Our History

The International Evangelical Church (IEC) of Addis Ababa is an interdenominational church with a unique history, as well as a specialized calling and ministry to and among both the expatriate communities of Addis Ababa and the English-speaking and internationalized Ethiopian community. IEC began in the 1940s as an English-language worship service for expatriate missionaries. Originally a ministry of the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), the ‘Gospel Chapel,’ as it was then called, met in a rented house in Piazza.

Increased attendance in the 1950s made it necessary to move to a larger facility, so the Gospel Chapel began meeting on the premises of the SIM compound adjacent to the Black Lion Hospital. The Gospel Chapel reorganized as a Church with a constitution and redefined itself as a ministry primarily to expatriates during the early years of the military regime.  In 1978, the Gospel Chapel changed its name to the International Evangelical Church to reflect both its identity and focus.  In 1992, the Church was given permission to lease the land it presently occupies near the Africa Union complex. Construction of its present facilities was completed and the first service of worship was held in the sanctuary on December 11, 1994. IEC continues to serve a large and diverse congregation of expatriates from over sixty countries as well as Ethiopians