It’s almost time for Spirit West Coast, the hugely popular Christian Music Festival which will be held at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey on July 28-30.
This is the ninth year for this event which drew crowds totaling nearly 60,000 when it was held last year, making it the most successful Christian music event on the West Coast.
Besides music by top artists in the field of Christian music, the festival features comic routines, Bible teaching by gifted speakers, activities for all ages (including camping, sports and skateboarding) supported by more than 1,000 volunteers who donate their time to provide security, concessions, ministry, traffic and parking control, ushering and the many other services needed to meet the needs of such a large audience.
More than 50 music and comedy acts will appear, including:
n MercyMe, a laid-back band from Greenville, Texas, which has quickly evolved from being Christian music’s fastest-selling new act in 2001 to one of the most successful bands in all musical genres, selling more than 2 million records and earning an American Music Award nomination.
n Third Day, an Atlanta-based rock group which has accrued four gold albums, a platinum album, a Grammy and 21 of the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards
n Varied musicians like Newsboys, tobyMac, Charlie Hall, The Gold, KJ-52, Dizmas
n Comedians Bob Smiley, Ronn McGehee and Thor Ramsey
Ministry is also an important part of Spirit West Coast, from the spiritual message of the music being performed to the Gospel messages preached and taught at various sessions throughout the day and night.
Evangelism happens at “altar calls” or “decision times” when participants are given opportunities to publicly accept Jesus as their Savior, which more than 300 have done during past sessions. Opportunities for baptism ceremonies are also available.
Among the powerful speakers appearing are Josh McDowell, pastor, author, noted speaker, and Mike Pilavachi of England’s Soul Survivor Fellowship.
There are also prayer tents with counselors present, evangelism training sessions, new believers’ classes and other worship opportunities, including seminars offered this year by a team from the online site WorshipTogether.com.
More than 100 exhibitors will set up displays to inform festival-goers about art, music, books, other merchandise and ministries.
Children are a major focus of this family-friendly festival, with many trained adults ministering to them through age-appropriate shows with singing, puppetry and juggling in conjunction with Child Evangelism Fellowship. A special area on the festival grounds called Veggie Land offers many fun kid activities: face painting, arts and crafts, clowns, bounce house, balloon-tying and a petting zoo.
Special guests who will entertain the children are Rubber Chicken Guy, Strongman Jon Pritikin and Bob & Larry from the VeggieTales video series.
