It's been almost ten years since Housefires redefined worship music. The Atlanta, Georgia based group, formed out of Grace Midtown Church, entered into the worship sphere with an authentic, unfiltered sound of worship that was contrary to the norm. Housefires is one the most influential worship groups of our generation. This was the group that fostered the idea of worshiping in the round, creating a space where the band and congregation were one, united in worship.

Housefires has always strayed true to the heart of God by producing notable songs like "Good Good Father," "Build My Life," "Come to the River," "Yes and Amen" and "The Way (New Horizon)." For Housefires, it's not about being seen or trendy. Their posture has always been less is more. Come with your heart, leave with it filled.

Their latest project, How To Start A Housefire, Part III is their third album of 2023. The ten-track album features new and old tracks together with three beautiful spontaneous moments. The opening track, "The Place Where I Belong," lead by Davy Flowers, sings of finding our home and security with Jesus. This track leads into "The Place Where I Belong (Spontaneous)," a moment that allows myself to just dwell with the words of the previous song. The album continues with "Worthy," led by Ryan Ellis, and two Housefires throwbacks (which are two of my favorites of this project) in "Good Good Father," led by Chandler Moore and KJ Scriven, and "Open Space," led by one of the group's original members, Kirby Kaple. Even though these two tracks are familiar, it allows me to reflect on the history of Housefires. The words and lyrics of the old will never become faint. I remember getting tired of singing "Good Good Father" years ago because we played it so much, but as time has gone by, this song still has its beauty.

Another spontaneous moment is formed in "We Let You In," led by Harvest and Ryan Ellis. This moment plays so well out of "Open Space." We go from "My heart is an open space for you to come and have your way / I'm open, I'm open," into the words "I let you in, I let you in, king of glory." This spontaneous moment is easily my favorite. The project concludes with three more tracks, "We Give You The Highest Praise," led by Davy Flowers and Ryan Ellis; "You Know My Name," led by Mariah Adigun; and "You Know My Name (Spontaneous)."

How To Start A Housefire III doesn't try to be impresive. That has never been the goal of Housefires. With authentic, unbound worship on each album, they present exactly that. If anyone from Housefires reads this, I hope this continues to affirm that the leadership of the ensemble continues to be in good hands. As always, I can't wait to hear what comes next.

- Review date: 10/30/23, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com