Exclusive Interview: Behind Springfest

Paul Yoder of The Weather Vane sat down with the Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association's Fred Baye, Director of Public Affairs and Luke Weaver, Director of Crusades, to get the details about last weekend's Springfest.

WV: To start with, what is the mission or goal of Springfest?

FB: The goal was to positively impact the general population of the Shenandoah Valley including the student population, with an evangelistic outreach that would help provide answers to questions spiritual seekers might have.

LW: The goal of all evangelistic outreaches is to share the Good News of Jesus. Unity is a key in maximizing the message. With visible endorsement, those reluctant to engage the Gospel message find it more difficult to dismiss their personal response to the Gospel. Financial support and endorsement are two parts of leadership that civic and business leaders provide.

WV: When Steve said that Springfest brings together church and civic leaders, what role do the "civic" leaders play? Is this primarily sponsorship?

FB: Many people, including business and civic leaders, feel strongly about the importance of addressing spiritual questions people have. A campaign like Springfest brings together a wide cross section of people. Everyone who led on the Executive Team, who oversee the Campaign, enjoyed the way an event like this helps bring together churches from across denominational lines.

WV: What type of funds were raised for this weekend?

FB: Springfest had an overall budget of about $226,000, which covers all expenses. No monies were paid to Steve Wingfield or his team for any of the ministry they performed.

LW: Total attendance for all Springfest events is over 21,000. The total number of decisions for Christ stands at 438. This includes first time decisions and rededications.

WV: Did most of this come from corporate sponsors?

FB: Yes, in most cases in Crusade Evangelism a majority of the monies are provided by corporate and individual contributions. Many of the 125 churches involved in the event also provided some financial assistance as well.

LW: Anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the budgets is covered by church donations. The remaining amount is received from business sponsorships and individuals. Offerings accounted for less than 10 percent of Springfest donations.

WV: How many people attended Springfest?

FB: The cumulative attendance of Springfest was 21,500.

WV: Was there a specific target population?

LW: With the opportunity for a festival on the campus of JMU, the primary target was college age students. However, many children were reached at Kidz Jam. Teens were attracted to the Extreme Day activities. People of all ages did attend all parts of Springfest.

WV: Lastly, how does Springfest fit into the vision of Steve Wingfield Ministries?

FB: Steve Wingfield's ministry of evangelism is being utilized by the Lord in various parts of the country. We are praying that Steve and our team can help people who are seeking for spiritual truth. Young people in America in particular are hungry for spiritual answers, and our hope is that we will be able to help many come to know Christ personally in areas where we are invited to conduct Crusades. The Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association also has a particular interest in working with churches across denominational lines, in training people on how to share their faith more effectively.