Abiy Shilema

Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

EGST was jointly founded in 1997 by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church (EKHC) and the Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia (ECFE). The founding vision was born from the growing need, perceived within the Ethiopian evangelical churches, for contextually relevant and affordable graduate level theological education in Ethiopia. EGST opened its door to the first students in January of 1998. EGST operated initially from a single room at the EKHC head office and then moved to a spacious bungalow. In 2002 EGST was able to buy a site in a prime location in Addis Ababa. Classes and offices were located in a house on this property. In August 2009 a purpose-built 6-story building on this property became the new home for EGST, with EGST occupying the upper three floors. In that same year EGST was accredited by the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). In March of 2014 a purpose-built 7-story building located on the same property was dedicated and is now the new home of EGST. Twelve students, including one female, were enrolled at EGST when the school began. Since then enrollment has grown steadily. In 2008-2009 there were 96 students enrolled. For the academic year of 2013-2014 about 200 students were enrolled. The first class graduated in 2001. As of September, 2013, EGST has graduated 256 students who are currently serving the Church and society in Ethiopia in various ways. Faculty has also expanded. Five full-time faculty, along with regular part-time faculty and visiting faculty currently provide instruction at the school. Dr. Peter Cotterell, former Principal of London School of Theology, served as founding Director of the school. From humble beginnings, EGST looks back on all that God has done since 1997. We praise God for what he continues to do through the lives and ministries of our graduates as they serve the Church and society in Ethiopia and beyond.