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Who We Are
Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE) is an umbrella organization with a view to increase coordination of member church activities for the promotion of fellowship and cooperation in Ethiopia.
ECFE’s membership has now increased to 203 denominations, 123 Para-church organizations with in Ethiopia and 18 Ethiopian evangelical churches in Diaspora are represented as associate members.
Once the Fellowship was officially recognized, it developed its organizational and functional structure at head office as well as at local levels across the country through its members. According to ECFE structure there are 10 regions, 93 zones and more than 600 local level fellowships.
Our Departments
Mission and Theology
Available records indicate that, from the very beginning of its official operations, the Fellowship placed a strong emphasis on the ministry and proclamation of the Gospel. A major milestone in the development of this ministry was the conference held in Dilla in 1994. The gathering was significant in that it provided a forum for developing a coordinated strategy for taking the Gospel to all four corners of the country.
The conference brought together denominational leaders, pastors, and Gospel ministers from across Ethiopia. Convened under the theme “The Gospel Consultation Conference of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches,” it marked an important step toward a coordinated national Gospel movement. Beyond establishing a strategic framework for nationwide evangelistic efforts, the conference also encouraged the continuation and expansion of the work in various regional cities.
In 1996 the Fellowship initiated a project aimed at reaching communities that had not yet been reached by the Gospel through ministers drawn from within those communities. Dr. Berhanu Habte, who led the initiative, utilized research materials obtained from the Academy of Ethiopian Languages at Addis Ababa University to train Gospel ministers representing various ethnic communities. The project included a range of activities designed to equip these ministers with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate the Gospel effectively within their respective communities. Dr. Melesachew Mesfin, working alongside Dr. Berhanu, made a significant contribution to the implementation and advancement of this Fellowship-led ministry.
Another major and long-standing initiative in the history of the Fellowship’s Gospel ministry was the National Missionary Movement, which mobilized and deployed a large number of Gospel workers throughout the country. The movement began in 1989 with the support of the Blair Foundation, which initially facilitated the establishment in Ethiopia of a national Gospel messenger ministry involving 313 Gospel messengers. The number of Gospel messengers subsequently increased to 350. Mr. Shiferaw Woldemichael played a significant role in the development and implementation of this important missionary initiative.
The renowned Gospel minister Dr. Charles Blair, who is now with the Lord, did not limit his ministry to supporting and mobilizing evangelists. Together with Dr. Foltz and his colleagues, who were renowned in the field of church planting, he personally visited the evangelists, provided training, followed up on their work, and sent messages of encouragement. Every quarter, he conveyed the message, “Let us go and reach the world with the Gospel,” demonstrating his deep commitment to Gospel ministry.
In one of his messages, he wrote; “We, including myself and others here in America, are praying for you every day. We were delighted to receive reports of your ministry—not only reports of the challenges and struggles you experience in your work, but also reports of what the Lord has accomplished through your ministry and the victories you have experienced.”
According to the available figures, through this extensive national evangelistic movement, more than 1.5 million people heard the Gospel. Among them, 150,000 people accepted the Lord and joined churches. A total of 201 churches were planted, and 210 preaching stations were established.
Large-Scale Evangelistic Campaigns
With regard to large-scale evangelistic campaigns, the Fellowship, at various times and in partnership with different Gospel-supporting organizations, conducted major public evangelistic outreaches in several cities.
In 1995, such evangelistic campaigns were held at Jan Meda and Hawassa. In 2008, major evangelistic gatherings were held at the site where the Addis Ababa Sports Center was constructed and at Kality Stadium. In addition, numerous large-scale evangelistic campaigns were conducted in various cities throughout the country.
According to statistical information collected from different cities, more than 2.5 million people attended these large-scale evangelistic campaigns, and hundreds of thousands of people accepted the Lord.
Student and Youth Evangelism
During the summer months, 507 evangelical young people studying at various universities were mobilized to participate in Gospel ministry in 50 cities, including Addis Ababa. Through this youth ministry, 95,805 people were reached with the Gospel message, and 2,504 people received new life in Christ. The ministry was carried out in different years, and during a similar outreach conducted in 1994 E.C., the number of participating young people increased to 1,200.
Responding to False Teachings
The Fellowship also played an important role in responding to theological teachings that were regarded as inconsistent with historic Christian doctrine Beginning in 1995 and continuing through the years that followed, the Fellowship organized a number of seminars, consultations, and theological discussions to examine emerging teachings and assess their implications for the Church. Particular attention was given to teachings that had gained influence among university students and were considered to have departed from the foundations of orthodox Christianity.
As teachings associated with what was commonly referred to as the “Special Gospel” continued to spread in different parts of the country, the Fellowship sought to address the issue through theological reflection, research, and consultation. At the Fellowship’s 32nd Annual General Assembly, participants reviewed a number of research papers and considered experiences reported from different regions. Following these deliberations, the General Assembly adopted a ten-point statement of position outlining the Fellowship’s response to the teachings in question and reaffirming its commitment to the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
Literacy and Scripture Ministry
Among the activities carried out through the Gospel ministry was helping people who could neither read nor write acquire basic literacy skills. Language teachers were deployed as part of the program to provide appropriate instruction and support to these learners.
One mother who participated in this program was presented with a prayer text written in the Gedeo language, containing the prayer that the Lord taught His disciples. When she was able to read it for herself, the joy and delight visible on her face were beyond words to describe.
As part of a related initiative, 400 solar-powered audio Bibles were distributed to people who were unable to read or write. Through this ministry, 2,650 people were reached. According to a report received from the Negele Borana Evangelical Churches Fellowship, 390 people came into the Kingdom of God through this ministry.
Similarly, 250 audio Bibles were distributed among people living in four Eritrean refugee camps. As a result, 5,000 people benefited, and 170 people came to faith in Christ.
Overall, through this ministry, 1,000 audio Bibles were distributed, benefiting approximately 20,000 people. According to the information received, 480 people were added to the Kingdom of God through this ministry.
Ministry to Ethiopians in the Middle East
Another important initiative focused on reaching Ethiopians who traveled to the Middle East for employment and other purposes with the Gospel. As part of this initiative, significant efforts were made to train ministers both in Ethiopia and in various Middle Eastern countries. These ministers were equipped to serve among Ethiopian communities abroad and to share the Gospel with their fellow Ethiopians.
Awakening for the Great Commission
In order to awaken and advance the fulfillment of the Great Commission, particularly the work of seeking the lost and making disciples of those who are saved, a nationwide movement known as the “Ten Years of Reformation and Spiritual Revival” was initiated.
As part of the preparation for this movement, consultations were held with leaders and representatives of various denominations, churches, and Gospel ministries to discuss its vision, objectives, and implementation. Following these consultations, strategic plans were developed, and practical measures were undertaken to translate the vision into action.
Through these diverse ministries—including evangelism, missionary mobilization, church planting, theological engagement, literacy programs, Scripture distribution, youth ministry, and cross-cultural outreach—the Fellowship has sought to advance the Gospel both within Ethiopia and beyond its borders. Together, these efforts represent an important part of the Fellowship’s continuing history of participation in and commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
Peace and Advocacy
Over the years, the Fellowship has undertaken a range of initiatives aimed at preventing conflict and mitigating the human and economic consequences that arise when conflicts occur. As part of these efforts, the Fellowship, in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, has participated in peace conferences held in the Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples regions.Through these conferences and other peacebuilding initiatives, the Fellowship has clearly articulated and communicated the perspective of Evangelical Christians on peace, reconciliation, and conflict prevention. These positions and messages have also been shared with the wider public through various media and communication platforms, contributing to broader awareness and dialogue on peace-related issues.
Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, and Trauma Healing
A number of initiatives have been undertaken to prevent the breakdown of peace caused by conflict and social unrest. Following the disruption of peace, considerable efforts have also been made to address and help heal the social trauma, suffering, and other consequences resulting from such situations.
As part of these efforts, assessment studies were conducted in 24 districts across two regions that had been severely affected by conflict. Based on the findings of these assessments, practical interventions were subsequently initiated to respond to the identified needs. To support the implementation of these activities, training manuals on peacebuilding and trauma healing were developed in three languages.
Over the years, numerous consultation forums, national peace seminars, and panel discussions have been organized to address issues related to peace and reconciliation. In addition, repeated training programs on peaceful coexistence, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution have been provided to a wide range of participants, including leaders of Evangelical churches, religious leaders, government officials, Evangelical students at universities, and young people from different age groups.
Through these initiatives, the Fellowship has sought not only to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence but also to contribute to the healing and restoration of communities affected by violence and social unrest.
Advocacy, Justice, and the Church’s Role in Society
A series of training programs has been conducted for church leaders in various regions on a range of topics related to the Church’s role in society. These included the Church’s role as a mediator in de-escalating conflict; advocacy for justice; the Church’s role in promoting peace; the relationship between the Church and politics; the Church and human rights; the Church and tribalism; and the Church’s responsibility to become a voice for the voiceless.
In response to various forms of abuse and injustice experienced by Evangelical Christians in different regions, the Fellowship documented and raised concerns regarding these cases. Reported incidents included physical assaults, killings, the exhumation and desecration of the bodies of deceased believers, denial of access to places of worship, failure to return properties confiscated by the government, destruction of places of worship, pressure and intimidation from followers of other faith traditions, and other forms of injustice.
To formally document these concerns, the Fellowship prepared a catalog entitled “Grievances and Complaints” and submitted it to Mr. Dawit Yohannes, who was serving at the time as Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives. This initiative reflected the Fellowship’s efforts to advocate for the rights and protection of Evangelical Christians and to seek appropriate responses to reported cases of injustice.
Advocacy, Burial Rights, and Peacebuilding Training
Across the country, significant efforts have been made to address the serious challenges faced by Evangelical Christians in securing appropriate burial grounds for their deceased. The Fellowship has raised these concerns with relevant government authorities, advocated for the rights to which citizens are legally entitled, and achieved a number of positive outcomes.
In addition, training programs have been conducted in various regions on the development of foundational values for peace, biblical principles of good governance, and ethical leadership. These programs have been provided at different times and in different locations to church leaders, government officials, and various sectors of society.
Through these training initiatives, more than 2,500 church leaders, over 500 government officials, more than 2,000 Christian workers, and over 33,000 higher-education students, along with many other members of society, have received training. These efforts have contributed to strengthening awareness of peace, good governance, ethical responsibility, and constructive engagement within both the Church and wider society.
Community Peacebuilding and Peace Ambassadors
In Bench Sheko, Horo Guduru, West Arsi, Gedeo, West Guji, Robe, Dodola, and Werka, we have conducted repeated peace conferences involving religious leaders, community elders, young people, and government representatives. As part of these efforts, peace task forces have been established, and various training programs have been provided based on the biblical concept of Shalom. We have also facilitated discussions and training on conflict resolution and trauma healing.
Through our Sports for Peace program, we have engaged with numerous sports clubs and provided ongoing follow-up and support to strengthen their contribution to peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Recognizing the vital role of women in peacebuilding, we have provided women with training in trauma healing, conflict resolution, and advocacy. We have also worked to empower young people within their communities to serve as peace ambassadors, equipping them to take an active role in promoting peace, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.
As part of the post-war peacebuilding process, we organized workshops for professionals drawn from various organizations to strengthen nationwide advocacy efforts concerning violence against women.
Under the Peaceful and Resilient Communities Program, substantial work has been carried out in collaboration with religious institutions in Bahir Dar, Jimma, Mekelle, and neighboring towns, as well as in Wolkite and the Qebena Special Woreda.
Alongside our peacebuilding and advocacy activities, we have also trained young people in income-generating skills and provided them with start-up financial assistance. As a result, 390 young people have benefited from these services.
We signed a partnership agreement with the Ministry of Peace to facilitate joint cooperation on peace-related matters. In addition, our Peacebuilding Manual has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Peace.
Post-War Peacebuilding and Community Resilience
As part of the post-war peacebuilding process, we organized workshops for professionals from various organizations to strengthen nationwide advocacy efforts addressing violence against women. These workshops were intended to enhance collaboration, awareness, and advocacy capacity in responding to this critical social concern.
Under the Peaceful and Resilient Communities Program, substantial peacebuilding activities have been carried out in collaboration with religious institutions in Bahir Dar, Jimma, Mekelle, and surrounding towns, as well as in Wolkite and Qebena Special Woreda. These initiatives have focused on strengthening community resilience, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting local peacebuilding efforts.
Alongside our peacebuilding and advocacy activities, we have also provided young people with training in income-generating skills, together with start-up financial assistance to help them establish sustainable livelihoods. As a result, 390 young people have benefited from these training and support services.
The Fellowship also signed a partnership agreement with the Ministry of Peace to strengthen joint cooperation on peace-related matters. In addition, the Fellowship’s Peacebuilding Manual was officially recognized by the Ministry of Peace, further strengthening the institutional foundation for its peacebuilding and conflict-resolution initiatives.
To strengthen cooperation in promoting peace, a partnership agreement was signed with the Ministry of Peace, establishing a framework for joint peacebuilding initiatives. As part of this collaboration, the Peacebuilding Manual developed through these efforts was also recognized by the Ministry of Peace.
Women’s and Family Life Ministry
Significant efforts have been made to promote the acceptance and recognition of women’s ministry, which had long faced considerable challenges within churches. Various consultations and discussions were conducted, scholarly papers were presented, consultations were held with church leaders, and substantial practical work was undertaken
Over the years, various studies and initiatives have been undertaken in the areas of women’s ministry and family life ministry. Particular emphasis was placed on organizing repeated discussions and training sessions to prepare women to take responsibility for future generations, equip them for effective ministry, identify and develop their spiritual gifts, and raise awareness of harmful traditional practices. In addition, a document assessing the state of marriage within the Christian community was prepared.
Following these sustained efforts, churches began to support women’s ministry, allocate financial resources, establish offices, and make decisions enabling women to serve according to their calling. These developments are regarded as significant achievements in the advancement of this ministry.
Gender and Harmful Traditional Practices
Numerous initiatives were undertaken to raise awareness within the Christian community about gender-related issues and harmful traditional practices. Training was provided for church leaders, young women and men, and ministry workers to strengthen their understanding of these issues and equip them to respond effectively.
To reinforce these efforts, community dialogues were organized in various towns in collaboration with theological seminaries and colleges, marriage counselors, and church youth groups. Particular attention was given to preventing and eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage in areas where these practices were prevalent.
Training manuals were developed and published, and books on sexual violence prepared by theology educators were advanced toward publication. The experiences of young women who had suffered from FGM were also used as case studies to raise awareness among young women who had not undergone the practice, parents, and young men about its harmful effects.
Strong collaboration was established with district-level government offices responsible for health, social affairs, women and children’s affairs, justice, and law enforcement. To encourage communities to discuss these challenges and develop their own solutions, social radio programs were used to highlight the prevalence and consequences of harmful traditional practices.
In addition, churches, idir community associations, school-based mini-media outlets, relevant government institutions, and reproductive health clubs in affected areas were encouraged to strengthen their involvement in these efforts. Material support was also provided to school-based mini-media programs to help them contribute more effectively to awareness-raising activities.
Social, Economic, and Psychosocial Support
Over the years, the Fellowship has undertaken extensive initiatives to provide social, economic, and psychosocial support to communities affected by natural disasters, conflict, and other difficult circumstances.
The Fellowship has also provided training and practical assistance to economically disadvantaged individuals, helping them establish micro- and small-scale enterprises to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their financial self-reliance. During the period when the HIV/AIDS epidemic severely affected the country, the Fellowship responded to the crisis to the fullest extent of its capacity. It also contributed to health development initiatives in collaboration with various regional administrations.
In addition, the Fellowship has provided appropriate assistance to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters and conflict, including psychosocial support to help them cope with trauma, hardship, and the consequences of displacement and loss.
The Fellowship has also committed financial resources and professional expertise to promoting environmental conservation and green development. Through community mobilization and reforestation initiatives, it has worked to restore degraded land and encourage sustainable environmental practices. Furthermore, it has provided training to various church denominations to promote fruit-tree planting as a means of improving economic self-reliance while generating benefits from the resulting produce.
To encourage wider adoption of these practices, the Fellowship has also trained churches to document and share their achievements and experiences with the wider community, enabling them to serve as examples for other churches and communities.
Humanitarian Assistance
The Fellowship has provided humanitarian assistance to communities affected by drought, flooding, conflict, displacement, and other natural disasters. In 2011, following drought caused by irregular rainfall in the Somali Region, Oromia, and the Southern Nations areas, the Fellowship coordinated church-based development organizations to deliver assistance to 32,135 people.
Earlier, in 2008, the Fellowship collaborated with International Aid to distribute medicines and nutritional supplements valued at 2.5 million birr to beneficiaries through authorized churches.
The Fellowship has also provided humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in several parts of the country. These efforts included supporting people affected by drought in Fentale District; assisting residents displaced by flooding in West Guji; providing relief to people displaced by conflict between the Guji and Gedeo communities; supporting conflict-displaced people sheltered in Debre Birhan; assisting internally displaced people living in shelters in Mekelle and Shire Enda Selassie; and providing support to communities affected by landslides in the Gamo Zone.
Working in collaboration with partner organizations, the Fellowship mobilized and allocated millions of birr to deliver essential assistance to these affected communities. Through these coordinated humanitarian efforts, the Fellowship sought to alleviate suffering, address urgent needs, and support people facing the consequences of disasters and conflict.
HIV/AIDS Response
At a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was spreading and churches were giving relatively limited attention to the issue, the leadership of the Fellowship recognized the seriousness of the crisis. After presenting the matter to the General Assembly, the Fellowship established an Anti-AIDS Commission, which was later followed by the establishment of a dedicated office. Through these structures, the Fellowship implemented a range of significant activities across the country.
As part of its support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, the Fellowship provided food and school clothing to 330 children who had lost their parents to the disease. In Wenji Shewa, Wenji Gefersa, and Nazareth, food assistance, including cooking oil and grain, was provided to 310 children, among whom 15 were living with HIV.
The Fellowship also organized people living with HIV in different regions into 16 associations and provided them with vocational training and financial assistance to help them establish their own businesses and achieve economic self-reliance. As the program expanded, the number of self-help groups grew to 560, benefiting a total of 1,008 people.
In addition, the Fellowship developed an HIV/AIDS curriculum, prepared various training materials, and distributed them to beneficiaries to strengthen awareness, education, and prevention efforts.
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted activities worldwide and claimed many lives. In Ethiopia, religious institutions and church ministries were also significantly affected. Restrictions on movement disrupted the work of Gospel messengers, while many ministry workers experienced severe financial hardship and struggled to provide for their families.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Fellowship consulted with partners both within Ethiopia and abroad and mobilized more than 20 million birr in financial support. The funds were used to provide assistance to 1,820 ministry workers, benefiting more than 9,000 people. Through this initiative, the Fellowship sought to alleviate the financial hardships faced by ministry workers and their families and to help sustain church ministries during the pandemic.
Maternal and Newborn Health
The Fellowship implemented successful maternal and newborn health initiatives in 23 districts across three regions of Ethiopia. These activities included work in Chilga and Enemay in the Gondar area of the Amhara Region; Wukro and Enderta in the Tigray Region; and Digelu and Tijo in the Oromia Region.
Recognizing the important role of religious institutions in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, the Fellowship collaborated with local religious institutions to promote awareness and strengthen community engagement in maternal and newborn health. Through these partnerships, the Fellowship sought to support efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The Fellowship also implemented community awareness programs addressing a range of health-related issues. These included the Church’s responsibility in adolescent reproductive health, the role of religious leaders in promoting community health, the Church’s engagement in addressing climate change, reducing the impact of disability, and the health risks associated with irregular migration and human trafficking. By integrating health perspectives into these programs, the Fellowship aimed to strengthen community understanding, encourage responsible engagement, and promote the role of religious institutions in addressing these challenges.
Capacity Building
Documentation And Research
What We Do
01.
— To Facilitate Unity
Coordinate, encourage and facilitate to build the sprit of unity amongst evangelicals and with in members in general
02.
— To Equip
To empower and capacitate Christ messengers in holistic world view in collaboration with African and international Christian organizations
03.
— To Strengthen
To strategize ways in which church capacity built on the biblical idea of unity Vs diversity and backing up of members in to God’s perfect will of the fellowship.
04.
— To Research
To produce missionaries and disciples to carrying out research and analysis.
05.
— To Provide support
To support denominations’ by social service provision quality and ethical standard to hold the highest degree on the filed of, good governance, culture, education, economy and social affairs. In addition to these, ECFE strive members to be an exemplary using an up to date technology application in to their organizational systems.rud.
06.
— To Raise the next generation
Coordinate and facilitate research, workshops, trainings on family, child and youth development. Strive to produce God fearing generation who can be capable enough to shoulder the vision of fathers on the church leadership