Black Fire Podcast

Welcome to Season 7 of the Black Fire Podcast! In our season opener, Daniel sits down with Black Fire Ministries Founder and Visionary Pastor Cyrena Denniston to reflect on the incredible ways God has moved throughout 2026—and the unexpected invitation He gave the ministry to slow down without stopping. After seasons of accelerated grace, favor, growth, and open doors, God began revealing that this next season would look different. Like a vehicle moving to the shoulder with its indicators on, Black Fire Ministries wasn’t being called to stop moving forward—it was being invited to slow down, undergo some necessary maintenance, and prepare for the road ahead. Cyrena shares what that has looked like behind the scenes: developing leadership, establishing a board, building new relationships, and putting foundations in place for a ministry designed to impact generations beyond our own. Throughout the conversation, one truth continues to surface: being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means listening for the Holy Spirit, responding in obedience, and trusting God with the results. “When I say yes, God does the rest.” Sometimes our simple obedience today becomes part of a story God will continue writing long after us. Join us as we kick off Season 7 by celebrating what God has done, discovering what He is doing in the stillness, and looking ahead with expectation for everything yet to come.

Global Missions and the Power of Imago Dei concludes season six of the Blackfire Podcast with special guest Dr. Ted Esler, president of Missio Nexus. Dr. Esler shares his journey from computer science to church planting in the Balkans during the 1990s civil wars, highlighting powerful stories of gospel transformation among unreached Muslim communities. The episode also explores his vision for Imago Dei missiology — a missions approach rooted in mutual respect, relationship, and recognizing the image of God in every person. This inspiring finale offers wisdom for the next generation of missionaries, encouraging humility, resilience, and long-term faithfulness in ministry.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Andrew Young—from working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement to becoming a Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under Jimmy Carter.This is a story of faith, strategy, and stepping into the spaces where real change happens—from the streets to the global stage.🔥 If you’re ready to turn conviction into impact, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Blackfire Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life of Andrew Foster, a man who refused to let deafness or racial segregation limit the calling God placed on his heart. Born in 1925 in Ensley, Alabama, Foster overcame immense educational barriers in the segregated South to become the first African American to graduate from Gallaudet University.
 
Driven by a passion for the forgotten, Foster dedicated his life to establishing schools for the deaf across the African continent. When he first arrived in Africa in 1957, there were only 12 schools for the deaf on the entire continent; through his tireless obedience, he and his wife, Berta, eventually opened schools in different nations.
 
Join us as we reflect on Foster’s enduring legacy and explore what it means to say "yes" to God's calling, even when conditions are far from perfect. We hope this highlights how one person’s obedience can provide a voice to millions and create an eternal impact in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In this episode of the Black Fire Podcast, Pastor Cyrena Denniston shares the powerful journey behind Black Fire Ministries—from a childhood passion for missions to a defining moment in 2020 that sparked a global calling. She unpacks the vision to raise and release next-generation mission catalysts across the African diaspora, highlighting the challenges of building a ministry from the ground up and the importance of obedience and sacrifice. The conversation explores key elements of the movement, including Blaze Team mission trips, the Four Pillars (Ignite, Transform, Catalyze, Amplify), and the role of partnerships in sustaining impact—using the “fire” analogy to illustrate how different supporters fuel the mission.

In this short episode, Daniel Thring unpacks the power of self-control as a vital fruit of the Spirit. With practical insight and spiritual depth, he explores how self-control shapes our choices, strengthens our character, and aligns our lives with God’s purpose. This episode will challenge and encourage you to move beyond impulse and into intentional, Spirit-led living.

What happens when the life you planned isn’t the life God calls you to?
In this episode of the Blackfire Podcast, Daniel Black sits down with Crossroads Church campus pastor Emmett Rogersto unpack a powerful journey of calling, surrender, and leadership. Once pursuing a career in medicine, Emmett found himself wrestling with a completely different path—one that would eventually lead him into pastoral ministry.
Through unexpected moments, honest conversations, and the encouragement of his wife, Emmett began to recognize God’s hand guiding him toward a purpose he once resisted. From winemaking in Minnesota to stepping into the role of campus pastor, his story is a reminder that God often prepares us in ways we don’t immediately understand.
Together they explore the heart of true leadership—servanthood, humility, and deep relational connection. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Moses, Emmett shares how God consistently uses imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
This episode is an invitation to trust God’s direction, embrace His grace, and step boldly into the calling He places on your life. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt prayer for listeners to receive Jesus and commit their lives to His mission.

In this powerful episode of the Black Fire Podcast, we sit down with Wayne Thring — Deputy President of the African Christian Democratic Party, devoted pastor, father, and national leader serving in the Parliament of South Africa. But before the titles… there was a journey. Wayne takes us back to his youth in South Africa, where he courageously stood against injustice during one of the most defining periods in the nation’s history. From activism to surrender, from struggle to spiritual awakening, his story is a testimony of how God shapes leaders through obedience, perseverance, and unwavering faith. This conversation goes beyond politics. It is about calling. You’ll hear: 🔥 The untold story of his early activism and personal risks 🔥 The defining moments that led him to faith and pastoral ministry 🔥 How God opened doors into national leadership and influence 🔥 Lessons on integrity, excellence, and standing firm in your convictions 🔥 Encouragement for believers called to impact society beyond the church walls This episode is a reminder that God raises voices in every sphere — and faithfulness in the small steps can lead to influence in the highest places. Take this journey with us — a journey of faith, obedience, growth, struggle, rising above, and standing firm. From the heart of Black Fire Ministries, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Season 6 is here — and we’re stepping into 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 with full hearts ❤️ and bold faith 🙌🏾 In this premiere episode, our core team reflects on the goodness of God and stands in awe of all He has done so far ✨ From unexpected doors 🚪 to transformed lives 🔥, we remember His faithfulness — and look ahead with fresh expectation 👀🌍 This conversation is filled with gratitude, vision, and anticipation. The story isn’t finished. The fire is still burning 🔥 And we believe the 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 💫 🎧 Tune in and step into 2026 with us.

✨ In this, our final episode of Season Five, we’re closing out with something truly special. We’re bringing you an unforgettable message from Dr. Sammy Wanyonyi, shared live at our Kingdom Expansion Night. His words were powerful, faith-stirring, and filled with fresh vision for what God is doing in this season. 🎧 Tune in, lean in, and let your heart be encouraged. Whether you’ve journeyed with us all season or you’re joining for the first time, this episode is a perfect reminder of why we pursue the Kingdom together. Hit play — and be inspired to step boldly into your God-given purpose!