About Expand
Vision:
Our hearts break for those who are far from Jesus. An estimated 33% of the world’s population have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel (Joshua Project). Meanwhile, 80% of churches in America are in decline or plateauing (Thomas Rainer), and 65% of pastors report feeling lonely and isolated (Barna, 2023).
We believe an encounter with Jesus changes everything. That’s why we are committed to connecting people to Jesus and His Church by serving leaders to expand God’s Kingdom through three core ministries: encouraging pastors, training disciples, and planting churches.
Our Story:
In 1956, a group of Jesus followers from several different churches partnered together in the state of Oregon. The purpose of this partnership was to expand God’s kingdom and reach people for Jesus by collectively gathering resources to help build new church buildings and raise up new pastors in the Portland Metro area. As a result, an Oregon nonprofit organization was birthed known as the Northwest Christian Evangelistic Association (NWCEA). Since conception, the NWCEA has partnered with local churches and other church planting organizations to help start over twenty-five new churches as well as train reproducing disciple makers and encourage pastors and leaders.
In 2020 the organization’s name changed to Expand Northwest. In 2025 it became known as Expand Network, all while maintaining the same mission to connect people into a relationship with Jesus and a healthy local church but now with a much larger vision. Because of the conviction to go into all the nations, Expand Network seeks to serve leaders to exalt king Jesus and expand God’s kingdom for His glory in the US and beyond.
Our Values:
Rely on God’s PowerWe seek to rely on God’s power for kingdom movement.Live for God’s PraiseWe seek to live as ambassadors of Jesus to glorify God.Serve with God’s PerspectiveWe seek to discern how God is at work to partner as his servants.Partner with God’s PeopleWe seek to collaborate with God’s people for mutual edification.Unite in God’s PrinciplesWe seek unity in God’s principles in the Restoration Movement.
Our History:
1956: On November 2nd, the North Willamette Christian Evangelical Association was founded. Elery Parrish was appointed as the first Executive Director.
1968: Al Tiffin appointed Executive Director.
1979: Bryan Wilhite appointed Executive Director.
1986: Dorral Campbell appointed Executive Director.
1996: Tom Brown appointed Executive Director.
2003: Name changed to Northwest Christian Evangelistic Association.
2011: Sean Thomé appointed Executive Director.
2020: Name changed to Expand Northwest.
