Ethiopian Pastors Fellowship

Est. 1987

Ethiopian pastors fellowship

A Brief History

of EPF

The Ethiopian Pastors Fellowship (EPF) came into existence in the summer of 1987 in Chicago, Illinois, under remarkable circumstances that many describe as divinely orchestrated.

During a break at a Chicago conference that year, Pastors Daniel Mekonen, Seifu Kebed, Zelleke Alemu, Tolesa Gudina, and Hanfre Aligaz found themselves gathered unexpectedly in a single room. This fortuitous meeting spurred them to pray, minister to one another, prophesy, and intercede for the conference. Pleased with their fellowship, they continued to meet for prayer and mutual support during the same week that the Chicago conference took place.

With Pastor Haile joining the group during that period, they conceptualized annual meetings to align with the Chicago conference. Beginning 1989, these meetings had developed into biannual retreats, spanning across various cities in the United States. Furthermore, these twice-yearly pastoral retreats catalyzed the formation of dynamic conferences at the local churches where they were hosted, thereby significantly reinforcing and establishing the growth of the nascent congregations.

Meet the board

Dr. Tesfai Tesema

Executive director

Rev. Gugssa Biru

Chairperson

Rev. Teklu Getachew

Secretary

Dr. Bedilu T. Yirga

Treasurer

Rev. Dr. Melaku Mekuria

Board member

Pastor sileshi tesfaye

Board member

Rev. Surafel Gebretsadik

Board member

Dr Girma Desalegne

Board member

Pastor endalk

Board member

initiatives and accomplishments

EPF has been instrumental in numerous initiatives and accomplishments in the service of the global Ethiopian Protestant community.

The legacy of EPF continues as a beacon of support, fostering spiritual leadership and community among Ethiopian Protestant pastors worldwide.

As a trailblazer in diaspora church planting, EPF facilitated gatherings in in rapidly growing Ethiopian communities.

EPF stands as the very first exclusive association for Ethiopian Protestant pastors.

EPF pioneered the recognition of the pastoral office within the diaspora and in Ethiopia, establishing its legitimacy.

EPF played a key role in ministering to the annual influx of Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants at the Chicago conference, in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000.

EPF has been vital in supporting the personal and ministerial needs of pioneer pastors who established diaspora churches across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

EPF was instrumental in helping new Christian communities establish connections with dedicated pastors to serve their spiritual needs."

EPF has been committed to tackling the challenges encountered by the diaspora Christian community, ensuring the preservation and continuation of the advancements achieved over the years.

EPF has been crucial in guiding emerging churches worldwide, providing mediation services to resolve internal conflicts and promote unity within the Christian community.

EPF significantly contributed to the growth of Christianity in Ethiopia during the 1990s and 2000s by organizing repentance and reconciliation conferences through the leadership of Pastor Tolesa.

our strategic plan

Nurturing Biblically sound, emotionally healthy and effective Pastoral Leaders.

Establish an international fellowship of Ethiopian Diaspora Pastors to cultivate thriving churches and disciples, dedicated to evangelizing the unreached.