CITA Missionary School in Ethiopia: How Does It Work?

Training of missionaries and pastors in Ethiopia began in February 2022, when the Ministry launched the first class of future ministers at its local missionary center.

The School’s first graduates—11 students—completed their studies in February 2023 and scattered across the country to plant churches.

Addis Ababa, Woliso, Jinka, Gambela, Dimeka, Gelta… In these and many other towns and villages across Ethiopia, 80 local ministers—graduates of the School—have now planted 36 churches through the CITA Ministry.

Fikre Wenge, a graduate of the second CITA missionary school class, longed for a deeper spiritual life and growth. When he heard about the school from his friends, he didn’t hesitate to enroll:

“I was born into a Christian family, but when I left home and started living on my own, I realized there were serious gaps in my relationship with Christ. That spiritual immaturity led to real suffering in my life. But God used that brokenness to give me a second chance. I turned back to the Lord and began studying the Bible. Now I’m waiting for the day when I can bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.”

After graduating, Fikre went to the city of Gambela, where he planted a church and served for a year. Later, he and another missionary planted a second church in the same area. Today, there are three CITA missionaries actively serving in Gambela.

The School offers over 10 courses, including: Christology, The Multifaceted Church, Discipleship, God’s Vision and Mission, Christian Leadership, and topics related to evangelism among Orthodox believers and Muslims, as well as teachings on demonology, pastoral ministry, family, and more.

Students follow a demanding daily schedule during their studies. Their day starts at 6:30 a.m. with an hour of group prayer, followed by classes from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All classes are taught by local ministers.

During his trips to Ethiopia, the director of the CITA Ministry, Taras Sen, also teaches at the School.

“I was deeply moved by how many of them plan to plant churches in Muslim regions after they graduate. As the leadership of the Ministry, we’ll do everything we can to support them—providing needed resources and continuing to train them, both in theology and in the practical side of ministry,” shared the CITA director.

He also joins local ministers on visits to newly planted churches throughout Ethiopia, leading worship services, organizing charitable outreach, and holding family conferences—particularly in the Gambela region.

In May 2025, during the annual missionary conference in Debre Zeyit, the CITA School celebrated its sixth graduating class. That same month, a new class of students begins their journey.

CITA Ministry Press Center.