what is abidecr?

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”   -John 15:4-5

AbideCR is an intentional, set-aside time to slow our pace and enjoy God’s loving presence. Unhurried worship. Encouragement from God’s word. Fellowship with the family of God. Rest with Jesus.

A legacy continued locally

For a number of years, people from around the world traveled to Dallas each February for Shane & Shane’s Linger Conference. In 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic led that team to make the event virtual for its final year, and New Covenant Bible Church hosted the event in Cedar Rapids. 

The AbideCR Conference offers a similar kind of experience with God here in Cedar Rapids with a little help from Aaron Williams and The Worship Initiative, who will come from Dallas to Cedar Rapids to lead worship at the AbideCR Conference on Friday & Saturday nights. Worship leaders from churches around the city have also banded together to lead worship in what we’re calling the AbideCR Worship Collective. Cedar Rapids-area pastors have prepared special messages to help people find rest in Jesus. In a unique experiential breakout session, you’ll  explore ways to encounter the presence and peace of God, "choose your own adventure" style.

A call to holiness

We long to see the Body of Christ in our region encounter the Living God. To rest under the sound teaching of His Word, and to respond in quiet and in worship. AbideCR creates a space to practice this spiritual discipline together and to equip believers to continue to practice it in private.

A call to unity

One Body. One Spirit. One Lord. One Christ. We believe it is imperative that The Church pursues unity instead of competition. We unite in our desire to see the glory of the gospel's impact in our community, so pastors, worship leaders, and believers from around our city and region are coming together to worship.

The Abide Room

During the conference, you may want to just be in the presence of God to process, pray, journal, meditate in His Word, or rest. The Abide Room is a place designed exactly for that, offering low lighting, soft music, and visual artists creating work in the spirit. The Abide Room provides a safe, welcoming place in which you can seek His spirit in a way that feels comfortable to you.