Angolan leaders trained to help heal post-war wounds

The Evangelical Theological Seminary of Lubango (ETSL) was founded in 1981 in Angola, one of Africa’s poorest countries and one with many wounds to heal from the civil war that brought turmoil to the country from 1975-2002. There is a vast need for well-trained church leaders to address the challenges of Angolan society, including poor health and educational systems, AIDS, poverty and social injustice. The strategic seminary of 107 graduates provides bachelor level training for many denominations in Portuguese-speaking Africa.

Recent curriculum additions include a Bachelor degree with an emphasis in Translation, an annual weeklong AIDS workshop and a Christian Community Development course. The number of Extension Program students increases each year, due to the great need for church leaders in the rural areas to be trained. In addition, ETSL students have started these programs in their own churches to help train leaders.

ETSL’s relationship with churches is one of its strongest points. Besides training pastors, the seminary invites regional church leaders to participate in an evaluation of ETSL’s program in order to better meet church needs. Generally-speaking, ETSL graduates become national leaders of their denominations (president, administrator, general secretary) within five to ten years of graduation.

Graduate Eduardo Muquissi Calenga has been serving as President of his denomination for 14 years. Formerly, Eduardo was an urban pastor in southwestern Angola. He says ESTL prepared him well for ministry as a pastor and denominational leader and gave him a biblically informed and integrated worldview, an invaluable asset in his role as church leader and when dealing with difficult problems.