Portland, often recognized as one of the most liberal cities in the United States, is poised for a significant spiritual event known as the PDX Crusade.
This series of three evangelistic gatherings is anticipated to attract over 45,000 attendees to the Moda Center on August 2-3.
The event will showcase notable Christian music artists including Chris Tomlin, Zach Williams, Kari Jobe, and Cody Carnes, alongside a Gospel message delivered by Brett Meador, Senior Pastor of Athey Creek.
This Crusade marks the first major Evangelical mass gathering in Portland in over 25 years, highlighting a unique moment for spiritual outreach in a city identified by the Pew Research Center’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study as having the highest percentage of religiously unaffiliated individuals among major U.S. metros.
In this study, 43% of Portland’s population is characterized as religiously unaffiliated, with Christians constituting 42%, a notable demographic trend that has led to Portland being labeled as one of the “least churched cities” in the country, despite over 700 churches operating in the area as of May this year.
Brett Meador, who moved to Portland in 1996 to evangelize, describes the city’s spiritual and political dynamics as intertwined.
He notes, “Portland is one of the most liberal cities in America.
Our state constitution was drafted in 1859 in a manner that embraced freedom of expression, but it may not have foreseen how far this would be taken in modern times.”
Meador reflects on the evolution of Portland’s reputation, stating that the city’s aim to “keep it weird” has transformed into a troubling landscape, particularly following the Antifa riots in the summer of 2020 that he claims severely damaged the city’s fabric.
He paints a grim picture of the aftermath: businesses shuttered, buildings boarded up, rampant drug use, and a noticeable increase in the homeless population.
Apart from societal struggles, Meador has also expressed concern regarding the spiritual climate within local churches.
He claims that liberal politics and unbiblical views have permeated some congregations, with certain pastors embracing heretic teachings, such as asserting that “Jesus was transgender” or that “He died for your own happiness.”
Athey Creek Church, which began with Meador teaching a small group verse-by-verse in 1996, has significantly expanded to include three campuses and multiple services each week, aiming to reach broader audiences with its message.
The PDX Crusade is regarded as a critical part of Athey Creek’s mission to reach Portland and beyond with the Gospel message.
Meador emphasizes the church’s desire to let the light of Christ penetrate the city, asserting that Portland needs this light urgently.
“We’re not just softening our message to appease seekers,” he explains.
“We’re addressing hard truths, aiming to attract those who are genuinely seeking peace.
There exists a profound hunger for the peace, purpose, and freedom that God’s Word can provide.”
Reflecting on the interest generated by the event, Meador notes the overwhelming demand for tickets, which sold out within just 10 minutes after being released.
This led to the addition of a third afternoon event on August 2 to accommodate the unprecedented turnout.
Despite a historical trend of spiritual disconnection in Portland, Meador remains optimistic.
“While our city has often turned away from the Light, I believe now is the moment to return the Gospel to Portland’s core,” he insists.
The PDX Crusade represents not only a gathering but a hopeful movement focused on sharing the freedom, hope, and love embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“In a city known for its unique identity, we believe there can be a shift,” he adds.
Meador points to early signs of change and prays for a future where Portland will be recognized not for its lack of faith but for its commitment to serving the Lord.
The challenges Portland faces are multifaceted, exacerbated by social strife and crime rates that skyrocketed in recent years.
The city recorded a peak in murders in 2022 and, despite slightly improved overall crime data in 2023, continues to struggle with perceptions linked to its liberal governance and responses to public safety issues.
Following the decision to defund the police in 2020, the average response time for high-priority crimes reached upwards of 21 minutes by mid-2023.
Yet, despite these political and societal challenges, Meador remains hopeful for Portland’s revival potential.
“I want to believe in this possibility because I understand the transformative power of the Holy Spirit,” he states.
He stresses that revival will necessitate bold individuals across various sectors—pastors, government leaders, and community members—who are ready to stand firm on biblical principles.
“As we host the PDX Crusade and continually preach the Bible comprehensively,” Meador concludes, “we acknowledge that God’s Word holds the capacity to change hearts and transform lives.”
With the hearts of many Portlanders set on hope, the PDX Crusade may pave the way for a spiritual awakening in a city historically resistant to traditional religious norms.
image source from：christianpost
