recognize your calling without trying to be everything to everyone, and why simplicity and dependence on the Holy Spirit matter more than production or numbers. We also share practical encouragement about spiritual warfare, boundaries, and perseverance, along with a few final exhortations for anyone sensing God stirring something new in their life. If you feel called to pioneer, lead, or open your home, we hope this conversation encourages you to move forward with humility, wisdom, and a heart to please God above all else.