Why Portland?

Portland, the city of roses and rain. Located in the shadow of the Pacific Northwest mountain range of the Cascades. It is nestled along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and not far from the beautiful Pacific Coast. This is a city that has been described as a place of creativity, grit and deep divide. Where political and ideological polarization abides and where there is a deep need for gospel shaped renewal.

Over the past two years I (Tim) have gone to Portland every month for seminary classes at Western Seminary. I chose to get Uber rides during that time to get to know some people of Portland. To my surprise many of the drivers were lifelong PDX residents. During those car ride conversations, I began to notice that all of them carried a deep disappointment and frustration with their beloved city and how things have ended up over the past few years. From the legalization of narcotics to the systemic effects of this upon those who struggle with addiction and many unhoused people flooding the streets of the city and the surrounding recreation areas. Local businesses have struggled to stay afloat as people are less inclined to come downtown and move to the city for work and commerce.

As the reaping of these things comes to bear upon the city, there seems to be a growing hunger and curiosity for spiritual alternatives and options. The realities of an uncontrolled opioid epidemic, houselessness, and mental and emotional health challenges are wreaking havoc on the city. It has driven people into desperate political decisions to seek justice, meaning and something of substance to grasp amidst the sea of secular chaos swirling around the culture. I believe this presents a unique opening for the gospel of the kingdom of Jesus to fill the soul of Portland more fully.

We have a vision for a church that embeds itself within the fabric of the city through engaging in compassion, art, creativity, hospitality, relationships and work. We want to raise up passionate Jesus followers who understand how to live out their faith in their marriages, singleness, families, recreation, local neighborhoods, city and world; in a gospel centered and Spirit led way. A place where people can experience the transformative and redemptive love of Jesus, who comes into our lives to make all things new. A church where society, faith and life meet. A people who live out an integrated spirituality amidst all of life.