Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology EGST was jointly founded in 1997 by the EECMY, the EKHC and ECFE. EGST opened its door to the first students in January of 1998. EGST have had four Directors.

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 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. During the past 25 years, EGST has graduated more than 699 students who are currently serving the Church and Society in Ethiopia and beyond in various ways. Over the last 25 years, EGST Faculty has expanded with full-time faculty, along with regular part-time faculty and visiting faculty who currently provide lecture at the school. Dr Peter Cotterell, former Principal of London School of Theology, and (Founding Director of EGST, 1997-1999),
Rev. Dr Debela Birri(Second Director, January 2000- December 2007), Dr Desta Heliso, (Third Director, 2008- 2015), and Dr Misgana Mathewos(Fourth Director, January 2016---)

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. The year 2022 is Silver Jubilee for EGST, and we are celebrating the faithfulness of God throughout the year in various events.

The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) is proud to announce the premier institutional event of the second Annu...
09/10/2026

The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) is proud to announce the premier institutional event of the second Annual Graduate Conference 2026 that is centered on the theme: Faith, Justice, and Human Dignity. By gathering our community around these critical themes, EGST provides a platform for students and alumni to showcase their theological and professional work in addressing the pressing realities of justice and human dignity today.

Therefore, we are looking for abstracts from graduate students, alumni, practitioners, researchers, and theologians in the field for individual paper presentation, poster, round table panel, photo exhibitions, theological arts & performance, documentary & short-film screenings, and storytelling / case-study showcases.

Submit your abstract or find conference details here: https://egst.edu.et/graduate-conference/ (https://egst.edu.et/graduate-conference/%22)

Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (https://egst.edu.et/)
Serving Church and Society in Ethiopia and Beyond

EGST PhD Candidate Eyasu Wijoro Gichamo Successfully Defends New Testament Research Proposal​EGST Celebrates Major Miles...
07/10/2026

EGST PhD Candidate Eyasu Wijoro Gichamo Successfully Defends New Testament Research Proposal
​
EGST Celebrates Major Milestone as PhD Candidate Eyasu Wijoro Gichamo Successfully Defends Research Proposal
​The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) family warmly congratulates Eyasu Wijoro Gichamo, PhD Candidate in Theology (Biblical Studies – New Testament), on reaching a significant academic milestone. On October 7, 2026, Eyasu successfully presented and defended his doctoral research proposal in Room 405 (Eshetu Abate Hall).
​His research proposal, titled "Sprinkled αἷμα and Speech in Hebrews: The Intercession of Christ in Hebrews 12:24 in Light of OT, Second Temple Judaism, and Ethiopian Evangelical Blood Tradition," explores crucial theological and contextual intersections in New Testament studies, bridging OT biblical foundations, intertestamental literature, and local theological expressions.
​The defense session brought together faculty, doctoral students, and scholars for a rich academic exchange. EGST extends its sincere appreciation to the examination committee for their rigorous evaluation and constructive guidance:
​Prof. Sigurd Grindheim, External Examiner
​Dr. Abenezer Gezahegn Urga, Internal Examiner
​The session opened with an engaging 15-minute presentation by the candidate, followed by a thorough 40-minute committee Q&A session that highlighted both the scholarly depth and practical relevance of the proposed study. Following committee deliberation, the candidate received final feedback and approval to advance to the next phase of his research.
​EGST celebrates Eyasu’s dedication to high-level theological scholarship and invites our community to pray for God’s wisdom, grace, and guidance as he continues his doctoral research.
​(Attach event photos below)

EGST Hosts Peace and Reconciliation Seminar in ShashemeneOn 2 October 2026, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (E...
06/10/2026

EGST Hosts Peace and Reconciliation Seminar in Shashemene

On 2 October 2026, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST), through its Training and Capacity Building Programme (TCBP), hosted a Peace and Reconciliation Seminar in Shashemene in collaboration with the Shashemene Evangelical Churches Fellowship.

Under the theme “Healing Relationships, Restoring Communities: The Role of Christian Faith Communities in Addressing Division in Ethiopia,” the seminar brought together approximately 80 church leaders, theologians, practitioners and representatives from different organisations, including two government representatives.

The seminar provided a meaningful space for reflection, dialogue and learning around broken relationships, trauma, mistrust and division in Ethiopian communities. Participants engaged through presentations, a panel discussion and small-group reflection, exploring the role of Christian faith communities in rebuilding trust and restoring relationships.

A particularly important part of the seminar was the small-group reflection, where participants openly discussed the signs of broken relationships in their communities, their impact on social cohesion, the role of the Church, and what they can personally and institutionally do to contribute to healing and reconciliation.

The seminar concluded with a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment among participants to take practical steps towards healing relationships and strengthening their communities.

EGST remains committed to equipping Christian leaders and practitioners to become agents of healing, reconciliation and community restoration in Ethiopia.

A Milestone in the EGST–Petra Institute PartnershipFrom September 14–25, 2026, EGST’s Community Engagement Programme, th...
02/10/2026

A Milestone in the EGST–Petra Institute Partnership

From September 14–25, 2026, EGST’s Community Engagement Programme, through the Church Leaders Capacity Building Project (CLTP), in partnership with Petra Institute, conducted a two-week Facilitators Training at Kuriftu Kalehiwot, Bishoftu. The training focused on “Serving God Together” and “Entering into the World of Children.”

Facilitated by Dr. Juan, Mrs. Liza, and Mrs. Meriam from Petra Institute, the training explored what it means to serve God and the church together, enter the world of children with Jesus' attitude, and strengthen intergenerational relationships. The facilitators tirelessly facilitated the training, shared generously not only their knowledge and skills but also their hearts, passion, humility, and commitment with the entire training team.

The training brought together EGST students, alumni, staff, and selected experts from CDTRC to strengthen a pool of capable facilitators who can contribute to EGST’s growing community engagement initiatives. Participants reflected on intergenerational ministry as an important foundation for transferring faith across generations, strengthening families, and building healthy relationships within churches and communities. A key feature of the training was the opportunity for participants to apply their learning in real ministry contexts by facilitating workshops in three different churches.

Beyond the immediate outcomes of the training, the two-week training programme marked an important milestone in strengthening the institutional partnership between EGST and Petra Institute. The collaboration has created a valuable platform for both institutions to share expertise, strengthen the capacity of EGST facilitators’ pool, learn from one another’s experience, and identify opportunities for continued areas of collaboration on training, research, resource development, and community engagement.

Read more: https://egst.edu.et/a-milestone-in-the-egst-petra-institute-partnership/

HISTORIC MILESTONE AT EGST: Our Inaugural PhD Proposal Defense! Today, September 29, 2026, marks a momentous chapter in ...
29/09/2026

HISTORIC MILESTONE AT EGST: Our Inaugural PhD Proposal Defense!

Today, September 29, 2026, marks a momentous chapter in the research culture and history of the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST)! We are thrilled to celebrate our very first PhD proposal defense, held in Eshetu Abate Hall.

A huge congratulations to Mulatua Yohannes Ergicho, who successfully defended her doctoral thesis proposal titled:
"Paul’s Temple-Body Metaphor and In-Christ Identity Formation: An Examination of 1 Corinthians 6:12–20"

Following a rigorous presentation, Q&A session, and deliberation, a dedicated three-member committee passed the verdict—officially advancing Mulatua to full PhD Candidate status!

We were especially honored to be joined virtually by prominent New Testament scholar Prof. Brian Tucker, whose insights and remote participation added tremendous academic depth to the session alongside our faculty in Eshetu Abate Hall.

Thank you to our faculty, committee members, IT support team, and the fellow PhD scholars who gathered to mark this landmark event. Please join us in praising God for His guidance and in wishing Candidate Mulatua Yohannes Ergicho all the best as she embarks on the next stage of her doctoral research!

Welcoming a New Academic Year at EGST: A Season of Light, Community, and Security ✨On Monday, September 21, 2026, the EG...
26/09/2026

Welcoming a New Academic Year at EGST: A Season of Light, Community, and Security ✨

On Monday, September 21, 2026, the EGST community gathered together to officially launch our first semester with a time of worship and Holy Communion. It was an inspiring evening filled with hope, shared reflection, and a deep sense of shared purpose as we stepped into this new academic chapter together.

Highlights from the Word:
God is Light: Dr. Biruk Ayele shared an encouraging message reminding us that God is light—and calling us to shine that light brightly into the world, leaning full of hope into everything the Lord has entrusted to us for this season.

Relational Knowledge (John 10:14): Dr. Yohannes Tesfaye, Dean of Students, reflected on Jesus’ words, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." He highlighted that the Good Shepherd’s knowledge of us is not merely abstract or general—it is a personal, intimate knowledge that grows as we actively relate to Him.

Authenticity & Security: Dr. Tekalign Nega, Vice President for Academic Affairs, encouraged students to rest in God's unconditional acceptance through His Son. Because we are fully accepted, we can feel secure and live with complete authenticity—both in our relationship with God and in our relationships with one another.

Deepening Community: Student Body President Abenezer challenged students to intentionally engage with one another, fostering genuine connection and building a deeper, more supportive campus community.

We concluded our gathering around the Lord’s Table, partaking in Holy Communion as one body.

We look forward with great expectation to all that God will accomplish in and through our students, faculty, and staff this semester. Welcome back, everyone!

25/09/2026

The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) is proud to announce the premier institutional event of the second Annual Graduate Conference 2026 that is centered on the theme: Faith, Justice, and Human Dignity. By gathering our community around these critical themes, EGST provides a platform for students and alumni to showcase their theological and professional work in addressing the pressing realities of justice and human dignity today.

Therefore, we are looking for abstracts from graduate students, alumni, practitioners, researchers, and theologians in the field for individual paper presentation, poster, round table panel, photo exhibitions, theological arts & performance, documentary & short-film screenings, and storytelling / case-study showcases.

Submit your abstract or find conference details here: https://egst.edu.et/graduate-conference/

Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology
Serving Church and Society in Ethiopia and Beyond

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) hosted a successful and vibrant Orienta...
23/09/2026

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) hosted a successful and vibrant Orientation Day to officially welcome our new cohort of students into the upcoming academic year!

The program kicked off with an inspiring opening address by Dr. Worku Hailemariam, who introduced EGST’s rich history, mission, vision, and core objectives while extending a warm welcome to our incoming student body. Dr. Tekalign Nega then provided a comprehensive overview detailing both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, laying out clear expectations for academic growth and student engagement.

Throughout the morning, key leaders and service heads involved in the orientation program introduced the vital support systems that will enrich our students' spiritual, intellectual, and practical journey at EGST.

Join us in praying for and celebrating our new students as they begin this transformational journey at EGST!

Address

Addis Ababa

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+251 11 371 5588

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