Posted: June 24, 2026, 5:00 PM | Category:Events Artist Tags: Source: High Ground Media
RISE Ministries is celebrating a record-breaking RiseFest 2026 after 30,100 people gathered in Sheldon, Iowa, on June 12--13, making it the largest RiseFest in the event's 20-year history.
The milestone weekend surpassed RISE Ministries' goal of 25,001 attendees and came during a landmark year as the organization celebrates 25 years of ministry. It also served as a powerful expression of the ministry's Take Back Ground movement, a growing initiative encouraging people to reclaim hope, faith, purpose, and freedom through Jesus.
Across the two-day festival, attendees gathered for worship, biblical teaching, prayer, community, and performances from Phil Wickham, Josiah Queen, Hulvey, and other Christian artists. The weekend also included 56 baptisms, 850 Bibles distributed, and 850 volunteer slots filled.
While the attendance record marked a significant moment for RiseFest, RISE Ministries says the greatest impact was seen in the lives changed throughout the weekend. "This is what taking back ground looks like," said Rob Roozeboom, Founder and President of RISE Ministries. "Lives changed. Hope reclaimed. Faith made public. The attendance milestone is exciting, but what matters most is seeing people encounter Jesus. Together, we watched God redeem history by crushing our previous attendance goal of 25,000.
"We didn't just reach it. God allowed us to blow past it. We're humbled by what He did this weekend and excited for what comes next," added Roozeboom.
For RISE Ministries, the record-breaking festival represents more than a new benchmark for attendance. It serves as momentum toward the organization's larger vision of reaching 2.5 million people with the hope of Jesus through RiseFest, ministry resources, media, events, speaking engagements, and year-round opportunities for people to engage with the Take Back Ground message.
"We believe God is calling people to stand firm in truth and walk in hope," Roozeboom said. "RiseFest is one powerful weekend, but the mission continues long after the lights shut down and the stage is empty. We want to provide resources and opportunities that help people grow in their faith and stay connected to a Christ-centered community."
Following the record-breaking weekend, RISE Ministries has announced the dates for RiseFest 2027, taking place June 11--12, 2027, in Sheldon, Iowa.
