April 18, 2024
Despite recent reports of urban flight, Seattle remains one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the United States. The presence of Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft all contribute to the influx of migration to the region as one of the top cities for young talent in the area of technology around the globe. And nothing competes with the unique geography surrounding the Seattle Metro region –– the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges, Puget Sound and dense forestation make living here an adventure!
However, Seattle does have significant challenges. Homelessness, gentrification, and racial disunity are real problems. There is a widening gap that exists between those on their way up and those being displaced.
In February, an article appeared in the Seattle Times citing recent data from the US Census Bureau that found Seattle to be the least religious Large Metro Area in the US. 64% of adults in Seattle report that they never attend church or religious services, or go less than once a year. That represents about 2 million people out of the 3.1 million people over the age of 18 that lives in the metro area, which includes King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.
This is a significant statistic that seems hopeless at first glance for a church planting organization like Evergreen Network. However, we don’t attempt to start new churches for those who already attend church on a regular basis. We strive to establish new churches that will connect with people who are disconnected. So there are plenty of opportunities to connect!
Another study by Pew Research Center appeared in the Washington Post in January. This study found that of the “religiously unaffiliated”, 70% say they believe in the God of the Bible or a higher power. It is this second statistic that provides me hope for my city.
A majority of the people in the Seattle Metro area that don’t go to church at all, have at least a cursory belief there is a God. So the hurdle we need to overcome in connecting with this population is not belief – it is largely perception. I believe as followers of Jesus that it is our responsibility to find ways to build bridges with a cynical and jaded society. Jesus compelled us to be Salt and Light to our neighbors! Friends, the church has a real chance to make a tangible impact in Seattle by serving the common good of the city. And we believe there is no better way to accomplish this than by establishing new churches in the city.
In the next 12 months we have plans to establish TWO new churches in the Seattle Metro Area!
Seattle Project
Filmore and Caitlin Bouldes have been preparing to launch One Church in the heart of Seattle in the South Lake Union/ Belltown neighborhoods. They have been building their diverse core team for several months and are anticipating the start of public Sunday services in late September 2024.
The hundred or so 20 & 30-somethings that are already gathering and serving their community in this project are incredibly inspiring! Evergreen will be partnering with Orchard Group in the establishment of this new church.
SeaTac Project
Zeb & Leah Greenfield have been dreaming about establishing a new church in Tukwila, a community just across the border of Seattle in King County, for several years. As Zeb applied to work with The CEA it became apparent that his persistence is only matched by his huge heart for people in his community. The Greenfields have set Spring of 2025 for the beginning of Odyssey Church.
The Greenfields are just getting started with coaching and fundraising, but have already invited David & Kelsey Munoz to join their staff team. David is originally from Colombia and will provide pastoral help, creative expertise and Spanish speaking to better connect with the Latino population in the area.
Will you please join me in praying for these couples as they step out in faith to love their city the way Jesus loves us? And if you or your church would like to learn more about how you can partner with Evergreen Network and either of these two new churches, please let us know and we will set up a time to visit.
Help us Plant Churches in the PNW.
Whether you are a planter or a partner, our vision is to establish 50 healthy, multiplying churches throughout the Pacific Northwest within the next 10 years, including at least 10 churches led by leaders that are developed and sent out from Evergreen Network churches.
