MIKE ALVERTS

Local Ministry:  Western Alaska Network Director​

What I do:  I am an alongside partner to the communities of Western Alaska (that have Covenant Churches) as I seek to listen well, discern together, and take action contending for the health of youth, families, churches, and communities.  Honoring and listening to local leaders as we ask the question "What do you think the Spirit of God wants to do here?" has led to fruitful next steps.  

Understanding each context:  One of the primary tasks is to be a careful researcher and listen to the perspectives that inform each community context.  I have traveled to almost every Covenant Community and each one is very unique, each one is full of good people, and each one has a unique reality of the health of youth, adults, families, church(es), and the community.  Understanding the headwinds of trauma that people and communities face, helps inform how we share and live the hope and love found in Jesus Christ.

Uncover:  God is already at work, has leaders everywhere, has beauty in people and beauty in the cultures.  Part of my job is to uncover what is already there.  As we uncover God given beauty and strength woven into the communities and learn/acknowledge/and call leaders God has healthy or moving toward health, we can begin to fit into fruitful ministry language, perspectives, experiences, and connection that helps promote life and health in Jesus Christ.

Contend:  Part of what I do is simply join the leaders of communities and hold hope with them, even when things are heavy and spiritually intimidating.  Part of this is done by showing up with as much consistency as I can as an alongside presence, intercessor, and proclaimer of the Good News that God reigns through Jesus Christ.  

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How I do ministry:

Relationships and trust are the levers that open (or limit) opportunity for ministry.  It is vital to build and strengthen relationships with youth, adults, parents, elders, church leaders, and tribal/community leaders.  
In person ministry:
  • Visits:  I try to visit every community once per year and engage in ministry the community wants (youth outreach, chapel time, parent ministry, basketball camp, etc.)
  • Covenant Bible Camp:  Being a staff member at Covenant Bible Camp helps me see a lot of youth and foster an environment for life change.  Knowing campers before camp accelerates our efforts in making each week of camp fruitful.
  • Crisis response visits:  We organize quickly to be present in communities after crisis events (suicide or accidental death, traumatic events, or natural disasters).  We help hold hope for the community until they can hold it for themselves.
  • Road system gatherings:  Young adult retreat, leadership development opportunities, partner ministries
  • Ministry training

About Me:

Cory and I have been married 28 years, we have three adult children (Josiah, Linnaea, and Lydia), and have been serving in paid ministry for about 30 years.  We love being outside enjoying God's creation, we love learning, and we long to be in community with others.  It has been a delight to learn from and participate in Indigenous leadership and communities.  We see God's active hand in working life, blessing, and restoration all across the state of Alaska.  Jesus comes for life!
Contact Us

Our E-mail is:
[email protected]
​[email protected]
Our mailing address is:
Mike and Cory Alverts
PO Box 3397
Palmer, AK  99645
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Fundraising Need and Goal:

After almost 13 years of full support and full paychecks, we have hit a need to shore up our annual fundraising efforts.  I have taken a $2,000/month pay cut to try and help refill our ministry account.  God has improved our support but we need to build up a buffer in our staff account before I can get paid fully again.  Would you consider making a donation toward our goal of $30,000 or joining our monthly donor team?  I am so excited to be in the field in this season of history and the Church.  I am excited to get back out there!

THANK YOU!