“There is such a need for better educated [evangelical leaders] in Ethiopia”

Founded in 1997, Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) in Addis Ababa is the only graduate-level theological training program in the Horn of Africa. The evangelical Church in Ethiopia is growing rapidly while church leadership and discipleship have not matched the growth. EGST says “there is such a need for better educated pastors, evangelists and church leaders…to help believers…understand biblical truth [in response to rampant heretical teaching].”

The interdenominational school of 52 graduates has adopted a new program structure aimed at helping students be more effective in response to the Church’s needs and hopes their philosophy of education will impact the broader educational ministries of Ethiopian churches.

EGST seeks to take advantage of their unique position to make an impact among the country’s challenges, such as HIV/AIDS, education and the economy. The school models cooperation across denominational and ethnic lines with many churches and institutions, including the two OC partner schools that founded EGST (Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary (MYTS) and Evangelical Theological College (ETC)). All are playing an increasing role in the establishment of HIV/AIDS testing and counseling centers to help address social needs created by the disease.

Master of Divinity student Mintesinot Birru shares, “The Church must respond [to Ethiopia’s many challenges] with holistic ministry and mission. I need to develop my theological understanding in order to enable the Church to adequately respond to contemporary issues. This is what led me to pursue my studies at EGST.”