Major Christian Revival Event Draws Thousands in Portland
This month, Portland, Oregon, hosted one of the largest faith gatherings in recent memory, marking a significant Christian revival event.
Organizers of the PDX Crusade, which was put together by Athey Creek Church along with several other local churches, reported that around 35,000 people came to the Moda Center on August 2-3. The two-night event featured gospel messages and performances from well-known Christian artists like Chris Tomlin, Zach Williams, and others. Notably, 3,200 attendees responded during the altar call, with volunteers distributing Bibles and helping connect newcomers with local churches.
In terms of significance, this gathering ranks among the most crucial evangelical events in Portland in decades. Just a few years ago, in 2020, outdoor worship protests attracted between 4,000 and 7,000 individuals due to COVID-19 restrictions. Before that, late evangelist Louis Palau organized a massive festival in Portland back in 1999, which reportedly drew over 90,000 attendees.
Laura Rybrand, a Portland local involved in the crusade, expressed support for voter turnout, reflecting the event’s local engagement.
Senior Pastor Brett Meador of Athey Creek delivered sermons throughout the gathering, addressing issues like homelessness, crime, and a perceived lack of faith in the city. He posed a pressing question to the crowd: “Why is there so much darkness here?” suggesting that, perhaps, distancing from Jesus—a symbol of hope—might be a reason.
According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023-2024 Religious Landscape Survey, the Portland and Vancouver metro area ranks among the larger urban centers where the number of individuals identifying as Christians has seen changes, reported at about 42% to 44%.
Meador, who made the move to Portland in 1996, views the area as primed for a religious resurgence. He hopes that events like the PDX Crusade can spark spiritual awakening in areas that have previously been considered secular.
Feedback from attendees indicates that some believe the Pacific Northwest might be on the verge of a broader revival. One participant, Brandon Porter, commented on a noticeable influx of people migrating into the area recently, hinting at an uplifting atmosphere in the Willamette Valley.
Rick Anderson, Athey Creek’s executive pastor, mentioned that the leadership team is contemplating the potential of making the crusades an annual event. “If the city acknowledges this as a catalyst for reviving the Church,” he noted, “that would suggest its success.”
The Portland event closely followed another significant revival in Los Angeles, where about 45,000 people attended a gathering led by pastor Greg Laurie in July at Angel Stadium.
