Growth and Accountability Course

Evergreen is in the process of developing a Growth and Accountability Course. In the meantime, Internet growth and accountability programs are available for men. women, parents, Spanish-speaking me.

Methods of delivery

• Guided individual learning program with trained mentor support.
• Recurring on-line Internet classes with a certified moderator.
• Area classes that meet weekly with a certified moderator. Where to find Evergreen Growth & Accountability Courses

Course objective

To help individuals experiencing same-sex attractions to live happy, growing, and productive lives that conform to gospel standards as defined by the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and ultimately be prepared to receive all the blessings of eternal life. 

Organizing philosophy

Holy scripture and modern Prophets clearly establish the standards for acceptable sexual behavior, guide our understanding of same-sex attraction, and testify concerning the possibility our eternal destiny provides to grow and become Him. The Growth and Accountability Course acknowledges these revealed truths as irrefutable and without need of defense.

The Growth and Accountability Course program has been designed to assist individuals with unwanted and undeserved same-sex attraction with their growth process. Because of the particular challenges associated with same-sex attraction, the movement toward eternal possibilities can be delayed or even diverted by pain and confusion. The classes within the course structure help the participant reclaim their identity as a child of God and invigorate their commitment to live whole and healthy lives.

These principles and the practices and modeling available in this controlled situation, correctly applied, can enhance a wholesome gender identity and refocus the participant on eternal goals rather than the losses they may believe they have suffered. It can and will change lives.                

First principles

The first principles of the Growth and Accountability Course must be safety and integrity. Same-sex attraction managed incorrectly can limit an individual’s eternal progress and possibilities, so the course and its delivery process have been designed for reliability and safety. Absolute integrity is critical to the reputation of this vital program so needed by struggling Church members throughout the world. Fidelity to the program design and standards will insure that opportunities for growth will remain available for all future participants.       

Learning units

1. The course overview and the importance of making and keeping commitments.

a.      The need for ongoing reassessment and goal setting.

2. Understanding who I am and establishing my initial personal goals.

a.      Assessing my relationship to my Heavenly Father.

b.      Identifying my unique strengths and gifts.

c.       Recognizing vulnerabilities that hamper my growth.

d.      Doing a personal needs evaluation in the five growth modules

e.      Setting my initial, realistic goals.

3. Eliminating thinking errors that keep me stuck.

a.      My view of masculinity.

b.      My view of women.

c.       Beliefs about SSA, scientific information, and growth possibilities.

4. Building confidence in my personal relationship with God.

5. Establishing vocational and financial security.

6. Creating healthy relationships and support networks.

a.      Taking advantage of Church and quorum opportunities.

7. Acknowledging psychological, addiction, and emotional issues that require expert assistance and getting the help I need.

Specific certification and safety requirements for area classes

1. Adherence to the Growth and Accountability Course policies and standards. 

2. A trustworthy, approved, and certified course moderator.

3. Classes to be held in safe, positive, and approved location. Moderator always present.

4. Class assistant (if one is used) is trustworthy, trained and certified.

5. Each class is responsible for holding a weekly meeting and providing a monthly class progress report to Evergreen.

6. An individual expressing interest in the course should view the course introduction and standards DVD as part of the application process.

7. Individual participants apply for admission, are interviewed, and then are assigned to the appropriate class delivery process.

8. Each participant is required to sign a confidentiality, behavior accountability, and personal growth commitment before they can be admitted to a class.

9. Violation of the commitment contract would require a reassignment to the guided individual learning program. Help remains available to everyone regardless of individual challenges.

10. Participants who fail to attend classes or are habitually late will be reassigned to the guided individual learning program.

"Ascent" © David Linn. Used by permission. www.davidlinn.com The meaning of the title was revealed by the artist in his statement: “Living the gospel demands that we help one another climb upward out of the darkness of the world into the light of truth. As the Lord’s Church, we form a living chain on the mountain of this mortal existence drawing one another toward the veil, and the presence of the Lord.”