10 Questions with ... Jordan David Ward from Consumed By Fire

1.   Share about that new song/album of yours.

Well, we've always believed in the power of music and how God can use something as simple as a song to meet somebody in a difficult season - and maybe bring a peace to a storm, perspective to the hard questions, or even joy in the storms… But to be totally honest, we can't really remember a time that we've ever been a part of writing a song that kept US up at night ministering to US, until "First Things First" came along.

Our dad would always teach us the importance of ministering out of place of "overflow" instead of an empty well. He taught us the importance of making time to fill up in the moments when nobody sees us. Ya know, making time to worship when you aren't leading others in worship, making time to study the Word OUTSIDE of the times you're about to preach it, etc. So, the day that "First Things First" was written, it was the 3rd song we had been a part of writing that day - and looking back, it was just like the words ROLLED out of our hearts on to the page. It was definitely a song that came from "an overflow"… But it was also an incredibly vulnerable and personal moment.

Long story short, God used this song in our own lives to reset a lot of our own perspectives and even articulate words and melodies to speak and heal some areas of past disappointments we had carried. It's helping us redefine what "success" really is. Dad always told us "boys, success is being in the will of God." I feel like you can hear some of that in this song.

So because of all this, we feel like this song will forever be attached to our hearts and our story going forward.

2.   What's one thing you wish you had known about being an artist when you first started?

We've always felt so blessed to have great mentors around us in our journey to give us a heads up and wisdom about what to look out for. But… If there's one thing I wish I would've been told early on, it'd be to let yourself celebrate ALL the wins along the way… enjoy the stuff that seems small or maybe "insignificant". We didn't let ourselves do that much.

  I'd say, don't get so serious and caught up in the chase of that next goal that it hinders your praise in-the-moment.  A lot of times, the milestones you believed for 5 years ago show up today and then it can be so easy to have wrong perspective and feel like they showed up late. They might feel like they aren't as important as they used to be… And that mentality just robs your praise in the long run. Don't let cynicism rob your praise. We're big on this message to ourselves and other artists lately.

3.   How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?

Love that question. I'll preface it for the readers by saying that we were always taught that God tests us with GOOD things. That's always been a core part of our message. If it's stealing, killing, or destroying, it's the thief, according to John 10:10. So to your question, there's a lot of WONDERFUL things happening right now in our lives. It's such a blessing to be able to have the opportunity to relaunch like this after those YEARS we spent (essentially as nurses) caring for our dad.

  We're certainly familiar with being on the road a lot and all of the challenges that come with such, but even with all the familiarity, there's still a stretching and pulling us out of the comfort zones we've built the last few years being home more than we've ever been.   

These things "take a village" ya know. Learning when to put on which "hat" comes along with it for sure and it can be stretching.

  4.   Some great advice you recently received is…

I think I can speak for all 3 of us when I say that we're hearing the wisdom that our dad imparted into us all of our lives, more and more, since he went home to be with the Lord last May (2022). I find myself quoting him in every sermon and conversation lately.  

One of his sayings we all quote often is "YOU'VE GOTTA GO WITH PEACE". When he said it to us, we knew it always meant "don't go against that red flag you're feelin. If you don't have peace, don't do it".   

Scripturally referencing Colossians 3:15 of course.  

"Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]..." Colossians 3:15 AMP

  5.   Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

Haha. Well, if this interview hasn't told ya that so far ;) Our dad. He served more than 35 years as a pastor. Married to our sweet mama for just as long. Traveling to 33 countries doing medical missions and carrying the Gospel to places that would put his life in serious risk.   

He wasn't afraid of pastoring in a small town or rural area. Him and mom were never afraid of doing work that went unseen and unpublicized… The "credit" and the monetary success was never their motivation.  

Dad was a Kingdom guy… Not a loud or high-minded spirit, but incredibly outgoing and confident in the Lord. All hyperbole aside, he was a giant in the faith. Everybody that ever met him spoke of his smile, his laugh, his love for everybody, and his ability to listen without any judgement.  

Anyways, yeah… that's our guy right there! Can't wait to sip some coffee and talk the Word with him again soon.

  6.   What's something about you that would surprise most people?

Well, it seems to shock people when they find out how much we actually cut up and joke all the time. Haha! No pranks though. We all pretty much collectively hate pranks… But yeah, we actually have quite a bit of fun and try not to take ourselves too seriously.  

7.   What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?

Oh man. It varies. But we all love some Bob Seger and Eagles. A lot of James Taylor. Anything classic rock most the time. It can be anything from "Against the Wind" to "Take It Easy". James Taylor's Greatest Hits record is a staple.

  8.   In three words describe your ideal vacation.

Florida. Family. T I M E .

  9.   Describe your life when you're not writing, recording or touring?

If we're not writing, recording, or touring we're probably all partyin' with the little Ward's (Josh and Caleb's children) somewhere.  

FAMILY and ministry truly take up most of our time. We're still very intentional & passionate about carrying on our dad's legacy and vision - even outside the parameters of CBF. 

10.   Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.

Whataburger Spicy Ketchup. Sometimes ya gotta spice it up a bit.