Dr John Sentamu has joined 24 other bishops for the Talking Jesus event.
Speaking to Premier from Durham Cathedral, he said: "We feel it one of the greatest privileges to do nothing but talk about Jesus.
"There is no one else who is worth talking about.
"Jesus did not bring a new religion, he brought the very life of God which he freely gives to anybody who turns to him."
The Talking Jesus mission will see 450 events across the north east in the hope of reaching thousands of people.
They include a comedy night, coffee mornings, a debate and a sports event at Durham County Cricket Ground on Chester-le-Street.
The festival has made a point of ensuring every person in the north-east can attend an event relatively close to them and all 16 deaneries have things to attend all the way from the Tyne to the Tees rivers and the Yorkshire Dales to the coast of the North Sea.
It's the third time the bishops of the north have come together for a mission and Dr John Sentamu says he's excited at what may happen this weekend.
"We've seen on the missions we've done, lives transformed. The stories are incredible," he said.
"So we're back on the road and saying to people that Jesus invites you to be his friend - just come."
Listen to Premier's Ian Britton speaking to Dr John Sentamu and Bishop of Durham Rt Rev Paul Butler: