The International Evangelical Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has a robust history and diversified ministries among Ethiopians and expatriates. Located on a campus within view of the African Union complex in Addis, IEC has more than 1,500 people from 60 nationalities with a 60% – 70% Ethiopian population in weekly attendance at its worship services and ministries. The primary service is held in English with a smaller service in French. IEC also has branch churches in nearby Debre Zeit.
NOTE: this position requires partial financial support raising. IEC provides partial support. The ideal start date is summer/fall of 2026.
Our Vision
Making Disciples of the Nations for the Glory of God.
We are a multi-cultural community of Christian disciples gathered in an international church setting. We seek to be a community of people who intentionally transcend national and cultural boundaries through the use of languages which are commonly used in a wide variety of national and cultural contexts. (e.g. English, French).
We are brought into community by responding to the Gospel; by repenting and trusting Christ to save us through His death and resurrection and now following Him as our Lord and Master.
Making Disciples….
We are committed to Grow as Disciples corporately and individually through worship, fellowship, small groups, exercising spiritual gifts, serving and giving.
Making Disciples of the Nations
- Our field of mission is the multi-cultural community of Addis Ababa, using English as our primary medium.
- We aim to facilitate effective ministry to other communities using English as a bridge language (Korean, French, etc.) in order to assist nationals in meeting the unique opportunities for discipleship of the nations in their native tongues in a multi- cultural city.
- We engage in Missions and Church Planting locally, throughout Ethiopia and the nations to see more healthy churches and ministries that will make disciples.
- We equip our transient multicultural attendees to be missionaries in whatever field of mission they may find themselves sent to next.
Mission
We actively make disciples locally and within other contexts
through encouraging both those close to Jesus and far away to:
- Meet Jesus. Know Jesus and to keep meeting Him in a growing relationship.
- Maturing in Christ. Grow in Christ and to resemble Him in all areas of life.
- Mobilizing as an Empowered, Equipped and Released Church. Serve Christ by actively engaging in Ministry.
- Multiplying Disciples. Share Christ by growing new disciples who grow new disciples; multiplying disciples, ministries and new churches.
Lead Pastor Responsibilities
General Purpose
To give overall pastoral leadership to the church through preaching, counseling, disciple- ship, leadership development, oversight of ministry staff and mobilizing all members into active ministry.
Preaching
Ensure a preaching ministry of the church that has continuity and is theologically sound and balanced in accordance with the doctrine of the IEC and the broad theological spectrum represented at IEC. The Lead Pastor will be expected to regularly preach Sunday morning messages as well as develop a team of qualified, gifted teachers to share the preaching responsibility.
Counseling
In cooperation with the Congregational Care Ministry provide for the counseling and care-giving ministries of the church through personal counseling or equipping others to carry out this ministry.
Discipleship
Develop ongoing Training and practical opportunities for Members and Attendees of IEC to move through the Discipleship Process defined through the 4 Ms – Meet, Mature, Mobilize, and Multiply.
Leadership Development
Serve IEC in the ongoing development of elders and ministry leaders. This includes identifying and mentoring potential elders, as well as creating opportunities for other existing and potential ministry leaders to grow and develop.
Staff Oversight
Provide oversight to the Staff and Ministry Leaders with the support of the Executive Pastor. This would involve casting an ongoing vision and assisting in ongoing spiritual, personal and ministry growth for the staff.
Mobilizing for Active Ministry
While the whole Board of Elders shares the task of mobilizing all members toward active ministry, the pastor will assist in calling the congregation toward the overall vision of the church and equip- ping leaders to help carry it out.
Ministry Meetings
May attend all ministry meetings.
Other Duties
Meet other needs in the church as requested by the Board of Elders.
Relationships
IEC is governed by the Board of Elders under the leadership of Jesus Christ the Chief Shepherd. The Team is composed of biblically qualified elders who guide the church through consensus decision making. The Lead Pastor is an ex-officio member of the Board of Elders but also serves under their authority.
Lead Pastor Qualifications
Requirements for the position are as follows:
- Minimum of Masters Degree in theology, Christian Ministry or Divinity.
- Minimum of 10 years of Pastoral experience with at least 5 years of experience in a senior or executive ministry role.
- Significant experience on Teaching and Preaching.
- Must be internationally minded and open to diverse theological perspectives within an evangelical framework.
- Must have strong fluency in English while holding significant experience within cross- cultural and/or international settings.
- The desired candidate must be able to make a full time commitment to the role of Lead Pastor at IEC for a minimum of 5 years.
- IEC will provide partial financial support, but candidates are expected to also raise a portion of the support needed for their family.