The Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church was founded in 1920 by North American SIM missionaries and began with a strong commitment to holistic ministry, including evangelism, education, and health care. Despite suffering and interruptions caused by the Italian invasion and later persecutions, early believers continued the mission with great perseverance. Between 1940 and 1966, the church expanded rapidly in membership and local congregations. Even during severe repression under the Derg regime, it continued to grow underground.
After religious freedom was restored in 1991, the church emerged as one of the largest evangelical denominations in Ethiopia, with over 11,000 churches and more than 10 million members. Since 1985, EKHC has also focused on organized development work to address physical and spiritual needs. Through programs in health, education, and rural development, millions have benefited. Today, the church supports extensive theological education and missionary work both nationally and internationally.
Despite facing repeated persecution from both government authorities and followers of other religions, the Church has continued to grow and expand its ministry. Today, EKHC operates in all regions of the country through 13 zonal administrations, 115 district offices, thousands of local churches, and nine special centers providing spiritual and social services. It trains ministers through graduate schools, theological colleges, Bible schools, and other academic institutions while also engaging in charity and Christian love ministries that support vulnerable communities. Through these efforts, the Church remains committed to winning souls for Christ, strengthening believers, and contributing to the holistic and transformational development of Ethiopia and beyond.
The mission of EKHC is to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in Ethiopia and beyond and bringing believers into church fellowship. It focuses on making disciples and equipping them to serve actively in holistic ministry.
EKHC’s centennial vision is to double its membership to 20 million and its local churches to 20,000 by the year 2027. It also seeks to raise committed followers of Jesus Christ who bring godly influence to their communities and society at large.
EKHC’s core values are centered on the supremacy of God’s Word, love, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and prayer in all aspects of life and ministry. The church also emphasizes stewardship, servant leadership, and holistic ministry as foundations for faithful service and spiritual growth.
EKHC’s strategic focus areas include evangelism and church planting, discipling believers, and strengthening children and youth ministry. The church also prioritizes equipping effective ministries, increasing women’s participation in leadership and service, and building long-term financial sustainability.
