Pastor’s Housing Project
International Evangelical Church (IEC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Overview
The International Evangelical Church (IEC) in Addis Ababa is a vibrant, multicultural congregation serving both Ethiopians and expatriates. Located on a campus within view of the African Union Headquarters, IEC ministers to a diverse body representing more than 60 nationalities. Through discipleship, outreach, and missions, the church provides active ministry to children, youth, young adults, and adults, while also partnering with leaders engaged in service across the region.
Ministry Need
While the majority of IEC’s staff is Ethiopian, the church’s elders are committed to ensuring that leadership reflects the diversity of its global congregation. Given Addis Ababa’s role as the political capital of Africa and the prevalence of English among international organizations, maintaining a qualified international pastor on staff is essential to the church’s mission.
However, relocating to Ethiopia presents significant logistical and financial challenges for international pastors—particularly in securing safe, suitable, and conveniently located housing.
Financial Context
IEC is a self-sustaining church that fully covers its annual budget. With an average weekly attendance of approximately 1,500 people, IEC operates on a modest budget of around $225,000 USD—significantly lower than a similarly sized church in the United States.
While this reflects strong stewardship and local sustainability, it also limits the church’s ability to provide competitive compensation packages for international pastoral staff. Housing is one of the most significant cost burdens. Providing a dedicated apartment would substantially reduce ongoing financial pressure and allow IEC to support an international pastor long-term without increasing its annual operating budget.
Importantly, IEC does have the financial capacity to fund this apartment over time and believes it could reasonably cover the full cost within five years or less, making this a strategic and manageable investment.
Proposed Solution
To address this need, IEC is seeking funding to purchase a dedicated apartment within close proximity to the church. This residence would serve as long-term housing for international pastoral staff, removing a major obstacle to ministry placement and sustainability.
A unique opportunity has emerged: a trusted church member, known for faithful generosity, is constructing a new apartment building scheduled for completion within six months. He has offered IEC the opportunity to purchase a unit for just under $250,000 USD, significantly below the typical market value of $350,000 USD or more for comparable properties in this area.
The apartment is ideally located directly across from the church, allowing for easy for a pastor to go to and from the church, yet just enough distance to not feel like he lives at the church.
Financial Plan
IEC has already secured approximately 35% of the required funds through existing savings. The remaining balance will be raised through:
Contributions from the IEC congregation
Partnerships with international supporters and churches
Exploration of creative financing or loan options
Impact and Long-Term Value
This investment represents both a strategic ministry decision and a sound financial opportunity. The apartment would:
Remove a significant barrier for an international pastor
Reduce long-term housing costs within the annual budget
Provide stable, long-term housing for future pastoral staff
Serve as a lasting financial and ministry asset for IEC - the apartment is worth far more than our purchase price and will only increase in value.
Conclusion
IEC believes this opportunity is both timely and providential. By securing this apartment, the church can wisely steward its resources, invest in future leadership, and expand its capacity for ministry—without placing additional strain on its operating budget.
We invite you to partner with us in making this vision a reality. Thank you for your consideration and support.