SGC Africa's Very First Pastors Retreat
An update from Amanuel Yehuwalashet, pastor at Trinity Fellowship, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia…
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! – Psalm 133:1
What a gift this was.
From March 23 to 29, 2026, pastors representing four nations (Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, and Namibia) gathered in Addis Ababa for the first Sovereign Grace Churches Africa Pastors Retreat. Though some of us had never met before and came from very different contexts, no one felt like a stranger from the very first moment of fellowship.
Why was that? I believe one of the main reasons we felt this way is because we share something deeper than geography. Every man in that room had passed through the same process of pastoral formation in our churches. We had received the same theological training. We embraced the same theological convictions. We have the same commitment to gospel-centered ministry. And these shared foundations produced aligned theological and practical convictions, which shaped how we think and relate to one another. We didn't have to explain our polity or defend our values. By God’s grace, we already shared them. What a kindness from the Lord.
As it was our first retreat together, our primary goal was to get to know one another and enjoy meaningful fellowship together. And that is exactly what God gave us. In fact, He gave us more than we expected.
Each day brought a focused session:
Michel Granger (Trinity Fellowship Addis Ababa, Senior Pastor) opened with "The Pastor and Gospel-Centeredness," reminding us what must define us, both as men and as churches. I loved this.
Josh Pannell (Trinity Fellowship Addis Ababa, Pastors’ College Dean) followed with "The Pastor and Theological Unity," showing why theological unity is critical for our present and future. So important.
Then I, Amanuel Yehualashet (Trinity Fellowship Addis Ababa, Pastor), taught on "The Pastor and Godliness," explaining why personal godliness is essential for longevity and faithfulness in ministry.
After that, Yeabtsega (Trinity Fellowship Addis Ababa, to be ordained on May 31) taught on "The Pastor and Encouragement," reminding us that we must first be recipients of God's encouragement before we can give it to our people.
Finally, Mark Prater (SGC, Executive Director) taught on "The Pastor and Partnership," showing how we need one another across nations, not just across the street.
While the teaching was excellent, what I treasured most was the fruit that followed -- the rich discussion, intentional encouragement, shared prayer, meals together, laughter, and honest discussion about the joy and challenges of pastoral ministry and life.
To God be the glory!
This was our first retreat. I pray that it will not be our last. And I pray that you, our dear readers, will pray for your brothers in Africa. Pray that God would continue to strengthen pastors, to raise up faithful pastors, plant healthy churches, and advance the gospel throughout the continent of Africa.
