Welcome to the American and National Baptist Churches of Alaska
Since the founding of Kodiak Baptist Mission in 1893 by the Woman's American Baptist Home Mission Society, American Baptists have sought to "make God's appeal" in the far north. For more than 100 years, American Baptist home missionaries in Alaska have encouraged life in Christ through ministries of witness, renewal and justice. Symbolizing this missionary heritage is the now retired Gospel boat, "The Evangel". For nearly 30 years missionaries piloted the frigid waters of the Gulf of Alaska, visiting tiny fishing villages and logging camps on remote islands for weeks at a time, intent on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with Native Alaskans.
Alaska Ministries Today
From such ministries, the American Baptist outreach in Alaska has grown and matured.
Today, mission in Alaska is organized and energized by members of local American
Baptist churches, just as it is in other parts of the U.S. Currently, 14 American
Baptist congregations, located throughout the state, reach out as ambassadors for
Christ to Alaska's multicultural population. These congregations join other American
Baptists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in supporting the work and witness
of historic home mission partners in Alaska. Kodiak Baptist Mission on Kodiak Island
and Alaska Children's Services in Anchorage continue to minister with children,
youth and their families. American Baptists also support ministries such as Cordova
Community Christian Center which offers a variety of services to local residents
and Daybreak, Inc., in Palmer, which provides housing for adults with special needs.
The Road Ahead
American Baptists in Alaska currently are planning for future ministry, working on issues of identity, structure and organizational relationships. Church growth and new church planting are special emphases. The road ahead for Alaska Ministries is marked by both opportunity and adventure. American Baptists in the 49th state appreciate the prayers and volunteer support of the entire denominational family as they seek to continue to model Christ's love in a demanding environment.
