About us
We are an Ethiopian evangelical church family learning to follow Jesus with humility, joy, and courage across cultures and generations.
Senior Pastor
Pastor Demess Tadesse
Welcome
Welcome to our Ebenezer Ethiopian Church Portland community.
It is a joy to have you with us, whether you are visiting for the first time or have been part of our church family for years.
In our church, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where people of all ages can encounter God’s love, experience His grace, and be transformed by His truth.
We believe God has an incredible plan for each of us, and together, we are called to serve, grow, and impact our communities for Christ.
In Christ's service,
Pastor Demess Tadesse
Senior Pastor
Our story
“Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
1 Samuel 7:12 · Ebenezer — stone of help
One family
Many in our church family come from Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa; others have joined us from across the United States. That diversity is a gift. We worship in unity, disciple in relationship, and welcome neighbors without pretense.
Our growth
What began as a small gathering of believers has grown into a congregation committed to gospel clarity, cultural warmth, and compassionate service.
Today
Today, Ebenezer Church serves Milwaukie and beyond through Sunday worship, midweek prayer, small groups, and outreach, pointing every heart toward the grace of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"" - Matthew 28:18-19.
Our mission is to flock people into the life of faith in Jesus Christ by spreading the gospel and calling all to salvation. We are committed to bringing spiritual influence to the wider community through holistic service that addresses the spiritual, intellectual, social, and economic needs of individuals.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"" - Matthew 28:18-19. Our mission is to flock people into the life of faith in Jesus Christ by spreading the gospel and calling all to salvation. We are committed to bringing spiritual influence to the wider community through holistic service that addresses the spiritual, intellectual, social, and economic needs of individuals. We seek to help our members grow in the grace that the Lord has given them, nurturing their faith and empowering them to live out the teachings of Jesus. As a church, we are dedicated to arming and awakening the next generation with the word of God, equipping them to witness the gospel, make disciples, and serve others. Through spiritual gatherings, meetings, Bible studies, and outreach training, we will inspire and empower individuals to live out their faith. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and within the capacity of the church, we are committed to carrying out missionary services in various places, with a focus on church planting and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. We aim to be a beacon of light, drawing people into the kingdom of God, and transforming lives for eternity. Our mission includes establishing a connection between displaced persons from various countries and their resettlement in the United States. This mission is pursued through the provision of assistance with transitional processes, cultural orientation, and integration into life in the United States, including, but not limited to, job placement and language services.
Our Vision
Our vision is to worship God in spirit and truth, continuously seeking to magnify His name. We aim to expand the love of Christ across generations, creating a legacy of faith that endures in this and the generations to come. As shepherds of God's people, we are dedicated to guiding individuals in their spiritual journeys, helping them grow in their relationship with Christ, and preparing them to inherit eternal life. We envision a community rooted in worship, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and equipped to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.
What we believe
Our conviction is rooted in Scripture and centered on the saving work of Jesus Christ.
We believe in one God who is three distinct persons-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that the Bible is the written and inspired Word of God and is the source of God's blessings. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. We believe that the blood Jesus shed on the cross allowed us to have an intimate relationship with God. It is through our faith in His selfless act of love that we are saved. We believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is coming again. We believe in water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. We believe that God wants us to have a full life, free from poverty, sickness and disease. We believe that tithing represents our love for God and we strive to honor Him in everything we do.
We worship one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally existent, perfect in holiness, love, and power.
The Bible is God’s inspired Word, true and trustworthy in all it affirms, and the final authority for belief and conduct.
All people are made in God’s image, and all have sinned, so we need salvation that only God can provide.
Jesus is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose bodily, ascended, and will return in glory.
We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works, unto good works as the Spirit renews us.
The church is the body of Christ, called to worship, witness, discipleship, mercy, and unity across every nation and tongue.
Leadership
Faithful servants who help guide our church family. Introduce yourself on Sunday, and we would love to meet you.
Serves on the church board with pastoral care and steady leadership for our congregation.
Supports the church through clear communication, records, and faithful administration.
Oversees the stewardship of our resources with transparency and integrity.
Serves on the church board, supporting faithful governance and the spiritual health of our congregation.
Serves on the church board, supporting faithful governance and the spiritual health of our congregation.
The gospel sends us outward. We partner with local schools, serve neighbors in need, and support mission workers who are planting churches and caring for the vulnerable. Mercy is not an extra program. It is the natural fruit of people who have been loved by God.
