Missions Fest NW gets new

name: Mission ConneXion NW

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher
    PORTLAND — One of the Northwest’s largest — and still-growing — Christian events returns again in January, but with a new name.
    What has been known as Missions Fest Northwest will now be Mission ConneXion Northwest, with the “X” in the middle of the second word symbolizing the Greek letter representing “Christ.”
    The new name was announced June 15 at a pastors’ promotional luncheon for the event held at Sunset Presbyterian Church near Beaverton. That church will be the site next Jan. 19 and 20 for the annual conference, which rotates among several of the Portland metro area’s largest churches.
    Bill MacLeod, missions pastor at Greater Portland Bible Church and conference chairman, said the new name was arrived at by the event’s governing board after careful consideration and prayer.
    He explained that the new title is a better fit, because the event is “not a festival per se” but is designed as a “connecting point for churches, pastors and organizations.” “We feel our name needs to reflect who we really are,” he said.
   He also said the word “missions” has become “problematic” in some corners as some nations have taken a less favorable view toward Christian missions efforts. While the new title still reflects a focus on mission programs, it better emphasizes the event’s important role as a networking point for those interested in world outreach.
    Missions Fest Northwest was patterned after Missions Fests held in Canada, particularly a large one in Vancouver, B.C., but has been the only American event to carry Missions Fest in its name, said McLeod.
    However, a new Missions Fest Seattle is being launched this year — on Oct. 6 and 7 — and will be held at both Northshore Baptist and Eastside Foursquare churches in Bothell, Wash. The Portland-area event, held the past four years, exploded in growth last January during its run at New Hope Community Church in Clackamas. While aggregate attendance the first three years averaged 6,000 people, this year it mushroomed to 20,000. There were 125 workshops, 65 missions exhibits and participation by 104 mission agency leaders.
    Theme for the first Mission ConneXion Northwest, next Jan. 19 and 20, is “Impacting Nations.” Featured speakers will be Ted Haggard of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Floyd McClung, former head of Youth With a Mission; missions strategist Paul Borthwick, and Catherine Coon, missionary to Uganda.