• The Vision •
In the fall of 2003, Andy and Stacie Wood moved to Fort Worth shortly after graduating from Charleston Southern University. They moved to the Metroplex so that Andy could attend graduate school at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. The Woods soon became involved in Team Church, a church that specialized in starting other churches and raising up leaders to start new churches. About two months after getting involved they were approached by the pastor John Worcester and encouraged to start a church for students with the help of Team Church. Andy and Stacie felt compelled to be used by God to make a difference in the lives of students and young adults and in January of 2004, Breakthrough Church was born!

• From Nothing to Something •
Breakthrough started with very little financial support and a small team of about 8 students. What it did have was the belief that God desired to do something that would require more than just finances and man-power, namely, great trust in Him. The core group began meeting in a home in South Arlington about 10 minutes from campus. Over the course of that spring they were able to hold several events on campus, and meet over 250 students through listening surveys. Through these surveys and events they were able to start a Bible study on campus that eventually would grow to over 20 students meeting inside of a small apartment. This phase of the church was marked with many days and nights of surveys on campus in cold and rainy weather, and much trust in God knowing that he was building this vision in ways that no one could see.

• The Launch •
On July 10, 2004, Breakthrough hosted a concert on campus that resulted in over 250 students in attendance. From this concert we built relationships and tried to follow up with as many students as possible. On the 25th of July we had our first public service on UTA’s campus and from that point had 4 consecutive public services one month apart. We officially launched as a new church on October 24, 2004, and when the dust had settled our church launched with about 60 students in regular attendance. During the rest of the 2004-2005 school year we continued to reach out and connect with more students, and saw God work in miraculous ways in our midst.

• A New Season of Growth •
During the Summer of 2005 we continued to refine the vision of the church, and pray that God would help us reach more students. During this period Todd and Tiffany Sanders joined our staff and helped our church go to the next level in connecting with International students and in the area of small groups. During the fall of 2005 our church saw an increase in attendance of over 50% in less than 3 months. During this period we had over 115 people in attendance on several occasions and averaged over 90 people on a weekly basis. More people decided to follow Christ and be baptized during this five month period of time than the previous 18 months of the church’s story.

• A Change for the Future•
After 4 years of faithful and sacrificial service, Andy and Stacey Wood felt called to plant a new church on the West Coast. Andy approached Hope Church, whose long-term ministry had played a critical role in the development of Breakthrough, about taking over responsibility for Breakthrough’s future. Seeing the unique and important ministry happening, Hope’s leadership accepted this responsibility. They appointed their Associate Pastor of Student Ministries, Christian Williams to take over as Pastor of Breakthrough Church. On May 11, 2008 Christian was installed as Pastor.

• The Story Continues •
Now we are a growing church that actively seeks to reach out to students and young adults who are in need of a place to connect and find strength for everyday living. As we continue to try and remain faithful to the vision God has given us we are amazed at the way he is growing this church and changing people’s lives. We exist to help people experience the fullness of joy that comes from living a Christ centered life. We desire to continue to connect with people from all religious and spiritual backgrounds. We are excited about the diversity of UTA’s campus and the opportunity to connect with the world through connecting with the people of UTA. So, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, know that you are always welcome at Breakthrough.