The event featured powerful worship led by Chris Tomlin and Zach Williams, with plans for potential future crusades to continue reaching one of America's most unchurched cities.
In the weeks since the PDX Crusade lit up Portland’s Moda Center with the hope of the gospel, Pastor Brett Meador of Athey Creek Church says the momentum hasn’t stopped—it’s only growing.
The two-day outreach drew over 35,000 people to one of America’s most 'unchurched' cities. More than 3,200 made public decisions to follow Jesus and over 3,600 Bibles were given away.
(To hear the full interview with Crystal Thornton and Pastor Brett Meador, listen to the Podcast below.)
“The Power of the Gospel”
"I am not a teary person... but I have to confess, seeing the lives change and tears streaming down people's faces, you just see the Holy Spirit touching hearts in a way that's hard to even articulate... just the power of the gospel."
Pastor Brett says the message was simple, "Jesus is the light of the world" and that was enough to reach hearts across generations.
"I didn't do anything fancy personally. I just shared the love of Christ... the power of the Word itself really reached hearts."
The impact wasn’t confined to those who came forward during the altar call. In the days since, stories have surfaced of Moda Center employees, including security staff, concession workers and even an elevator operator accepting Christ. Volunteers gave up their seats so others could hear the message and strangers prayed together in lobbies and hallways.
One of Meador’s most memorable moments came when a 10-year-old boy named Matthew responded to the invitation to follow Jesus, alone at first only to turn and see his mother joining him moments later.
![Athey Creek Church] PDX Crusade 2025 Alter Call](https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/105012.jpg)
From Decision to Discipleship
Follow-up has been a massive team effort:
"We had 900 follow-up volunteers that were ready to roll."
"The discipleship process is happening through the churches that are cooperating with us... they've already called through the list of people and connected them with a pastor and a team."
This network of vetted, Bible-teaching churches across Portland is making sure new believers are rooted in local fellowship.
A Shift in Portland’s Spiritual Atmosphere
Worship played a key role in preparing hearts.
From Chris Tomlin’s reverent, Spirit-filled songs to Zach Williams’ celebratory anthems, the music framed the Gospel message in a way that even first-time visitors could feel was real.
The crusade didn’t just impact those who attended, it changed the confidence level of Portland’s believers.
"I think it's a collective relief for Christians in Portland saying, 'Wow, the Lord is not done with Portland. He's got a plan for Portland.'"
Even potential disruptions, like fears of Antifa protests turned into moments for ministry.
"We were a little concerned because Antifa can get pretty violent here in Portland. But man, the Lord covered that."
Prayer: The Real Battleground
Pastor Brett says the peaceful outcome and powerful impact were no accident.
"Well, that's an easy answer. It really is all in prayer the battle is won... We had big rooms of people praying in the Moda Center, people praying every single day, giant prayer groups for the last year."
Looking Ahead
The Moda Center staff, inspired by the atmosphere and volunteer turnout, have already said they want the crusade back.
While no decision has been made, Brett says they’re seeking God’s timing.
“They told us, ‘You have to come back next year,’” Meador shared. “They said they’d never seen so many volunteers or experienced this kind of atmosphere.”
For now, Meador and his team are praying about what’s next—but he’s clear on one thing:
“The Gospel is simple and powerful. It’s not about me; it’s about Jesus. If even one person came to Christ, it would have been worth it—but God did so much more than we could have imagined.”
What’s clear is that the unity and boldness sparked at the PDX Crusade will continue to shape Portland’s spiritual story.
"I remember Billy Graham said once, if even one person accepts Christ, this whole crusade would be worth it."
And for thousands, it was worth it.
The light of the Gospel shone brightly in Portland that weekend. The challenge now is to keep it burning, walking alongside the thousands of new believers, sharing Christ’s love in everyday conversations and trusting God for even greater things ahead.
To learn more about ongoing discipleship efforts and future outreach, visit pdxcrusade.com.
