ARISE Intensive: Portland
For three days in Portland, we'll walk through Scripture — from Genesis to Revelation — as a single story about the God who has been pursuing you since before the world began.
Arise helps you understand Scripture, live on mission, and make disciples.
Arise Intensive is a weekend immersion in Bible study, worship, and community. Each session builds on the last to reveal the unity and purpose of Scripture. By the end, our hope is that you’ll see God, the Bible, and yourself with fresh eyes.
“What an amazingly obvious and profoundly simple idea that the Bible is a Story! How can anyone miss it? And to know that it’s not just any story, but in a way it’s my family story, is extremely comforting!!” — John B.
“Before I saw the Bible as the old and the new, God on one side and Jesus in the other, now I can see that they are in the entire Bible, from beginning to end, as story. I’m almost overwhelmed by how much I want to share what I learned” — Marisa M.
“I feel like I spent the weekend on a date with God, and now I’m just gushing about how beautiful He is.“ — Giselle I.
“The idea of story is a concept I have felt from childhood but never organized my thoughts or words to express it. When I experienced the concept over the weekend I was like, ”YES! Exactly this!“ — K.B.
If the Bible has ever felt dry or disconnected, you're missing The Story.
At the heart of every Arise Intensive is The Story, our narrative theology curriculum. It's organized into seven chapters: Pre-Creation, Creation, Fall, Covenant, Messiah, Church, and Re-Creation. Each chapter helps you see how all the pieces of Scripture fit together, gain a clearer picture of who God is, and discover your place in The Story.
The teachers:
Everyone arrives together. Everyone goes home different.
Fifteen sessions across three days:
- Friday evening: Check-in and two opening sessions that set the stage for the weekend.
- Saturday: A full day of teaching, from morning through evening.
- Sunday: Final morning and afternoon sessions, closing with a charge to carry The Story forward.
Food is provided throughout the weekend: refreshments on Friday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday; and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
This is an experience meant to be lived in community—through meals, conversation, and time spent discovering Scripture together.
You don't have to have it all figured out to come.
Arise Intensive is for:
- Believers hungry for depth.
- People who want to study Scripture seriously with like-minded community.
- Anyone who's following Jesus alone and looking for community.
- Christians who want to make disciples — not just accumulate Bible knowledge.
- Anyone who needs a reset, from brand-new believers to lifelong church members.
Event details
September 4–6, 2026
Holden Convention Center
19500 Oatfield Rd
Gladstone, OR 97027
Schedule
- Friday: Doors open at 4:30 PM; sessions from 6:00–9:00 PM
- Saturday: Doors open at 7:30 AM; sessions from 8:30 AM - 8 PM
- Sunday: Doors open at 7:30 AM; sessions from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
This is an in-person event and will not be live-streamed. Capacity is limited, and Arise Intensives consistently sell out—register early to reserve your place.
Meals
Your registration includes:
- Friday: Refreshments at check-in
- Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Sunday: Breakfast and lunch
All meals are vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Family and age requirements
Arise Intensive: Portland is designed for adults and older teens.
- Attendees ages 14–17 must attend with a parent or legal guardian, or a chaperone age 21 or older who has written permission from the parent or guardian.
- A completed Minor and Parent Consent Form must be emailed to arise@lightbearers.org before the event.
- Children under 14, including infants and toddlers, are not permitted in sessions or event spaces.
- Childcare is not provided. Parents must arrange off-site care.
Travel and accommodations
Nearby hotels, Airbnbs, and RV and tent camping are available. Visit accommodations for details.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 25 minutes from the venue. Rental cars, rideshare services, and taxis are available at the airport.
Refunds and ticket transfers
Tickets may be refunded through August 26, 2026, if unexpected circumstances prevent you or someone in your group from attending. You may also transfer your ticket to someone else. Email the new attendee’s registration details to arise@lightbearers.org.
Can’t attend in Portland?
Portland is the final U.S. Arise Intensive of 2026. Events are planned for Colorado and Minnesota in 2027.
Visit ariseintensive.com for upcoming locations and dates.
Questions? Email arise@lightbearers.org.
We look forward to seeing you in Portland.