New OC partner school focuses on contextual realities

A new partner to the OC network, Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary (MYTS) in Ethiopia was founded in 1960 by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. It is one of the oldest theological training institutions in the country. Today, the interdenominational seminary offers bachelor degrees in leadership and development, theology and management.

MYTS was one of the few institutions not closed down during the Communist regime. It offered seminars, workshops and consultations on various issues challenging the Marxist philosophy. The goal was to help Christians stand firm in their faith and encourage them to participate in the political affairs of the country. MYTS continues to offer courses focused on contextual realities, such as HIV/AIDS, counseling youth, domestic violence, Christian education, spiritual formation and church management.

One of the greatest examples of cooperative graduate theological education in OC’s network was when MYTS and OC partner Evangelical Theological College (ETC) founded OC partner Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) in 1998.

Contextual and field education programs are requirements for graduation. For example, Bachelor of Theology student Shibiri Tolessa is among few female evangelists in the area who travel far distances on foot to preach the gospel in remote areas. She desires to equip herself with additional theological education as the area churches have been blessed by her ministry. She has also served as an evangelist in her congregation, providing pastoral care to the needy and poor people in her community.