Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church

THE HISTORY OF EBENEZER OROMO EVANGELICAL CHURCH

A JOURNEY OF FAITH, PERSEVERANCE, AND GOD’S PROVIDENCE

The story of Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church is one of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to the truth of God’s Word. What began as a small home-based fellowship among Oromo Christians in Minnesota has grown into a thriving congregation with a lasting impact both locally and globally.

THE BEGINNING (1987–1993): FELLOWSHIP AND FOUNDATION

In March 1987, a few immigrant Oromo Christians in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs began gathering for prayer and worship in homes. As the fellowship grew, Augsburg College graciously opened its chapel, providing the community a place to worship together.

By September 7, 1993, the fellowship had formally incorporated under the name Oromo Evangelical Lutheran Church (OELC).

GROWTH AND PARTNERSHIP (1994–2000)

In May 1994, OELC began sharing worship space with Bethany Lutheran Church on Franklin Avenue, holding Sunday services from 4:00–6:00 PM. The church officially joined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on June 1, 1995, and soon after, Pastor Melkamu Negeri began serving as pastor—first part-time, then full-time in 1997 with support from partner churches including Calvary Lutheran (Golden Valley), Nativity Lutheran (Minneapolis), and others.

A STAND FOR BIBLICAL TRUTH (2000–2011)

In the early 2000s, theological disagreements emerged when Bethany Lutheran Church publicly adopted positions on human sexuality that conflicted with biblical teaching. After repeated efforts to express concern, OELC decided on January 22, 2001, to leave Bethany and search for a new worship home.

Through prayer and faith, God opened a new door. In May 2005, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church transferred ownership of its building at 4000 28th Avenue South, Minneapolis, to OELC—later renamed Our Redeemer Oromo Evangelical Church (OROEC). The congregation continued to grow spiritually and numerically, while remaining firm in its commitment to the authority of Scripture.

Following the ELCA’s 2009 decision to ordain actively homosexual clergy, OROEC reaffirmed its biblical stance and began the process of separating from the denomination. Intense discussions followed, but ultimately, differences could not be reconciled.

A NEW BEGINNING (2012): THE BIRTH OF EBENEZER

On January 29, 2012, guided by prayer and unity of purpose, about 250 faithful believers gathered to form a new congregation: Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church (EOEC). Worship began that very Sunday at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Portland Avenue, Minneapolis.

By April 29, 2012, the new church had ratified its constitution and bylaws. A few months later, on September 30, 2012, Evangelists Challa Baro, Fikru Iticha, and Kefyalew Amente were ordained—marking the start of a new chapter in Ebenezer’s ministry. Rev. Challa Baro became the first pastor of the church.

GROWING IN MISSION AND FELLOWSHIP (2014–2017)

In July 2014, Ebenezer hosted the UOEC International Conference for the first time, welcoming delegates and believers from the United States, Canada, Kenya, Germany, and Oromia. It was a time of healing, unity, and revival where the presence of the Holy Spirit was powerfully experienced.

A HISTORIC MILESTONE (2017–2018): A HOME OF OUR OWN
After years of prayer and faithful giving, Ebenezer purchased its own church building at 3901 36th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, on December 22, 2017. The congregation celebrated with gratitude—“Praise be to the Lord. He spoke, and He provided.”

The dedication and grand opening were held on April 7, 2018, attended by hundreds from across the nation and covered by Oromo media outlets worldwide. The following day, April 8, 2018, Ebenezer held its first Sunday worship service in its new home.

A CHURCH WITH GLOBAL IMPACT (2019–PRESENT)
In July 2019, Ebenezer once again made history by hosting the 24th UOEC Council Meeting and the 22nd Spiritual Conference. Churches and delegates from across the U.S., Canada, Kenya, and Australia gathered under the theme of unity and mission. The conference was a testimony to God’s faithfulness—filled with prayer, worship, and fellowship that touched lives deeply.

Today, Ebenezer Oromo Evangelical Church continues to stand as a vibrant and growing spiritual home for Oromo Christians and families in the Twin Cities and beyond—committed to proclaiming Christ faithfully and building the next generation of believers on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.

“Ebenezer—Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12