The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology (EGST) organizational biannual review meeting was conducted on July 7, 2023 at Eshetu Abate Hall. Twenty participants comprising of faculty and officers attended the meeting.
In his welcome address to the participants, EGST Director, Rev. Dr Misgana Mathewos recalled EGST vision, mission, and core values as translated into strategic plan and annual operational schedule. He called upon the staff to accomplish their tasks as good stewards and representatives of EGST embedded into their daily lives. ‘We have seven pillars of strategic themes to be delivered and reviewed regularly,’ he reminded.
Among the four departments, three have presented their six months performance reports for the period January-June 2023, and discussions were conducted. The department of Students’ and Alumni Affairs report was not represented due to vacant position. In his way forward at the closing of the meeting the Director reminded the participants to report back their tasks on regular basis before a mid-term strategic plan review session will be called in the near future.
He further informed the staff that the Search Committee of the EGST fifth Director is progressing and requested for prayer in order to get the next director. ‘The outcome of the search process will be communicated by the EGST Board,’ the Director hinted.
He also updated that the EGST Council of Owners has directed the new organizational structure proposed by the Organizational Capacity Assessment consultant to the Board for follow up. It was remarked that the new structure comprises positions of President and two Vice Presidents as proposed by the consultant and revised by the Board and Council.
We seek to subject our thoughts and actions to God’s Word and affirm the power of Scripture to effect change in individual lives, churches and society.
We come together as a community of learners not for our sake only but also for the sake of others. We seek to grow in our understanding of God and his ways, so that we may help others to acknowledge his governance over the world with its rich possibilities for both individual transformation and for social and cultural renewal.
We believe that theological education speaks to and out of its local context as a dynamic interaction between the local context, the global context and Scripture.
We strongly believe that unity among the churches of Ethiopia is important and can be fostered through cooperative, inter-denominational graduate-level theological education. We also seek to partner with individuals, institutions, churches and organizations within and outside Ethiopia.
We value learning alongside people from different traditions and churches. Exposure to varying traditions challenges thinking about God and the diversity of his work in the world. While EGST promotes unity, it also appreciates and respects diversity.
We value the importance of worshipping God with our minds and strive for excellence both in our rigorous study of Scripture and in our critical analysis of context.
We seek to be people who model Christ’s values such as love, humility, compassion, justice, integrity, self-control, and holiness.
We seek to promote ecumenical relationships among churches in Ethiopia in order to enhance mutual understanding.
