The Echo Church Podcast

As Echo Church prepares to step into a new chapter in the heart of Old Towne Orange, Ray Machen-Grey asks a question that challenges every believer: Why should I care about sharing the gospel? Through Scripture, Ray gives us three reasons to care: death, because people need to be rescued and reconciled to God; life, because people need to experience the new life only found in Jesus; and the Church, because people need to experience the love, community, and hope of God's people. As we celebrate God's faithfulness and look toward what's next, we're reminded that the Church isn't just a building—it's a people set apart to reflect God's nature and share His good news. The next chapter isn't simply about where we're going. It's about who God is calling us to reach along the way.

Why does the Church exist? In this message, Pastor Jason Polk reminds us that we were created to glorify God, equipped to make disciples, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus. From the Great Commission to the early Church in Acts, Jason challenges us to move beyond simply knowing the gospel and begin sharing the life-changing truth of what Christ has done in us. We are not plan B—we are part of God's plan to bring the good news to the ends of the earth. The mission hasn't changed, and it's our turn to play our part.   Key Scripture references Acts 1:1–8 — The primary passage; Jesus calls and empowers His witnesses. Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission. Luke 24:46–49 — Jesus sends His followers and promises power from on high. John 14:12 — Jesus' promise to those who believe in Him. Romans 8:1 — Freedom from condemnation in Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 — Doing everything for the glory of God. Hebrews 13:20–21 — God equipping His people for His will.

As Echo Church celebrates six years of God's faithfulness and prepares to move into a new home in Orange, Pastor Jason Polk challenges us to keep pressing forward with our eyes fixed on Jesus. From Philippians 3, Jason reminds us that spiritual growth begins with humility, requires the example of godly leaders, and calls us to live with eternity in mind. As Echo enters a new season, the mission remains the same: trust God, grow together, and bring the gospel to the people around us. The journey isn't over. Let's press on!

n this message, Pastor Jason Polk explores the power of Christ-centered friendships through the biblical relationship between David and Jonathan. Discover how godly friendships are rooted in Christ, go beyond the surface, and remain committed even when life gets messy. Whether you're struggling with vulnerability, fear of rejection, or finding meaningful community, this message challenges us to pursue relationships that strengthen our faith and move us further and faster in God's mission. Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:1–42; 2 Samuel 1:26; John 13:34–35; John 16:33; Proverbs 17:17

In John 20, Pastor Jason Polk takes us into the story of Thomas and what his doubts reveal about our own struggle to trust God. Thomas wasn't simply wrestling with doubt—he was trying to remain in control, asking Jesus to prove Himself on his terms. Yet Jesus responds with incredible grace, meeting Thomas in his uncertainty and leading him to the declaration, "My Lord and my God." This message reminds us that it's okay to wrestle with doubt, but we're called to bring those doubts to Jesus, surrender control, and trust the One who has already proven Himself worthy.

In this special child dedication service, Pastor Jason Polk reminds us that dedicating a child is ultimately about dedicating the parents. Families publicly commit themselves to raising their children to know, trust, and follow Jesus, while the church commits to surrounding and supporting them along the way. Grounded in Deuteronomy 6, this special moment celebrates the gift of family and the calling to make disciples first in the home.

Pastor Jason Polk explores Jesus' encounter with His disciples behind locked doors following the resurrection. Fear, shame, self-preservation, and doubt had left them stuck—but Jesus meets them where they are and gives them exactly what they need: peace, purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This message challenges us to stop hiding behind our own "locked doors," receive the peace of Christ, and step boldly into the mission He has called us to.  

In John 20, Ray Machen-Grey walks through the resurrection of Jesus and the profound invitation it brings: union with Christ. Through Mary's encounter with the risen Jesus and the disciples' experience at the empty tomb, Ray reminds us that the resurrection is more than an event to believe—it is an invitation to know Jesus, hear His voice, and live in the reality of His presence through the Holy Spirit.

In John 19, Pastor Jason Polk walks through the crucifixion of Jesus from John's perspective, reminding us that the cross was never an accident or a moment of defeat, it was God's plan of redemption. Through the torment, fulfillment of prophecy, and ultimate declaration that "It is finished," we are reminded that Jesus endured the cross for us. This message calls us to never lose sight of the gospel, to recognize the weight of our sin, and to continually remember the love, grace, and sacrifice revealed through the cross.

In this guest message, Lukas Klause walks through Jesus' trial before Pilate and asks a challenging question: When following the truth becomes costly, what will we choose? Pilate recognized Jesus' innocence, yet when his position, reputation, and security were threatened, he ultimately chose himself over the truth standing before him. Lukas reminds us that simply knowing or admiring the truth isn't the same as surrendering to it. While everyone around Him compromised, Jesus remained faithful—even when obedience led Him to the cross. Because Jesus chose the cross for us, we're invited to choose Him: to know the truth, live the truth, and surrender our lives to the One who is Truth. Scripture: John 18:28–40; John 19:1–16; John 8:31–32