Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Calls For Renewal Of Church Mission

At the 2025 European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed shared a powerful message with evangelicals from across Europe and beyond. He reminded the Church of its important role in today’s divided world and called for a fresh spiritual renewal and stronger global cooperation.

The Gospel: Beyond Personal Faith — It Can Change Society

Dr Ahmed explained that the Gospel isn’t just about individual belief; it has the power to change entire communities. He encouraged Christians to show a love that respects every person’s worth, reaching beyond differences in race or religion to bring compassion and healing.

“As followers of Christ, we are called to be the salt of the earth,” he said. “The evangelical movement should be known not only for what it believes but also for how it loves, serves, and builds up others.”

This kind of love breaks down walls and opens the way for peace and understanding between people and nations.

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Rethinking Mission for a Global Church

Dr Ahmed urged the Church to think of itself as a worldwide family working together. Instead of missions being one-sided, he called for partnerships where churches support each other equally.

He also stressed that the Gospel speaks to both eternal hope and everyday needs. Using Jesus’ words from John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world” — he reminded listeners that Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and cared for people wherever he went.

Learning from History, Looking to the Future

Honouring leaders like Dr Billy Graham, Dr Ahmed connected the evangelical movement back to the Protestant Reformation and figures such as William Wilberforce, who helped end slavery, and missionaries like William Carey and David Livingstone, who spread the Gospel and helped communities with schools and hospitals.

This history shows how faith has inspired real change in education, government, and justice systems.

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Facing Challenges with Hope

Dr Ahmed honestly spoke about the challenges the Church faces today, including a slowdown in missionary work from Western countries since the late 1900s. He encouraged a return to trusted ways that lead to good and lasting change.

At the same time, he expressed hope because the Church is growing fast in the Global South. This growth creates new chances for churches around the world to work together humbly and with a shared vision.

“Our world today is in desperate need of hope,” Dr Ahmed said. “We all share the responsibility to carry on the legacy of those who came before us.”

A Bold Invitation to Act

Ending his speech, Dr Ahmed called on believers to be courageous and step forward like biblical leaders Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, and Paul, who helped renew God’s work in their time.

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few,” he said. “The task ahead is large, but many here are ready to answer the call.”

The Congress also featured a keynote from Franklin Graham, who spoke about the courage of early Christians whose faith spread the Gospel despite great risks.

In a world full of division and challenges, Dr Abiy Ahmed’s message is a hopeful reminder that the Church’s mission is to not only believe but to love and serve in ways that bring real change to individuals and society.

What are your thoughts on Dr Ahmed’s vision for the Church today? How can your local community live out this call to love, serve, and build connections across cultures?

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Content Credit: Ajibola Emmanuel

Image Credit: Addis Standard.Com