As U.S. airstrikes on Iran escalate global tensions, how should the Church in America respond? In this short but timely episode, we explore how to pursue peace, stand with the global Church, and keep our eyes fixed on the mission of Christ in the midst of crisis.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

Church hurt doesn’t have to be the end of your faith story. In this final part of the series, we turn to Scripture for hope and guidance, exploring the story of Elijah, a prophet who knew the weight of discouragement. If you’ve been carrying wounds for far too long, this episode is for you. There is a way forward. And you don’t have to walk it alone.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

In Part 1, we explored the pain of church hurt—the deep wounds that can come from betrayal, gossip, manipulation, or leadership gone wrong. But not every uncomfortable experience in church is abuse. In this episode, we’ll dive into the difference between biblical accountability and spiritual abuse, because sometimes what people call church hurt is really just being held accountable for harmful choices. This is a conversation about discernment, responsibility, and healing.

🕊️ There is clarity.
 ❤️ There is responsibility.
 ✝️ And there is still a healthy way to grow within the body of Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

Church hurt is real, and it runs deep. Maybe it came through betrayal, abuse of power, gossip, or spiritual manipulation. Maybe you gave your heart to fellow believer or community that didn’t protect it. In this part 1 of this episode, we discuss what church hurt is and the emotional and spiritual impact of being hurt in a place that was supposed to be safe. 

If you’ve ever felt disillusioned, discarded, or distant from God because of how people treated you in His name, I'm sorry! 

🕊️ There is hope.
 ❤️ There is healing.
 ✝️ And there is still beauty in the body of Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend, Glenda Medina, as she shares her honest reaction after learning of the allegations against her former pastor, Robert Morris of Gateway Church. She opens up about the confusion, pain, and processing that followed—and why she ultimately chose to remain rooted in her church community. Her story is one of wrestling with disappointment, leaning into faith, and finding her anchor in Christ.

Please note: This is her personal experience and perspective. It does not represent the official views of Gateway Church. At the time of this recording, the church was still without a senior pastor; however, on May 25th,  a new lead pastor has been announced.

This episode is for anyone navigating church hurt, seeking healing, or trying to reconcile faith with failure. 

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

In this episode, we explore a truth that hits close to home for many of us: the danger of being so busy for God that we forget to be with Him. Drawing from Luke 10:38–42, we revisit the story of Martha and Mary—two sisters, two postures, one choice that Jesus calls “better.”

Through practical reflection and a heartfelt invitation to slow down, this episode challenges the idea that spiritual busyness equals spiritual health. We’ll unpack why even good service can become spiritually dangerous when it distracts us from intimacy with Jesus—and how to shift from burnout to being rooted in His presence.

If you've ever felt overcommitted, overwhelmed, or quietly worn out “doing for God,” this is for you.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

In this intimate episode, I introduce you to my husband—the man who captured my heart and has lived a powerful testimony of transformation. Long before we met, he faced and overcame the dark grip of addiction. In this conversation, he shares the journey of how surrendering his life to God, embracing healing, and stepping into a life of service led him to freedom and purpose. It's a story of love, God’s love, and His relentless grace. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, here are some trusted resources that offer hope and help:

• Celebrate Recovery: A Christ-centered 12-step recovery program — www.celebraterecovery.com
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — Free, confidential treatment referral and information service
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A global fellowship offering 12-step support for alcohol recovery — www.aa.org
• Teen Challenge / Adult & Teen Challenge USA: Faith-based recovery programs — www.teenchallengeusa.org

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

Welcome back, Pursuers! After a refreshing sabbatical, I’m diving into a conversation I couldn’t wait to have. In this episode, I unpack the latest season of Love Is Blind and why it stirred up so much buzz in the conservative and Christian spaces. From mismatched convictions at the altar to the deeper question of spiritual maturity, we’ll explore what Scripture says about relationships, alignment, and standing firm in your faith. I’ll also share my own “Love Is Blind”-style love story and reflect on why love without shared values just isn’t enough.

Let’s talk faith, conviction, and choosing wisely—because love might be blind, but discernment shouldn’t be.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful moment of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and launched the Church into action. It’s not just a historical event—it’s a transformative moment that still impacts us today.

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.

Easter isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of our calling. In this devotional episode, we reflect on what it means to live in light of the empty tomb. Through Acts 1:6–11 and Colossians 3:1–4, we’re reminded that the resurrection isn’t just something to celebrate; it’s something to carry. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses. To shift our focus. To get moving. To live with purpose, power and hope. 

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church.

Connect with Narcely:

Website: www.NarcelyRuiz.com
Instagram: @narcelyruiz / @upstreampursuit 

If you’re a woman serving in ministry and you want support in growing in biblical confidence, leadership, and healthy ministry rhythms, I’d love to connect with you.