What happens when you gather hundreds of pastors committed to a renewal of radical discipleship—discipleship that teaches people how to live and love like Jesus using ancient spiritual practices—in one room?

Deep encouragement and awakening dynamics—that’s what happens.

A Visit to Portland, Oregon

In September of 2024, I had the privilege of representing Seedbed and our New Room network at the Practicing the Way Pastors Conference in Portland, OR.

Practicing the Way is a ministry led by John Mark Comer and his team, devoted to developing “free resources to help churches apprentice in the Way of Jesus.” The gathering was at Bridgetown Church, near where the well-known Bible Project is located.

Seedbed, often seen through the lens of our New Room events and prayer activities, is seen as prayer movement—a group of hungry Christians committed to seeing awakening come in our generation.

A Growing Network of Friends for Awakening

Our connection with the Asbury Outpouring in February 2023 (see the The Awakening Library for more) has, in many ways, opened the way for our growing relationship.

Gathering with pastors committed to seeing the Holy Spirit move in their church and local communities was profound, especially with spiritual practices like prayer at the center of these faithful local ministries across the country.

The Pastor’s Conference was an incredible event. Focused on discipleship, ancient practices for spiritual formation today (Dallas Willard is a beloved writer in this network), and ideas for innovative church planting and creative leadership, the gathering provided a connection point for pastoral teams making the shift to orbit all their ministry activities around the call to become apprentices to Jesus.

God is Connecting His Church

As we do our work at Seedbed, we are increasingly aware that God is graciously connecting us with many others who He has gifted and called to lead, in their unique ways with their unique emphases, in a time of awakening.

We’ll continue to slowly build on friendships like these toward seeing a great network of awakening-minded and awakening-hearted local churches serve the church—and the world—of our time.

I would encourage us to pray for Practicing the Way, and other ministries like it, that are seeking to put a truly Jesus-centered approach to making disciples—especially among the young—back in the lead of the work of the Body of Christ.

For the Awakening,