In this episode, I (Josh) share the latest behind-the-scenes updates as Breakthrough Church approaches launch day and reflect on some incredible encounters with students at UTD. We explore what it means to be set free from the burdens of performance and religious duty, drawing insights from scripture and personal testimony. I unpack the vision of Breakthrough Church—walking in true freedom through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit—and offer stories of everyday faith in action. Whether you’re part of our community or listening from afar, there’s encouragement here for anyone seeking a deeper experience of God’s presence and purpose.

Chapters

(00:00) Launch Updates and Community Outreach
(02:25) Growing the Team and God’s Provision
(04:49) Insights from Leviticus and the Promise of God’s Presence
(07:14) Personal Testimony of Freedom from Religion
(11:47) Remembering God’s Power and Deliverance
(14:01) Vision for Breakthrough Church and Walking in Freedom
(16:18) Everyday Encounters and Mobilizing the Church

Keywords: Breakthrough Church, Dallas church launch, Holy Spirit, freedom in Christ, church community, miracles, international students, yoke of slavery, spiritual renewal

In this episode, I (Josh) open up about the highs and hurdles of church planting, drawing inspiration from the story of Exodus and the journey through the wilderness. I share personal testimonies of how God has guided us step by step, including some incredible moments of answered prayer and unexpected provision. Together, we explore what it really means to trust God beyond our comfort zones and how living by faith can reshape both our perspective and our community. If you're curious about walking with God in uncertain seasons or are looking for encouragement in your own journey, this episode is for you.

Chapters

(00:00) Church Planting and the Wilderness Journey
Reflecting on Exodus 17, I draw a parallel between the Israelites’ journey and the unpredictable, stage-by-stage process of church planting—especially the challenges faced after leaving “slavery” behind.

(03:43) Trusting God When Provision Seems Absent
Exploring the tension of being led by God into dry, uncertain places, I highlight our human struggle to trust when God’s provision isn’t immediately visible.

(05:46) Learning Freedom through Dependency
I discuss how real freedom isn’t comfort or self-reliance, but a risky and daily trust in God’s guidance and character, just as the Israelites needed to learn reliance on Him.

(08:06) Testimonies of Provision and Answered Prayer
I share recent personal stories about praying for a band and witnessing God’s surprising, timely answers, showing His faithfulness in both practical and spiritual needs.

(12:53) Faith Grows through Risk and Obedience
Reflecting on these experiences, I emphasize the connection between stepping out in faith, embracing discomfort, and seeing God do the impossible in our journey and ministry.

(17:07) Invitation and Encouragement for the Launch
I wrap up with an invitation to join the upcoming church launch, an encouragement to live boldly in faith, and some practical details for getting connected or supporting Breakthrough Church.

Keywords: church planting, faith journey, God’s provision, trust in God, answered prayer, wilderness, miracles, spiritual growth, freedom, Christian community

In this episode of the Breakthrough Church Podcast, I share updates from the heart of our growing community, including our excitement about the new worship facility, creative outreach efforts at the University of Texas at Dallas, and our vision to multiply prayer groups throughout the city. Listen in as I recount meaningful moments of spontaneous discipleship, highlight the importance of bold, everyday evangelism, and unpack what it means to multiply our faith through authentic relationships. Whether you're curious about our journey or looking for encouragement to deepen your walk with God, this episode offers practical inspiration for cultivating community, prayer, and lasting impact.

Chapter Outline
(00:00) Excitement for the New Facility
I shared my gratitude for Sam Chaco and Loft City Church, describing how their generosity will let us use their beautifully renovated worship center for Saturday gatherings. I encouraged folks to consider coming not just on launch night, but to spread out over the first several weeks to help create a warm, friendly welcome for newcomers.

(03:35) UTD Outreach Adventures
I reflected on recent outreach at the University of Texas at Dallas, from a spontaneous discipleship conversation at Starbucks to handing out invite cards across campus. I described a memorable interaction with a student who sees music as his religion, how I was able to share the gospel, and encouraged our community to step out in boldness even when it feels awkward.

(09:16) Vision for Multiplying Prayer Groups
I explained how our weekly Tuesday morning prayer has become a special, Spirit-filled time, and shared the conviction I received from the Lord about multiplying these groups. I described the plan to train leaders and launch several more prayer gatherings before our church’s public launch, envisioning Breakthrough as a church deeply rooted in prayer.

(12:52) God’s Design for Multiplication
I connected the concept of multiplication to biblical creation and Jesus’s ministry, encouraging everyone that true maturity in Christ includes multiplying what God has done in us. I urged the community to consider how we’re each called to make disciples and plant spiritual seeds in others.

(16:12) The Power of Intimacy With God
I closed with thoughts on intimacy with the Lord as the environment where new things are birthed in our lives. I encouraged listeners to carve out dedicated time with God, reminding them that from this closeness, God brings growth and multiplication in and through us.

Keywords: Dallas church, prayer groups, discipleship, church plant, community outreach, Breakthrough Church, multiplication, UTD ministry, spiritual growth

In this episode, I share some updates from behind the scenes as we approach the public launch of Breakthrough Church. Together, we reflect on what it means to build a community centered on the presence of Jesus rather than hype, and I walk through the powerful moments shaping our weekly gatherings. You'll hear stories of unexpected encounters, deep worship, and practical insights on cultivating authentic faith as a church plant. If you’re curious what it looks like to let God’s presence lead the way, this episode offers an honest look into our journey and the heart driving everything we do.

Chapter Outline
(00:01) Preparing for Launch and Partnership
I shared some exciting updates as we get closer to launching Breakthrough Church, including our public service start date, partnership with Loft City Church, and the blessing of finding a welcoming location. I reflected on how the timing feels orchestrated and mentioned the unique way our launch team has been meeting, focusing more on spiritual preparation than traditional event planning.

(02:27) Centering on the Presence of Jesus
I emphasized that our community’s highest priority is encountering the manifest presence of Jesus—the revelation of His heart and character. I discussed wrestling with how much marketing or “hype” is needed, concluding that we want to keep things low profile and organic, trusting God’s presence to draw people rather than flashy promotions.

(04:48) Organic Growth and Honoring Jesus
I described stories of people organically finding and joining our team, including an accidental visitor who felt deeply touched by God. My hope is for this kind of authentic movement—creating a welcoming atmosphere with things like kids ministry and a hospitality team, but making sure everything stays rooted in giving Jesus glory, not promoting ourselves.

(07:09) Savoring Saturday Night Gatherings
Reflecting on a recent Saturday night, I shared how our time together felt deeply aligned with God’s vision for us. We worshiped, meditated on Ephesians, and soaked in the Holy Spirit’s presence, focusing on God’s power and grace. My heart felt alive realizing how Jesus is wanting to meet with us in tangible ways.

(09:32) Drinking from the Living Well
Saul shared a powerful teaching on how Jesus is the source, the water, and the way—a theme rooted in both Old and New Testaments. We explored together how running after “broken cisterns”—things other than Jesus—leaves us empty, but true satisfaction comes from returning to Him as our living water.

(11:55) Communion, Scripture, and Invitation to Drink
During worship, I sensed the Holy Spirit settling in. We took communion, reflecting on the story of the road to Emmaus and the idea that breaking bread opens our eyes to Jesus. Saul then invited everyone to repent from empty pursuits (broken cisterns) and to drink again from Jesus by looking to the cross.

(14:23) Embracing Small Beginnings and Ongoing Presence
I wrapped up by celebrating that what we’re experiencing isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime event—it’s happening every Saturday night. God’s movement often starts small, like a mustard seed. I invited others to join us for upcoming gatherings, trust that God will provide as we build, and encouraged continued prayer and support as we move toward public launch.

Keywords: Breakthrough Church, Dallas church plant, Holy Spirit presence, authentic worship, organic faith, church launch, Jesus-centered community, spiritual encounters

In this episode, I share some exciting milestones from the life of Breakthrough Church, including stories of miraculous healings and a remarkable funding breakthrough. You’ll hear real testimonies from our launch team and explore how stepping out in faith connects us to God’s power and presence. I open up about my own struggles with seeking God wholeheartedly and the freedom that comes through worship and intimacy with Him. If you’re longing for spiritual renewal or practical encouragement to pursue the Lord, this episode will inspire you to lean in and expect more from your journey with God.

Chapter Outline
(00:00) Breakthrough Church Funding Milestone
Shared the exciting news that Breakthrough Church is now fully funded, having reached and surpassed the ambitious fundraising goal of $500,000. Expressed deep gratitude to God, donors, and partner churches, while reflecting on the process of setting the goal and the faith journey it required.

(01:30) Testimonies of Healing and Authority
Recounted remarkable stories from the launch team gathering, including recent physical healings and moments where members stepped out in faith to pray for others. Discussed the biblical foundation for healing ministry, the importance of acting with authority, and celebrated the courage to try, regardless of outcomes.

(07:00) Atmosphere of Worship and Presence
Described the powerful, Spirit-led worship during the gathering, where people responded freely and the sense of God’s presence was tangible. Reflected on personal and corporate experiences of worship, emphasizing a posture like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and the sweetness of prayer-filled spaces.

(08:45) The Call to Intimacy Through Seeking
Shared insights from prayer times and scripture, especially John 4, unpacking what it means that the Father seeks worshipers. Explored the notion of worship as an active movement toward God marked by intimacy, vulnerability, and wholehearted pursuit.

(10:30) Wrestling with Legalism and Rediscovering Devotion
Opened up about a recent personal struggle with legalism and half-heartedness in seeking God after the birth of their child. Detailed the journey back to intentional, passionate pursuit of God—acknowledging seasons of compromise, recognizing the need for wholeheartedness, and finding liberation in God’s grace.

(14:30) Breakthrough Through Worship and Deliverance
Described a challenging episode of spiritual agitation and breakthrough that came through bold worship and prayer. Testified to the power of the blood of Jesus to deliver and restore, highlighting the role of worship and spiritual resilience in experiencing freedom.

(17:10) An Invitation to Persistent Pursuit
Encouraged listeners to press into seeking God without striving or legalism, knowing that the Father desires and rewards earnest worship. Concluded with practical encouragements to invest time and affection in God, anchoring the message in the gospel and the promise that those who seek with their whole hearts will encounter God’s presence afresh.

Keywords: Dallas church, miracles, healing testimonies, worship, spiritual renewal, Jesus, Holy Spirit, faith, fundraising, Christian community

In this episode, I share stories from our journey planting Breakthrough Church in Richardson, including real moments of healing, steps of faith, and the sometimes messy process of trusting God with growth. Listen in as I open up about both the encouragements and challenges of cultivating community, and discuss the power of relational evangelism—from praying for breakthrough in church to candid spiritual conversations at Starbucks. Whether you’re exploring faith, leading in ministry, or seeking inspiration for everyday life, you’ll find honest insights and heartfelt encouragement in these experiences. Join me as we pursue what it means to proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom of Jesus in real, tangible ways.

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Chapter Outline
(00:00) Honest Reflections on Church Planting
I open with an honest look at the challenges and encouragements I'm experiencing as we plant Breakthrough Church in Richardson. I share the impact our journey is having on listeners and how stories of healing and deliverance demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit.

(01:00) Casting Vision and Preaching the Presence of God
I talk about recent opportunities to preach at different campuses and cast the vision for Breakthrough. Standing in front of multiple groups, I shared about the presence of God, the tabernacle pointing to Jesus, and witnessed people’s hearts being stirred, including a powerful moment praying for a woman in chronic pain.

(03:00) Healing Through Persistent Faith and Team Ministry
I recount the story of praying for a woman with severe pain. Despite initial discouragement and incomplete healing, the ministry team and her desperate faith created a moving encounter with God. Sal’s recent move onto our part-time staff becomes a testament to God's faithfulness and a refreshing addition to our community.

(05:00) Wrestling with Numbers and Trusting God with Growth
I admit to my own struggles with measuring success by attendance, especially at our launch team gatherings. Despite discouragement, God grows our group unexpectedly and brings new faces, reinforcing the practice of faithfulness over metrics.

(07:00) Worship, Kingdom Demonstration, and Team Expansion
Our latest team gathering becomes the most attended yet. We experience rich worship, share testimonies, and equip one another for healing ministry, underscoring the importance of both proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom of God. I highlight stories of growth, new families joining, and the role Sal is playing in building our worship culture.

(09:25) Everyday Evangelism at Starbucks
I describe a Spirit-led encounter with a Starbucks manager who opens up to the gospel message. Through genuine conversation and listening, I share the good news and commit to ongoing friendship and support, illustrating fruitful evangelism through steady, relational presence.

(13:59) The Gospel Moves at the Pace of Relationships
Drawing a contrast with other evangelistic approaches, I emphasize the power of long-term, relational outreach. I encourage listeners to identify those in their own lives who are open to spiritual conversations, underscoring that the gospel thrives in authentic relationships.

(15:48) Prayer and Invitation for Sharing Testimonies
I close by praying for listeners, asking the Holy Spirit to give them clarity and courage to love those around them. I invite everyone to share their own stories of God’s work, hoping to foster a community built around testimony and mutual encouragement.

Keywords: healing, church planting, faith, Breakthrough Church, Dallas, Holy Spirit, community, testimony, evangelism, leadership

Hey friends, Josh here. I’m grateful to be back and to share some incredible stories from youth camp, where the Lord made Himself known in real, practical ways. From a worship team member’s headache improving through simple prayer, to students wrestling honestly with sin, and witnessing both deliverance and newfound joy, this episode is a window into what can happen when we give the Holy Spirit room to move. I’m also excited to bring an update about our new partnership with Loft City Church in Richardson, and to invite you to jump in with us—whether for a season or longer—as we prepare to launch a church community shaped by the presence of Jesus.

Key Highlights:

• On the first day of camp, a worship team member receives significant relief from a headache after a simple, in-the-moment prayer. Her surprise and emotion remind us, “God is real, He cares, and He heals.”
• That encounter later stirs her to see people differently—she offers kindness to two women experiencing homelessness. Even feeling she could have prayed more, we recognize together, “That’s fruit of the Spirit. That’s love.”
• During worship, students write down personal struggles and nail them to the cross—a moment inspired by a message on Christ breaking the “Roman seal” over death. A seventh-grade boy confesses lying, desires “his previous self to die,” and chooses baptism, saying, “If that’s what it takes to get closer to Jesus, I want to do it.”
• An eighth-grade girl bravely shares her struggle with self-harm. Through support, prayer, and honest conversations, she experiences transformation—telling me with tears and laughter, “I just feel happy... I’ve never felt this way.”
• Reflection on making space for Jesus in worship—how God’s presence brings transformation, joy, and deliverance when we lay down our usual expectations.
• Breakthrough Church has a new home: we’ve secured a facility partnership with Loft City Church in Richardson, a door God opened at just the right moment. We’re inviting volunteers to serve—whether as a teacher in kids’ classes, greeter, on hospitality, or guest follow-up—for twelve, twenty-four months, or just a season. If your heart is stirred to serve, we’d love to talk.

In this episode, I invite you into my own ongoing journey of wrestling with God’s presence and what it means for us as a church—where my lingering questions, doubts, and quiet moments with the Lord have led me lately. I share how I’ve been finding freedom from the old pull of performance, learning that God reveals Himself not through tactics or routines, but by gently showing us who He is. This isn’t a polished testimony, but an honest walk through scripture and personal story, as I seek language for what’s happening in my heart and in our community. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the real nearness of God—beyond striving, beyond pressure—I hope you’ll find some companionship and encouragement here.

Key Highlights

• Wrestling openly: What is God’s presence, really, and how do we talk about it without falling back into performance or striving?
• Sharing my own story of freedom from a “spirit of performance and religion”—and how this has been shaping Sundays and our wider community.
• Reflecting on a recent prompt from the Upper Room Conference—how their way of describing God’s presence nudged me to deeper biblical searching (without unpacking all their language).
• Digging into scripture—moving from the tabernacle to Solomon’s temple, and the repeated promise that God’s “name” and His manifest presence would dwell among His people.
• The phrase that changed everything for me: “My presence is the revelation of who I am.”
• Emphasizing why true worship means seeing and responding to Jesus as the Christ, the Lamb of God—the one with holes in His hands and feet.
• Contrasting knowledge and experience: knowing about God without presence produces pride, and an encounter without faith or revelation doesn’t produce lasting change—it’s the Holy Spirit who gives faith and stirs the real thing in us.

References

• 2 Samuel 7 (God’s promise to David to put His name in the house)
• 1 Kings 8 (The cloud and glory of the Lord at the temple dedication)
• Exodus 25, Exodus 40 (The tabernacle and God dwelling with His people)
• Romans 4 (Freedom from striving; righteousness through faith)
• Matthew 16 (Jesus as the Christ, the suffering servant)
• Luke 24 (Jesus revealed on the road to Emmaus)
• Upper Room Church, Dallas (upperroom.co)

This episode is all about letting God turn everyday spaces into holy ground. I share honest stories from recent weeks—braving rain and awkwardness at UTD, meeting folks over coffee, and learning again that God’s presence can meet us anywhere if we’ll just show up. I invite you to listen in as I reflect on the slow, steady work of prayer and the surprising ways God is knitting together a launch team marked more by humility and expectancy than big strategies. If you’re longing to see the sacred in the ordinary, or curious about real-life faith, you’ll find good company here.

Key Highlights

• Following a small nudge from the Spirit to visit a familiar Starbucks, which leads to heartfelt gospel conversations with students and staff.
• Dishing out Starbucks gift cards to bless students during finals—and opening doors for honest talks about Jesus, faith, and church planting.
• Sharing Jesus with a student who’s “halfway there” and listening for Spirit-led ways to love and encourage those around me.
• Noticing how simple acts—being present, asking questions—create sacred space for the Spirit to move, including praying for strangers in moments of need.
• The quiet growth of our Tuesday morning prayer time: from two people to a small circle, gathering not out of obligation but hunger for God’s presence.
• Reflections on what really marks the church—becoming a people shaped by Jesus’ presence, not religious performance or fancy branding, but being together before God.
• The central role of the Lord’s Table—why Breakthrough Church’s logo is the cup and the bread, and how the body and blood of Jesus is our truest provision.

Selected Quotes

1. “You can’t make this up. This is the Lord, and I think he’s trying to pursue you and tell you how much he loves you. And I shared the gospel with her and encouraged her to investigate who Jesus is. Everything hinges on who you decide Jesus is.”
2. “We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are the resting place of God. The people of God are the resting place of God. He has set his name among us and in us. His reputation is now tied up with our identity and who we are.”
3. “We do not have to strive for his presence... We simply humbly and lowly and empty come to the Lord and ask him to awaken our hearts with fresh faith for the presence of the Spirit because he’s there and he’s the one that’s gonna author that fresh faith for you to discern him, to see him, to love him, to bless him, and to move in power with him.”

References

• Breakthrough Church website: breakthroughdallas.com or bd.church
• 1 Kings (Solomon dedicating the temple)
• John 17
• Ephesians 3:16–19 (Paul’s prayer: “that you may be filled with all the fullness of God”)
• Tuesday morning prayer and fasting—for more info or to join, reach out through our website

In this episode, I share personal updates about my family, especially welcoming our newborn, Eleanor Jane. I also dive into my recent ministry experiences at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), exploring themes of faith and overcoming fears in evangelism. Join me as I recount stories of engaging students in spiritual conversations and the lessons learned from stepping out in faith.

Key Highlights

• Family update: Welcoming our daughter Eleanor Jane and the joyful chaos with her two brothers.
• A reflection on the importance of stepping out in faith and overcoming initial fears in evangelism.
• Personal stories from UTD: engaging students through prayer walks and conversations about faith.
• Encouragement for listeners to trust in the Holy Spirit and share their faith with those around them.

Quotes

• "Nothing will happen if I don't do anything—it's a lesson I'm beginning to learn." – Josh Brake
• "Cross the chicken line; go and ask somebody random if you can pray for them." – Josh Brake
• "Kill your fear, activate your faith, get after it." – Josh Brake

References

• Breakthrough Church website (to be launched soon)
• Information about the Four Spiritual Laws as a method for sharing the Gospel
• The University of Texas at Dallas student activities website for background on campus life.