Rise + Rejoice Podcast

Summer Johnston
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Rise + Rejoice podcast welcomes you into authentic discussions filled with passion and purpose, as I share about relevant topics and dive into Scripture. Have you ever felt unsure of how to respond to issues in today’s culture from a biblical standpoint? Join us as I go deep into what God’s Word has to say about the hot topics of our world and interview special guests. Let’s learn how to walk worthy of our calling and rejoice in truth together!

  1. 1d ago

    Why Christian Community and Friendships Matter with Michael and Jess Huesser

    Today, Summer talks with Michael and Jessica Huesser about the biblical importance of church community, spiritual accountability, and friendships that help believers grow. Michael and Jess share lessons from their marriage, church service, youth ministry, and the challenge of choosing meaningful in-person relationships over isolation and digital connection. We discuss: Why community is central to the Christian life, beginning with God’s declaration that it is not good to be alone.How church community creates opportunities to practice the fruits of the Spirit, including patience, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, and love.The danger of treating church like a restaurant.Acts 2:42-47 as a model for Christian fellowship that includes teaching, prayer, communion, shared meals, generosity, hospitality, and meeting one another’s needs.Choosing close friends wisely, especially the three to five people who most influence your direction, while maintaining appropriate boundaries with wider acquaintances.The value of friendships across generations, seasonal friendships, mutual vulnerability, confession, and friendships that celebrate one another without comparison.Who has God placed in your life for you to love, encourage, or show up for this week—and what’s one intentional step you can take toward them? Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  2. Sep 9

    Finding Your Gifts and Fighting Comparison with Hanna Hastings

    Welcome to part two of service, where both Summer and Hannah reminisce about their time in college and the reciprocal nature of serving. Hanna poignantly states, "You’re serving, but you’re also being filled up at the same time." Together, they challenge the pressure to perform and ask the question that exposes our true motives: Would you still serve if nobody saw you? As you listen, consider how you might get involved in serving your community and the ways it can enrich your own life. What forms of service resonate with you? You’ll discover: Why Christian service is not limited to church programs or Sunday morningsHow small acts of kindness at work, school, or in your community can open doors for the gospelWhat to do when conviction turns into guilt, shame, or condemnationHow to identify and use your spiritual gifts without comparing yourself to othersWhy the church needs every member, not just the people who are already doing everythingHow to serve faithfully when your work feels unseen, inconvenient, or fruitless Grounded in passages including Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12:12, this conversation calls you back to the biblical picture of service as a lifestyle. You do not have to wait until you feel ready. Start where you are, ask God for opportunities, and take the next faithful step. Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  3. Sep 3

    Are You Serving God or Performing for People? with Hanna Hastings

    If you feel burnt out, overlooked, unsure of your spiritual gifts, or disconnected from your church and community, this conversation is for you. Serving God is not a Sunday checkbox or a performance for other people. It is a daily lifestyle, a joyful response to what Christ has done, and a calling every believer is created to live out. Summer Johnston and Hanna Hastings unpack what it really means to serve with your whole heart, from youth ministry and church involvement to everyday acts of kindness, workplace conversations, outreach, and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Hanna shares how serving in production, children’s ministry, and youth ministry deepened her walk with Christ, kept her accountable to Scripture, and connected her to a community working toward the same goal. This episode is essential listening if you want to move from “I have to serve” to “I get to serve,” discover how God has gifted you, and make serving Jesus part of your everyday life. Stay tuned for the continuation next Wednesday! Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  4. Aug 13

    Worship Is More Than Singing: It’s a Whole-Life Sacrifice

    Worship is not just singing, and this episode will change the way you think about it. I break down worship as a whole-life response to God, from prayer and praise to reverence, obedience, and the way you live when nobody is watching. Drawing from Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Romans, John, and Revelation, we trace worship from the first call upon the name of the Lord all the way to the heavenly throne room where creation never stops crying, “Holy, holy, holy.” You’ll discover: Why worship is meant to be reverent, not casual or performativeHow singing, prayer, and spoken declaration all function as worshipWhy worship in the waiting can renew your strengthHow worship becomes a battle cry against fear and the enemyWhat it means to worship in spirit and in truth on this side of the cross If you’ve ever felt insecure about your voice, distracted in church, stuck in a waiting season or unsure what worship really means, this episode will reset your focus. It’s a call to lift your eyes, honor God with your life and remember that worship is both your privilege and your weapon.

    Worship Is More Than Singing: It’s a Whole-Life Sacrifice

  5. Aug 2

    Unlocking Intimacy with God Through Prayer

    Do you struggle to find words to pray? Is it hard to spend time in stillness with the Lord? In this episode, we will discuss how to unlock the profound power of prayer. Whether you pray effortlessly or struggle to find words, prayer is more accessible than you think—and more vital than you realize. Discover how your everyday conversations with God can deepen, embolden and sustain you through life's toughest moments. In this episode, I will highlight heartfelt stories from Scripture, such as David’s raw cries in Psalm 18 and Daniel’s unwavering faith in the lion’s den. Learn how these examples show that prayer isn’t about fancy words or public show—it’s about authenticity, persistence and entering into the Lord’s holy presence. You'll be challenged to shift your mindset: prayer is a continuous, intimate dialogue with the Creator, available anytime, anywhere. We break down practical tactics to cultivate a vibrant prayer life: how to pray with honesty, the significance of praying in the early morning like Jesus and why groanings too deep for words are heard by God through the Holy Spirit. If you feel distant from God or overwhelmed by life's chaos, this episode is your invitation to rediscover prayer's divine strength. Join us and start experiencing the fullness of joyful, steadfast connection with your Heavenly Father today. Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  6. Jan 3

    Your Life Doesn't Have to be Like Theirs

    Have you ever scrolled on social media, saw someone else's "perfect" life and felt that sting—like yours just wasn't measuring up? Comparison hits hard. It robs our joy, breeds envy and whispers that God shortchanged us. But it doesn't have to win. In today's episode, we’re tackling the comparison trap head-on: why it’s everywhere, what the Bible says about it and real, practical ways to choose contentment and celebrate God's unique plan for YOU. Follow on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  7. 12/21/2025

    Finding Delight in the Word of God

    Be honest: When was the last time you opened your Bible and felt... excited? Like, truly delighted—like it was your favorite novel you couldn't put down, or a letter from someone you love deeply? Too often, reading God's Word feels like a box you check Something we know we should do, but it doesn't always light a fire in our souls. But what if it could? In today's episode of our spiritual disciplines series, we're diving into the spiritual discipline of reading the Word of God. We'll explore why so many of us struggle to read Scripture consistently, practical ways to rediscover that delight and how this one discipline can transform your walk with Jesus. Stick around—this could change how you approach your Bible forever. Follow on TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

  8. 07/16/2025

    FCA Guatemala Team on God's Heart for the Nations

    SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT: In this episode, my friends from FCA and I recap our spring break trip to Guatemala! Reece, Will, Virginia, Kennedy and I talk about cultivating a heart of humility, joy and contentment in the midst of the uncomfortable. Listen in to hear our biggest takeaways, challenges and hilarious moments :) If you've ever wondered why you should go on a mission trip, this is the episode for you! Follow on TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/riseandrejoicepodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCodXsuLmkXp8ZldiGBSwQ⁠

See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Rise + Rejoice podcast welcomes you into authentic discussions filled with passion and purpose, as I share about relevant topics and dive into Scripture. Have you ever felt unsure of how to respond to issues in today’s culture from a biblical standpoint? Join us as I go deep into what God’s Word has to say about the hot topics of our world and interview special guests. Let’s learn how to walk worthy of our calling and rejoice in truth together!

Information

  • Creator
    Summer Johnston
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Summer Johnston
  • Show Website
    Rise + Rejoice Podcast