WELCOME TO EVERGREEN ASSOCIATION!

 Build bridges between communities-

Evergreen introduced me to many people through a number of committees, gatherings, and programs.  I like the people and it has been enjoyable and useful.  I feel I can call them for advice and cooperation.  I learned about their churches and some of their joys and struggles.  They in turn learned a little about Japanese Baptist Church by meeting me. 

At our meetings, the caucuses pray together.  Different communities lead prayer and often it has been inspired and a window into the diverse ways of speaking to God. 

There have been BBQs, fundraising events, and other social activities that were often fun.  Nothing brings people closer together than having a good time. 

 Evergreen has as a goal to create a balanced relationship between racially diverse caucuses.  I am inspired by that aim.  The Asian Caucus is thrilled to have a voice and is grateful it is not required to follow the direction of the other caucuses.  The struggle for balance is real and continues. 

 An example of cooperation between caucuses is the ability of the Black and Euro Caucuses to support the Evergreen Mission to Haiti, while the Asian Caucus continues its mission focus towards Japan/Philippines. 

Provide resources to equip member churches to share Christ and teach God's word 

Evergreen has devoted its equipping efforts primarily to the formation of leadership.  So far, there has been mixed results to this challenging endeavor.  Leaders in the caucuses are drawn together for a variety of programs and Eric Law’s workshop was the highlight of these events in my opinion. 

 I have served on the Ministerial Standards Committee and participated in the process of recognizing the ordinations of several ministers.  It was a rewarding experience and an important part of Evergreen’s duties.  The learning that I received in this committee is assisting me as I begin my role as Moderator of JBC. 

 The Evergreen staff has been ever welcoming.  Marcia always finds the best thing for Evergreen leaders and churches to use.  Clem always holds the ship together in the best and friendliest of ways imaginable. 

Translate our unity to the world 

The unity vision has not been completely realized, and it will always be a challenge given the liberty of each American Baptist Church.  However, the dedication of the caucuses, the faithfulness of the staff, and the understanding among churches are a sign that the unity exists and has a place to grow. 

Evergreen's Leaders met on Saturday, February 9th at Shepherd's Garden Community Room. The leaders shared in Bible Study and were introduced to Eric Law's Holy Currencies. Lucky Lynch of Kaleidoscope Institute staff facilitated the retreat.

We looked closer at the currencies of Relationship and Wellness. Our work in relationship building was re-affirmed at the retreat, and we discussed ways to keep the Evergreen family well and able to serve with others to bring about the inclusive work to which we believe God has called us. 

Shepherd's Garden is a low-income housing facility for seniors, the dream of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, made possible by a partnership with ABHOW and local, state and national government agencies. 

We invite you to learn about who we are by viewing this video . . . 

A companion video on the Caucus Process is available here.

A companion video on the Consensus Process is available here.

Greetings and welcome to the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches (Evergreen). Evergreen is an association of Churches dedicated to celebrating our diversity while finding our unity in Jesus Christ.

The people who created Evergreen envisioned a community of churches working together as one in unity and in spirit.  They felt that the best way to honor that vision was to structure the organization where decisions are made through ethnic caucuses and consensus decision making.  This structure is unique among the various regions of the denomination of American Baptist Churches USA.

This website is dedicated to helping you learn more about Evergreen; our dedication to inclusion, our passion for mission and ministry, our love of our Baptist heritage and our deep desire to build loving relationships between churches, communities and individuals.

You are always welcome to visit any of our churches and to attend any of the events listed herein.  May God bless you and keep you always.

Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches is an American Baptist Region of churches in Washington, Utah, California, Idaho and Alaska doing business by consensus and organized by ethnic caucuses.

Since a picture says a thousand words, we've prepared a video that tells the Evergreen Story in the words, images and songs of the people of Evergreen. Click here to view.

The Evergreen Baptist Association has partnered with the American Baptist Foundation to provide our congregations, ministries and members with tools and professional resources to help make wise and socially responsible estate plans through endowments and planned gifts.

We encourage you to visit the American Baptist Foundation website. It's a resource for learning about giving opportunities as well as some inspirational examples of how others like you have included their congregations and ministries in their charitable estate plans.

The American Baptist Foundation enables you to:

• Schedule a planned gift consultation

• Sign up for our resource newsletter

• Donate directly to the endowment of your choice

Visit the American Baptist Foundation Website