The Seasons of Mission Fest

A God Idea – 1983

In 1983, a church’s missions committee reflected on their recent purchase of a curling rink that had become their new home. Someone suggested using the space for a missions conference. 

A sub‑committee began planning, and after several months someone proposed reaching out to other churches for help. 

“We would be able to create a stronger conference if we planned together!” 
—Richard Dodding, first Executive Director of Missions Fest 

Six churches from diverse backgrounds came together with the shared goal of raising awareness of global needs. 

The First Mission Fest – January 1984

Organizers invited four missionaries and connected with international missions agencies to host information exhibits. Don Richardson (Indonesia), Garth Hunt (Vietnam), Larry Ward (founder of Food for the Hungry), and Dennis Clarke (Afghanistan) were among the invited speakers. 

“There were moments when one could wonder if this event was going to happen… Start‑up funds were scarce.” —Richard Dodding 

Several sponsoring churches stepped in, covering printing and postage costs. The conference was free so everyone could attend. 

Just one week before the conference, one speaker had to cancel. Another faced a family emergency and had to leave. 

But on Friday evening, the doors opened―and people poured in. The venue filled to capacity. Over the weekend, 3,500 people attended. All expenses were covered, and several hundred dollars were donated to missions agencies. 

Though intended to be a one‑time event, the team realized during their debrief that something meaningful had happened. 

“God was pleased that this vision for the unreached around the world was being addressed in such a united effort.” —Dodding 

They held another conference the following year. The Mission Fest model in Vancouver continued to be rooted in churches working together to reach the world. 

Nourishment Throughout the Year – 2017

Mission Central launched in 2017. After decades of running conferences under the name “Missions Fest Vancouver,” the team recognized that people needed encouragement and resources year‑round. 

For years, Missions Fest Vancouver had already offered events, courses, and resources beyond the annual gathering. Mission Central was created to strengthen that work and become a hub for year‑round engagement. “Missions Fest Vancouver” remained the name of the annual conference, hosted by Mission Central with support from churches, volunteers, and a wide range of missions agencies. 

Jesus as Sustainer – 2021–2023

The annual missions conference continued—even during a global pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, it moved online under the banners SERVE, GROW, and CREATE. SERVE carried the missions‑focused theme, GROW emphasized discipleship, and CREATE highlighted the arts. 

In 2022, as plans for SERVE 2023 were underway, Mission Central and many partner churches faced significant financial challenges. Like many non‑profits, fundraising had become difficult. It seemed Mission Central might need to close—yet Jesus wasn’t done. 

A new group of leaders stepped in to eliminate the remaining pandemic‑related debt. A fresh wind began to blow. Debts were paid, and volunteers—old and new—committed to carrying the ministry forward. 

Carrying the Torch – 2024 to Present

Among the many friends of Jesus who stepped forward to continue Mission Fest were James Bonney and Steve Schroeder. 

Watch James and Steve share the Mission Fest story!

When Steve first heard Mission Fest might close, he felt at peace—until he was asked to help keep it alive. At a past Mission Fest, while visiting booths, he sensed the Lord speak: many agencies were exhausted and unsure how to sustain themselves. 

“What they need is my power.” 

Steve recognized that without the power of God, even the best strategies fall short. 

Both Steve and James embraced the vision Jesus was leading them into—one that moves away from a tradeshow mindset and toward a Mission Fest centered on loving Jesus. 

“When He comes, it’s different,” said James. 

Their passion is to invite people to co‑labour with Jesus—doing missions with Him, not merely for Him. Their hope is that when you come to Mission Fest, it will be a marking moment when Jesus calls you Himself. 

“The best part about Mission Fest will be loving Him,” said James.