Last year, we gathered a group of leaders from across the West—men and women carrying a shared heart for awakening in their communities—and asked them a simple question: What are the biggest challenges you and your communities are facing right now? The response was unanimous: spiritual conflict and the need for deliverance ministry.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12, NIV

Realizing that we are up against more than flesh and blood in our Awakening hopes, we hosted the New Room Leader Gathering (Feb 20-22) at Riverstone Church, with 575 leaders—pastors, church planters, marketplace leaders—seeking God together under the banner of “Greater Things” (John 14:12). Across these days, we engaged deeply with the ministry of Jesus to the Father, the power of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, perseverance in calling, and the reality of spiritual conflict.

A Meeting with God

Like every New Room event, the Leader Gathering was first and foremost a meeting with God. Theological depth and intensity is paired with dynamic, Spirit-empowered worship. 

Due to weather and health related conflicts, our speaker list adjusted last minute to include: Jon Thompson, Rickie Moore, Ashley Anderson, Carolyn Moore, and Tom Tanner. The worship life was stewarded by the New Room Team in partnership with Urban Hymnal and Riverstone Staff. 

One of the key strengths of this event was the theological diversity represented in our speaker lineup. Afterward, the head of discipleship for a denomination sought me out to share their experience, describing the content as “clarifying, helpful, and sparking so many good questions.”

This was best exemplified in a panel discussion on the foundations of spiritual conflict. David Thomas moderated a conversation with a Methodist Bishop, a Pentecostal Old Testament Scholar, and a Calvinist Megachurch Pastor, tackling questions such as:

• Who is the Devil?
• What are demonic, evil, or foul spirits?
• What does Satan do?

The conversation was dynamic, thoughtful, and deeply insightful—revealing that, despite our differences, we share much common ground.

Creating Space for Reflection and Conversation

Given the depth of content in each session, the New Room team prioritized creating space for meaningful reflection and discussion. Lo Alaman facilitated these moments, providing guided questions for participants to discuss in small groups or reflect on individually. This intentional engagement allowed attendees to process what they were learning in real time.

In many ways, this gathering marked the beginning of a timely conversation that will extend far beyond our three days together in Atlanta. For many, this event was more than a conference—it was a catalyst for deeper ministry. One attendee shared how the experience shaped their next steps:

“I wanted to encourage you and the New Room team on this weekend’s gathering. It was powerful. I came with a staff member from our campus ministry team, my wife (who is on staff at our church), and our church spiritual formation pastor. Our church is currently going through Rob Reimer’s Soul Care and we are hoping to begin ministering effectively to those in our church and community who are in need of deliverance. We left encouraged for the next steps! One specific word of encouragement for you guys: I thought the diverse dynamics and approaches of each speaker made for such a well-rounded event, while at the same time each speaker really complemented the others as well. Grateful for the weekend!”

To support continued learning beyond the gathering, attendees had the option to purchase a book bundle in advance. This collection included four books related to the weekend’s themes, written by keynote speakers:

• Supernatural by Carolyn Moore
• Follow the Healer by Steve Seamands
• Deliverance by Jon Thompson
• Perseverance by Jon Thompson

In partnership with speakers, our team created a follow-up page with a curated list of resources, including the option to purchase conference talks for rewatching or sharing with staff teams and ministry partners who were unable to attend.

How Can You Participate?

Pray – Pray for the ongoing work of equipping the saints for this ministry in the Church. Pray that the fruit of this gathering would lead to deep wholeness, freedom, and a renewed commitment to fully participate in the ministry of Jesus to the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Learn – Explore the conference talks and additional resources on our follow-up page.

Invite – If you know someone who would benefit from this conversation in the future, encourage them to stay connected and consider participating in upcoming New Room gatherings.

Give – Many participants are able to attend because of scholarships provided by New Room. Your support of Seedbed helps make this possible and allows more leaders to be equipped for this vital ministry.

For the Awakening,