The Echo Church Podcast

Guest Pastor Isaac Morin from Anaheim joins us at Echo Church to deliver a powerful message from John 3:22-36 on what it means to "decrease so Christ may increase." Through the story of John the Baptist and his disciples, Pastor Isaac challenges us to embrace personal decrease, not as failure, but as the fulfillment of God's calling. He shows how true joy, spiritual growth, and eternal impact are found not in self-promotion or comfort, but in surrendering our lives and engaging fully in the mission of Christ. If you're seeking practical encouragement for living a life that honors Jesus...

In this message from The Gospel According to John series, Pastor Jason Polk invites us to refocus our hearts and minds on God's presence in every moment. Drawing from John 3:1–21, he reminds us that life finds its true color and meaning "because of You"—the One who brings new hope, new birth, and faithfulness into every sunrise.

In this episode Pastor Jason Polk dives into John 2:13–22, where Jesus flips tables, whips up a little chaos, and calls out the difference between half-hearted religion and real worship. Expect laughs, insights, and a powerful reminder: authentic worship isn't about the building, the rituals, or your perfect Instagram smile it's about what's in your heart.

As Echo Church celebrates its 5-year anniversary, we reflect on the journey of faith, community, and courage that has brought us here. In this sermon, we dive into the story of Maverick, a friend who took the hit so another could walk free, and draw powerful parallels to Jesus' ultimate act of sacrificial love. From His first miracle at Cana to the cross, Jesus shows us what it truly means to stand in the gap, to serve selflessly, and to bear the cost for others. This message challenges us not only to live boldly in faith but to honor...

This week at Echo Church, we dive into The Gospel According to John — where Jesus calls His very first disciples with just three simple words: "Come and see."

In this message, we unpack what it means to truly follow Jesus, not just know about Him. From Peter needing to witness a miracle before dropping his nets, to Nathanael's sarcastic "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?", we see how Jesus meets each of us exactly where we are — curious, skeptical, or running on too little sleep.

We talk about how spiritual warfare can look a lot...

In this podcast, Pastor Jason Polk of Echo Church discusses the importance of volunteer work within the church community, emphasizing the dedication and impact of individuals like Genevieve and Brittany. He introduces a new sermon series on the Gospel of John, highlighting its unique structure compared to other gospels and its focus on Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God. Pastor Polk shares his personal journey of moving from Tennessee to California to start a church, driven by a calling to spread the gospel. He reflects on the role of John the Baptist as a...

This week at Echo Church, Pastor Jason Polk launched a new series through the Gospel of John. He shared how John's gospel is unique—it's not a timeline of events, but an intimate portrait from Jesus' closest friend.

In John 1:1–18, we meet Jesus as the Word, the Light, and the Life. Jason explained:

The Word – God's final revelation of His heart.

The Light – shining in darkness, guiding us forward.

The Life – offering freedom, healing, and new creation.

The series will unpack Jesus as Son of God, Man of God, and Lamb o...

In this message, Ray Machen-Gray unpacks John's vision of the risen Christ in Revelation 1:12–18. What begins in fear is transformed into awe as Jesus declares, "Fear not, I am the First and the Last." With warmth, humor, and relatable stories, Ray reminds us that even in the middle of our struggles, Christ's presence brings comfort, courage, and joy.

Join Pastor Jason Poik as he delves into 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, exploring the powerful theme of how God chooses and uses "nobodies" for His glory. In this inspiring sermon, Pastor Jason shares personal stories and biblical examples, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journey and trust in God's plan. Discover how faith can transform underdogs into heroes and learn to see your own potential through God's eyes. Tune in for a message of hope, empowerment, and divine purpose. 

Pastor Jason Polk shares hilarious dad moments, bold stories of kids evangelizing with invite cards, and a powerful reminder that living like Jesus isn't just about actions it's about words too. In this episode discover how to move past embarrassment, talk about your faith with confidence, and put some real "feet to the gospel.

Mik unpacks Luke 8's dramatic moment of freedom where a man's chains are broken, and a herd of pigs makes history. With raw stories and real talk, he challenges what culture calls "normal" and points us to the freedom only Jesus brings.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Jason Polk of Echo Church unpacks one of the most iconic passages in Scripture John 3 and the story of Nicodemus. Through humor, relatable stories, and deep biblical insight, Pastor Jason challenges us to stop measuring our faith by what we do and start with who Jesus is. Discover how true transformation begins in the mind, moves to the heart, and flows into our actions. Learn what it really means to be "lifted up" with Christ, why courage is essential in sharing your faith, and how a late-night encounter changed Nicodemus forever.

Whether y...

This sermon challenges us to move beyond comfort and passivity in our faith by sharing the life changing message of Jesus with others. Using a striking story of a man who drifted away in a lawn chair attached to weather balloons, Pastor Jason illustrates how easy it is to stay seated while the world passes by. Just as Peter and John told the healed man at the temple gate, "What now?" we too are called to rise, go, and reach those who may never hear the good news unless we speak. God is on the move, will we move...

In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind—and Pastor Rick shows how that same encounter plays out in our own lives. Through personal stories of loss, obedience, and family, he reminds us that Jesus sees us, changes us, and gives us a story worth sharing with courage!

Who Are You, Really? — With Mikhail Alfon | Echo Church

In this powerful and deeply personal message, Mikhail Alfon returns to the Echo Church stage to unpack the question: "Who am I?" Sharing from his own season of radical change—selling his business, becoming a father of two, and stepping into a new career—Mikhail explores how transformation often shakes our identity to the core.

Through the lens of Levi the tax collector and his encounter with Jesus in Luke 5, Mikhail challenges listeners to rethink how we define ourselves. Are we still clinging to who we used t...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason Polk continues the Encounters series by looking at Luke 10:38–42, the story of Mary and Martha. In the midst of our culture's constant busyness and distraction, even good things can pull us away from the "one necessary thing." Using the story of Mary and Martha, Pastor Jason contrasts the diligent, distracted mindset of our culture vs. the attentive, disciple mindset of Mary.

Jason stressed that serving is good and biblical, but it must flow from time spent with Jesus. Without that order—being with Him first—service can become self-focused, joyless, and exhausting.

In this message, Ray Machen-Gray invites the Echo Church family to pause, be fully present, and remember the staggering truth that the God who created the universe loves each of us personally and desires relationship with us. Drawing from 1 John 4 and the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, Ray explores what it means to live in that love and to obey Jesus, even when His instructions seem counterintuitive or hard.

Ray emphasizes that the point of the story isn't Peter's failure, but his willingness to get out of the boat at all—and Jesus' loving, im...

In this powerful message, Pastor Jason Polk takes us to Luke 5 and the life-changing moment when Simon Peter encounters Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. As Peter washes his nets after an unfruitful night of fishing, Jesus steps into his boat and into his life—issuing a call that will alter Peter's future forever.

Pastor Jason unpacks the simple yet transformative response: "If you say so." He challenges listeners to recognize when Jesus is pursuing them—often in the middle of routine, distraction, or doubt.

This sermon is a heartfelt invitation to pause, listen, and resp...

In this heartfelt sermon, Pastor Ken Polk, father of Pastor Jason Polk, shares a moving message at Echo Church centered on the healing of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5.

Ken reflects on the themes of faith, persistence, and the courage to reach out to Jesus even in the midst of a crowd. Drawing on personal anecdotes, biblical teaching, and reflections on the nature of crowds and faith, he emphasizes how Jesus responds not just to casual contact but to sincere, faith-filled hearts.

Ken encourages listeners to consider their own condition—whether ph...

In this message, Pastor Jason continues the Encounters series by teaching on Jesus' conversation with the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19. Through this story, we're reminded that it's possible to do all the "right" things, ask all the "right" questions, and still miss what truly matters if we're unwilling to fully surrender to Jesus. Pastor Jason challenges us to examine our own hearts: What are we holding onto that's keeping us from fully following Christ?

This message invites us to reflect on the barriers — whether possessions, pride, intellect, or comfort — that prevent us from laying our lives full...

In this message, Pastor Jason continues the Encounters series by teaching from Mark 2 about the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through a roof to reach Jesus. Pastor Jason challenges us to consider: What if the thing you think you need most isn't actually your greatest need? Jesus surprises the crowd by forgiving the man's sins before healing his body — reminding us that restoration of our relationship with God is our deepest, most urgent need.

This message also calls the church to reflect on how we're living out our faith. Are we creating space for others to en...

In this message, Pastor Jason kicks off our new series, Encounters, by looking at the radical transformation of Saul in Acts 9. He reminds us that Jesus is still in the business of interrupting lives, changing hearts, and sending people out with purpose.

Through the story of Saul's encounter with Jesus, we're challenged to reflect on our own moments of transformation and consider how God might want to use us to bring others into proximity with Him.

If you've been feeling stuck or distant, this message will encourage you to seek a fresh encounter with Jesus — on...

In this episode, Pastor Jason of Echo Church unpacks what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. Drawing on Luke 14, he highlights five essentials: loving Jesus above all else, willingly bearing your cross, counting the cost of commitment, fully surrendering control, and remaining "salt" that preserves and flavors the world with the gospel. 

Through illustrations—like building a tower or a king seeking peace—Pastor Jason challenges believers to move beyond mere faith toward radical, lifelong devotion.

He closes with an invitation to recommit: lift your hands in surrender, stand in worship, or co...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason invites us to reflect on what it truly means to be the church—a flock led by the Good Shepherd. Rooted in John 10, this message unpacks the rich imagery of Jesus as both the Door and the Shepherd: the only way into the Kingdom and the one who protects, guides, and knows us by name.

Pastor Jason reminds us that following Jesus isn't about performance or religion—it's about relationship. He challenges us to ask hard questions: Do we recognize the Shepherd's voice? Are we following Him together as one flock? And are...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the church, particularly in the face of diversity and differing opinions. Drawing from Romans 14 and 15,  he discusses how to navigate conflicts and maintain a spirit of acceptance and understanding among believers.

The message encourages listeners to prioritize the Word of God over cultural influences and to engage in ministry together, preparing for both challenges and opportunities in the church community. In this conversation, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of loving confrontation among Christians, highlighting that our first instinct should be to love and welcome o...

This week at Echo Church, Pastor Jason takes us into Hebrews 10 to answer a profound question: Why do we gather?

In a powerful and heartfelt message, he unpacks the deep spiritual significance of the church community—not as a duty, but as an invitation into something sacred.

He reminds us that gathering weekly isn't about obligation; it's about opportunity—an open door into the Holy of Holies made possible through Jesus, our Great High Priest.

Pastor Jason challenges us to see church as the place where we live out the confession of our fait...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason walks us through the foundational marks of the early church, highlighting how believers responded after Christ's resurrection. Beginning with a celebration of worship, Pastor Jason reflects on the importance of the resurrection and how it ignited the formation of the early church.

Pastor Jason explores how the church was never meant to be just an institution but a dynamic, Spirit-empowered movement. Through the empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit, the early believers lived lives radically devoted to God's purposes.

This sermon focuses on five key devotions that shaped...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason Polk leads us through the heart of the Easter story—where Jesus conquers death, leaves the grave empty, and invites us into resurrection life.

Pastor Jason declares that if Jesus got out of the grave, there's hope for all of us. He shares the significance of the resurrection—not just as a historical event, but a present reality that changes everything. The resurrection invites us to confront the empty tomb and ask ourselves: Why are we still searching for life in dead places?

We hear the voices of angels echoing from...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason Polk takes us to the heart of the Palm Sunday narrative—where Jesus is declared King by the crowd, rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, and immediately sets to work flipping tables and expectations.

Pastor Jason emphasizes that restoration begins with coronation—acknowledging Jesus as the King of our hearts and lives. Through rich narrative and humor, he paints the scene of a city swelling with hope, a people longing for deliverance, and a Savior who defies every worldly notion of power. He explores the significance of Jesus' obedience to prophecy, His heart...

In this final sermon of the Above and Beyond on Prayer series, Pastor Jason Polk dives deep into 1 Kings 18-19 and the art of listening for God's voice—the still small whisper that often goes unnoticed. He explains that while we might expect dramatic signs, God often speaks in a gentle, subtle way. Many times, we miss His voice because we aren't prepared to hear it, or we're distracted by the noise of everyday life.

Pastor Jason highlights several reasons why we might not think God is speaking. He notes that we often fail to expect God to...

In this sermon, Ray Machen-Gray challenges the church to reframe the way they think about fasting, not as a gloomy act of self-neglect but as an exciting opportunity to feast on Spiritual food at God's table.

We explore the history of fasting in the bible and the early church, why we should fast, and how we can joyfully participate in this practice together to redeem its identity and experience the physical and spiritual benefits of trusting our heavenly Father to satisfy and sustain us. 

But ultimately, through this sermon, we learn that fasting is a g...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of prayer, confession, and genuine repentance when responding to sin.

By looking at how Saul and David each handled their failures, Pastor Jason draws out some important truths about repentance. First, we need to acknowledge our sin instead of justifying it. Second, we must take responsibility for our actions, not pass the blame. Finally, true repentance involves coming to God with a sincere heart, seeking a restored relationship with Him, rather than relying on sacrifices or good deeds.

Pastor Jason reminds us that real repentance is about...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the vital role of persistent prayer in the life of a believer. He acknowledges the common struggles many face in maintaining a consistent prayer life, such as the challenges of self-discipline and doubt.

Despite these obstacles, Pastor Jason highlights the example set by Jesus, who, even in His ministry, relied deeply on prayer. He encourages the congregation to approach God with a spirit of desperation, boldness, and unwavering persistence.

Through this approach, Pastor Jason reminds listeners that prayer is not just a routine but a powerful and essential connection...

In this sermon, the Mikhail discusses the significance of persistent prayer and how it shapes our relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of communication in prayer, finding joy in trials, and asking for wisdom. Mikhail shares personal experiences and insights on how trials contribute to spiritual growth and the necessity of faith in overcoming doubt. He concludes by encouraging listeners to bring their struggles to God and to engage in a deeper, more meaningful prayer life.

Takeaways

Persistent prayer is essential for a strong relationship with God.
Communication with God should be constant...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason talks about the incredible power of prayer. He highlights Jesus many promises about prayer throughout Scripture, promises that guarantee that prayer will bear results—those who seek will find, and those who knock will get an answer. But Pastor Jason also reminds us that there are important conditions to prayer. Rather than praying timidly, we need to approach God with boldness and child-like faith, believing that our prayers have power and that God will move.

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of praying faithfully—not simply to receive earthly rewards, but to experience the greatest reward of all: an intimate, daily relationship with our Creator.

Using Matthew 6, Pastor Jason highlights key truths about prayer from Jesus' teachings. Jesus models the importance of identifying the object of our prayer, committing to God's purposes, asking for help, and most importantly, seeking the presence of God. While the structure of the Sermon on the Mount provides valuable guidance, Pastor Jason stresses that "prayer is not a discipline to perfect but a dependence to su...

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of worship, community, and prayer in the life of a believer. The sermon revolves around understanding prayer not just as a discipline but as a lifestyle that connects us to God. The speaker highlights the power of earnest prayer, the significance of obedience, and the role of the church in spiritual warfare. The conversation concludes with a call to expect God's intervention and to respond to His faithfulness in our lives.

February 2nd, 2025 

In this sermon, Pastor Jason emphasizes the importance of emotional worship, the power of prayer, and the transformative nature of a relationship with God. The sermon revolves around reflecting on past experiences, setting spiritual goals, and understanding prayer not as a discipline to perfect but as a dependence to surrender to. Pastor Jason highlights the significance of being filled with the fullness of God and the ultimate goal of glorifying Him through our lives and prayers.

In this conversation, the Pastor Jason emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God and the importance of our response to His plans. Through the story of Moses and the Israelites, the speaker illustrates how God has a plan for each individual, even in moments of chaos and uncertainty. The message encourages listeners to trust in God's control, to respond actively to His call, and to recognize that faith is not just a feeling but an action. The conversation culminates in the reminder that God's ultimate plan is fulfilled through Jesus, and our response is to trust and follow Him.

This conversation explores the themes of faith and decision-making through the lens of biblical narratives, particularly focusing on the story of Abraham. It emphasizes the importance of making faith-based decisions rather than reacting to circumstances, highlighting the struggles and lessons learned from Abraham's life.

The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own decision-making processes and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, the speaker explores the complexities of making decisions in faith, using the biblical figure Abraham as a case study.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of pursuing God, acknowledging...