A grassroots faith event aimed at bringing people together across Winnipeg and celebrating Jesus is set to take place this Easter weekend.
The Walk for Jesus returns on April 4, drawing participation from churches and individuals across the city, with a focus on unity, outreach, and connecting with people beyond traditional church settings.
“This is a place where we welcome anybody and everybody from all walks of life,” said Carlos Olivar, lead pastor at Table of Encounter, who will be sharing his testimony during the event.
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A movement centred on unity
Organizer Todd Sperber, who helped reintroduce the Walk for Jesus to Winnipeg, said the event is about bringing people together under a shared purpose.
“We just want to celebrate Jesus and make Jesus very well known to the people,” Sperber said.
Participants will gather at 1 p.m. at Vineyard Church on Main Street before walking a route through the North End, with planned stops for prayer, music, and personal testimonies.
Sperber said the vision grew after attending a smaller walk outside the city and feeling inspired to bring the idea back to Winnipeg. Since then, the event has continued to grow, now taking place multiple times a year.
Paul Morin, assistant pastor at Glory and Peace Church, said the walk reflects a deeper need for connection across the city’s Christian community.
“The unity of the body is so important,” Morin said.
Taking faith beyond church walls
For many involved, the significance of the walk lies in meeting people where they are.
“You don’t actually have to come to church to meet us,” said George Hill, a pastor long involved in inner-city ministry. “We’re out in the street representing Jesus.”
Hill said the event gives people confidence to step into outreach together.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get outside the four walls and join others,” he said.
Building on a strong history
The Walk for Jesus builds on decades of similar events in Winnipeg.
Ken McGhie, who was involved in large-scale marches beginning in the late 1980s, said those gatherings once drew tens of thousands of people.
“It’s very encouraging to see people out there… saying that, yes, the Lord is good,” McGhie said.
He said the renewed walk continues that legacy, offering a visible expression of faith in the city.
A welcoming invitation
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Participants at the September 2025 Walk for Jesus lift their hands in worship at the corner of Portage & Main. (Faith Adeyemi/PNN)
Organizers emphasize that the event is open to everyone, regardless of background or experience.
“This is an open door,” Olivar said.
Sperber added that the goal is to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for the wider community.
“We want to show the joy of the Lord to the community,” he said.
Winnipeg Walk for Jesus details
The Walk for Jesus takes place Saturday, April 4, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Winnipeg Centre Vineyard Church on Main Street.
The route will take participants through several North End neighbourhoods, with stops along the way for prayer, music, and testimonies.
Organizers say all are welcome to attend.