Portland Pastor Believes God is at Work in a Secular Area

A Call to the American Church: Hope for the West Coast

This summer, a pastor who took part in evangelistic events in Portland has a crucial message: don’t abandon the West Coast. Brett Meador, senior pastor at Attary Creek Church in Portland, delivered sermons during the PDX Crusades in August. An impressive turnout of 35,000 listeners engaged with the gospel, leading 3,200 individuals to make commitments to Christ—quite remarkable for a region often viewed as spiritually cold.

A recent study by the Pew Research Center indicates a shift in the religious landscape, showing that those without religious affiliation have outnumbered Christians in the Portland and Vancouver areas at a rate of 44% to 42%. This data could easily discourage many, yet Meador insists that God is at work in Portland, despite its reputation as a “crazy city.”

The PDX Crusades were held at the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, and featured worship performances by artists like Zack Williams, Chris Tomlin, Cain, Taya, and the husband-and-wife duo Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. The excitement leading up to the events was so overwhelming that organizers had to add a third event after running out of free tickets for the first two.

Meador is aware of how many Americans perceive Portland and, at times, he finds himself tempted to agree with them. “Portland feels a bit post-Christian,” he explained. “Some areas downtown resemble scenes from Armageddon. We’ve legalized certain drugs, and issues like human trafficking are notably severe here. Of all places, Portland also has more strip clubs per capita than any other city in the U.S. However, I think we must acknowledge this reality, whether as Christians, secular individuals, or members of any political faction.”

He highlighted a hopeful note by referencing John 1:5, stating, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Meador emphasized that many in the community still have a hunger for truth.

“That’s the sense I get—yes is really the answer,” he remarked, reflecting a cautious optimism about the future in Portland.

On the initial night of the Crusades, Meador estimates that the audience filled about three-quarters of the arena, while the following afternoon session attracted even more attendees. The final evening was packed, resembling the energy of a game night in the NBA.

Meador feels a pulse of spiritual awakening beginning to surface in the region. He pointed out similar movements taking place in Southern California and Northern California, mentioning one event where 5,500 participants declared their faith. “There’s something reviving,” he noted.

Those who accepted Christ during the Crusades were connected to local churches. Meador, inspired by the Billy Graham Crusades from years gone by, mobilized 3,900 volunteers who received training to support those coming forward during the events.

Despite the negative headlines often associated with Portland, Meador urges people to rally for the city. “Please pray for us,” he said. “God is doing something unique here, and we’re just going along for the ride.”