Launching Our Ethiopian Pastors College

An update from Josh Pannell, Pastors College graduate, and SG Missionary to Ethiopia, Africa…

Hello once again from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. God has been up to wonderful things out here through our partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches, and it’s been encouraging to have felt your support and enthusiasm every step of the way. And that’s precisely what excites me most about this announcement. 

Michael and I have long prayed that Trinity Fellowship would be a training ground for the next generation of Ethiopian pastors. And to our joy, God is answering those prayers, and he’s doing it much quicker than we expected. He’s brought to our church many men who show giftings and qualifications for elders. After 20 months of praying, fasting, and seeking counsel, we’ve decided to establish a pastors college as a ministry of Trinity Fellowship. Similar to the SGPC in Louisville, the Trinity Fellowship Pastors College will seek to train future pastors in both “life and doctrine” (1 Tim 4:16). 

Over a 12 month period, each student will complete 40 one-week block courses covering topics of both theological and practical ministry. God has given us professors from the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia who will travel to Addis to teach these classes. We’ve also established a partnership with Union School of Theology in Wales which will allow our graduates to receive accredited diplomas as well as credits towards an MTh from Union upon graduation. 

As Addis Ababa is a very international city, we’re glad that TFPC’s first class will host students from 5 different countries. Many of them are men Michael has been building relationships with for several years. If I were to speak of all the qualifications of these men, this email would easily double in length. Let it suffice for me to tell you a story of just two men. 

First, let me introduce you to Brian. He was introduced to Sovereign Grace Churches over a decade ago by looking up sermons by CJ Mahaney, Bob Kauflin, and Jeff Purswell on Youtube. Slowly, and over many years, the core values of SGC were sown into his heart as he watched our sermons, tuned-in to our pastors conferences, and listened to our music. He shared with me that his dream has been to attend the Pastors College, but he knew that he never would be able to afford moving to the US for a year. He finished his story by saying, “but God has heard my prayers, and he’s answered them in such an unexpected way. Instead of bringing me to the Pastors College, he has brought the pastors college to me!” 

Next, I’d like to introduce you to Muhammad. After his conversion from Islam, he faced threats of death as he worked to establish underground churches and even saw the conversion of several of his guards in jail. As threats on his life became more intense, he knew it was necessary for him flee his home country to hide in Ethiopia. But while he’s hiding in Ethiopia, he’s doing so much more than laying low: as he is learning about gospel-centrality, the doctrines of grace, and Christ-centered preaching, he is secretly passing along the things he is learning to pastors back in his home country. Doing this puts them all in danger, but it’s worth it to them for the sake of Christ. 

God answered another prayer for us just last week. We’ve been searching for a building large enough for our Pastors College and church to meet in. This has proven difficult as much of the real estate in Addis is owned by muslims. But God has answered our prayers: he’s given us a building to rent that not only can be used as a meeting spot, but also includes housing for students and professors. We celebrated God’s goodness in answering our prayers by going to eat at the best goat restaurant in town. 

As I sit back and think about all that’s happening here in Addis, I find myself grateful. I’m grateful for all God is doing, I’m grateful that I get a front-row seat to see it, and I’m grateful for our partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches that has made this possible. “What do I have that I have not received?” comes to my mind often. Please feel encouraged: God is on the move, and he’s using you — your prayers, your gifts, your encouragement — to do great things for his kingdom here in Africa. Thank you for your continued investment in me, these men, and Trinity Fellowship. 

With affection and gratitude,

Josh Pannell