by Vaniel Simmons
Flourish Language (Church Mission Statement):
Flourish. Alone. Together.
We practice wholehearted life alone and together.
Evergreen is an open and affirming faith community rooted in the Way of Jesus. We grow through spiritual practices that nourish the individual and cultivate a more compassionate world.
Since first walking through the doors of Evergreen Presbyterian Church in January 2025, I was welcomed and loved. Like many LGBTQ+ individuals, I have had a complicated and bumpy spiritual road, one that led me to reject Christianity broadly for many years. In January 2025, however, I realized I was missing the community church once gave me, and I began seeking a new place of worship in Memphis. I visited a few churches and attended services across town, but I knew instantly upon arriving at Evergreen that I had found my spiritual home.
A Beloved Community
From fun to thoughtful, progressive to creative, church members had many ways to describe Evergreen. “It’s not your average church of the Deep South,” one member said. Though Evergreen is an old church organization, members have watched it evolve over the years. While it has long held progressive values, many believe it is now breaking through barriers and truly shining, showing the community it wants to make a difference. It is a congregation of thoughtful and passionate individuals, reflected in the diverse lecture series and guest sermons brought in by church leadership.
The ability to attend worship without masking or censoring oneself was described as one of Evergreen’s most important qualities. It is not just about radical honesty, but about being fully yourself when you enter the space. One member shared how staff made a conscious effort to use their pronouns and gently correct others when mistakes were made.
Speaking personally, being invited into the pulpit to give a sermon while wearing a dress as a male-presenting nonbinary individual, and having the congregation not only listen but engage deeply with what I was saying, was a profound experience beyond words.
Advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community
Beyond welcoming individuals from all walks of life, Evergreen is committed to putting its time, energy, and resources behind LGBTQ+ advocacy at both personal and systemic levels. Pastor Patrick Harley spoke about the “beautiful process of growth” he has witnessed, from ordering pronoun pins to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights at MICAH’s Issue Night.
“I’ve been overjoyed that Evergreen has grown into a community that’s beyond just allies who participate in Pride once a year to a community that embodies queer joy and queer support in every fiber of its being year-round. We’ve moved from our support being programmed to an organic way of being. It’s far beyond an issue. It’s a living, core part of who we are, in how we work for justice, worship, have fun, and live.”
Evergreen embraces LGBTQ+ affirmation as a fundamental part of its identity. Congregation members pointed to visible signs of support, including the progress flag displayed throughout the building. Hospitality teams intentionally create what one member described as a “warm hug” feeling each Sunday. The church’s support extends beyond its walls, from attending Pride Festival to raising funds for OUTMemphis and other nonprofits through events like Beer and Hymns.
Affirming Scripture and Theology
Evergreen’s commitment to diversity in worship is rooted in scripture and theology. Sermons often highlight alternative interpretations of biblical texts. In a February 8 sermon, Pastor Patrick referenced theologian Walter Wink, who explores how Jesus often presents a third option when only two seem possible.
For example, in the story of the woman accused of adultery, rather than simply condemning or excusing her, Jesus says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone” (John 8:7). This invitation to move beyond binary choices resonates deeply with queer and trans theology, valuing complexity and nonbinary ways of thinking about life and faith.
Pastor Patrick shared how seminary transformed his relationship with scripture: “So much of the Bible, when put in context and read in the Hebrew or Greek, is much more mysterious and non-binary and fascinating. I actually found it difficult to study the Bible and not step away saying, ‘Dang, this book, and this God, is queer as all get out!’”
Evergreen affirms diversity in every aspect of worship, including music and language. While gathering to worship God, the church intentionally incorporates feminine and gender-neutral language in sermons, scripture readings, and prayers.
Interested in Evergreen?
“We want people to know that we’re standing strong, a hodgepodge community that’s always evolving, eager to learn from one another and practice belonging and friendship. For those who may want such a spiritual community, our doors are open. And we usually have cookies. Come laugh and worship and work for justice with us.” — Pastor Patrick Harley
When asked what they would want others to know, congregation members responded simply: “Welcome.” More than just a place of worship, Evergreen is a community committed to supporting and loving one another. There is no Bible test and no faith requirement. It is a space where people from all walks of life are invited to belong.
