Church Highlight: The Uprising Church – Joshua, TX

The Uprising Church in Joshua, Texas began on Father’s Day 2010, when Pastor Gary Burkins and his family felt called to launch a fresh, Spirit-led congregation in the Fort Worth region. Located conveniently on frequently trafficked roads, the church has since grown to include campuses in Crowley, Burleson, and Fort Worth. From its earliest days, The Uprising has been a non-denominational, charismatic community—with the clear tagline: “Jesus is our source; His presence is our priority.”

Their mission and vision revolve around three powerful words: Love. Hope. Healing. As their mission statement boldly declares, “We exist to bring love, hope and healing to a world that needs Jesus,” and that this mission isn’t passive—it’s action-oriented: “When we show up on the scene, we show up with love, hope and healing in our heart.” The church underscores that it’s not enough to say, “Jesus loves you” unless followed by “we love you too”. They emphasize that every ministry—from children’s programs to worship nights—is deliberately designed to manifest these core values in practice.
Under this banner, The Uprising has seen powerful testimonies: from individuals freed from addiction and restored family dynamics to spiritual awakenings and community transformation. They believe that Jesus isn’t just an abstract doctrine but a living presence, and that encountering Him leads to tangible change in people’s lives.

Pastor Gary Burkins, founding and lead pastor, previously served as a youth pastor at Cleburne Family Church and was a city supervisor at the Russell Farm Art Center in Burleson before launching The Uprising. He describes himself as a “Preacher, Pastor, Artist”, bringing a creative spirit to worship and teaching. Beyond regular Sunday preaching, Gary leads retreats and men’s wilderness experiences—such as trips in the Sawtooth Mountains, where he saw “68 men … surrender their hearts to the King.”

The Uprising Church stands as a dynamic, presence-driven community founded on a clear mission to bring love, hope, and healing through Jesus. Its growth reflects both a compelling vision and a ministry model rooted in authenticity and transformation. Pastor Gary Burkins brings a rich pastoral, creative, and missional background, guiding the church with bold vision and heartfelt dedication.

Please join us this week as we celebrate and lift up our friends at The Uprising Church in prayer! We are excited about all God is doing and will continue to do in and through them!