STEUBENVILLE — For nearly two decades, Christ Walk has stood as a powerful expression of faith and unity across the Ohio Valley, bringing together churches, families, and young people in a public demonstration of the message of Jesus Christ.

Founded by Amanda Thompson, Christ Walk began as a calling to bring believers together beyond church walls and into the streets of Steubenville. What started as a local act of obedience has grown into an annual Good Friday tradition involving dozens of churches and participants from across the region.

Each year, participants carry a wooden cross through the city of Steubenville and into Wintersville, covering nearly seven miles in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The walk has emphasized unity across denominations, public witness of faith, and service to the community — continuing regardless of weather and growing into a regional movement representing approximately 25 churches, even breaking borders with the Homa Bay, Kenya, partnership.

Thompson said this year is even more unique.

“God really changed my life in some big ways this year. One of these ways was blessing me with the unique position of running the Sycamore Corps program. This is a program for special needs and at-risk youth, and it has allowed me to experience firsthand the love that children and teens have for Christ,” she said.

Thompson has entrusted the Sycamore Corps members to help with everything from T-shirt design and advertising, and a few members are even assisting with photography and worship.

“God placed on my heart that not only does the area need to support one another’s walk with Christ, but Christ Walk is an amazing opportunity to share with other believers the movement of youth revival I have been privileged to observe and assist with this past year. So this year’s walk will include teens and adults alike in the services,” Thompson added.

Christ Walk 2026 will take place Friday, beginning at noon at the Sycamore Youth Center with pre-walk worship. This year, participants will be wearing blue, though it is not mandatory.

Pre-walk worship will be led by Bella Thompson, a former “Valley’s Got Talent” vocal champion and worship leader, and Aleacia Elder, a student at Harding Middle School and Sycamore Corps member.

A brief service will immediately follow, led by Pastor Jason Cline of Refocus Church and Minister Aaron Ashby, a Harding student and Next Level Community Youth leader.

The event will begin at the Sycamore Youth Center, which will kick off the seven-mile journey to Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville.

In a show of unity across the community, Grace Lutheran Church and Starkdale Presbyterian Church will open their doors along the route.

The event will conclude at Crossroads Church in Wintersville with a powerful ecumenical time of worship and communion.

Community members who are unable to participate in the walk are encouraged to attend the closing service and join in worship and communion. Communion meditation will be given by Camden Griener, a Holy Huddle leader and Steubenville High School student.

The closing worship experience has been assembled by Amber Eiler Yocom, the worship director of Crossroads North River (lead vocals), and will feature a collective of regional worship leaders, including Jed Blythe, lead guitar and vocals, Hopedale Church of Christ; Jordan Crew, rhythm guitar and vocals, Crossroads North River; Darrell Keeton, bass guitar and vocals, Crossroads Wintersville; David Voght, acoustic guitar, Impact Church; Jack Anderson, keys, Mercy Baptist and Weirton Covenant Church; and Bella Thompson, vocals, Sycamore Corps Worship.

Thompson said Christ Walk unites churches across denominations, brings faith into the public square, serves the community, and raises up the next generation of leaders.

It remains, she added, a powerful reminder that faith is meant to be lived out boldly, together.