From Jan. 10 to April 11, 2026, Home of Shalom hosted public worship services, named Loft Sessions, on the second and fourth Sabbaths at the NorthTown Mall food court in Spokane, Washington.
The first event on Jan. 10 opened the series with more than 300 attendees. Since its opening night, Loft Sessions averaged 200–300 people in attendance.
“People are looking for a community, not just a program to attend,” said Tyler Kern, Home of Shalom pastor. “That's our church, a safe place to call home where your family is there for you no matter what you're going through.”
Each session began with an introduction from Kern, followed by local Christian artists blending praise music and their personal testimonies. Kern then presented a short Serve One More testimony about a recent Simple Act of Kindness Event before giving an altar call and prayer. Kern invited listeners to join upcoming SAKE opportunities and other Home of Shalom events.
The day before each event, the Home of Shalom ministry team would walk through the mall praying for God’s intervention and presence. The team ensured that volunteers were in place to greet people as they entered the food court area, engaging people in worship by bringing them closer. Volunteers also prayed with everyone interested in having a transformation in their lives.
One young adult named Jon came to the mall for a haircut and left with a community. After his haircut, Jon heard live music playing and wandered over. Out of the crowd of people, he approached Kern, who introduced Loft Sessions and Home of Shalom.
Jon shared that while he believed in Jesus, he had distanced himself from attending church. Two prayer warriors asked if they could pray with Jon, which he gladly welcomed. At the end of the evening, his name was drawn in the raffle. Since that pivotal evening, Jon has become an active participant in Home of Shalom’s community.
Home of Shalom first came to NorthTown Mall for a Simple Act of Kindness Event in December 2025, providing free gift-wrapping in partnership with Faithful Chocolates, a Christian bookstore/chocolate shop. The owner introduced Kern to NorthTown Mall’s management to get approval for the all-day service project. A week later, Kern returned with his idea for Loft Sessions, and, because of a relationship that started with service, it was approved.
“Starting a conversation, saying a prayer or sharing encouragement are all ways we’re intentionally trying to reach people,” said Kern. “Through radical hospitality that extends beyond our circle.”
With good weather around the corner, Home of Shalom will be hosting Get Together outdoor worship experiences in Minnehaha Park on the second and fourth Fridays during the summer.
“We'll also be starting a new ministry called ‘Unplugged,’ which will be an outdoor Sabbath service with no amplification and no phones,” said Kern.
For more information on Home of Shalom’s ministry, see homeofshalom.org.
Local Christian artists lead praise music in public.
Mountains in the Sea, one of many local Christian artists invited to Loft Sessions, leads worship.
